I got a call from VAIG photo studios. Around a month plus ago I filled in a form (sort of like a lucky draw form??) in a shopping mall. Anyway today they called me, saying that I have 2 free photo shoots for a friend and I. She started of sounding very legit, but once she said that the conditions were a $95 cancellation fee, and they want credit card number or bank details because of that, I knew it was a scam.
So I went back and googled it. Apparently, they've conducted several scams under this name. They really take your photos and your photoshoot is really free, but then they pressure you to pick a package for which your photos need to be PAID and its not free, and if you cancel you have to pay $95. Smart, because once you sign up for it the $95 dollars cancellation fee becomes a binding contract. You can't get out if you fall for it. Another of their scams were less recent, where it was something like they promote at a discounted price, but you end up having to pay so much more. And the smart thing is that it's all legit. Good thing I'm not stupid.
Mum used to say, nothing is ever free in this world. Thank goodness for that. I bet lots of people were conned. They even have a legit address, an attractive website with all sorts of details. Very elaborate kind of scam. Be very careful.
5 comments:
Oh my God, I got ripped off big time with this company, nearly caused a divorce, which is not fully rectified as yet, I had a breakdown and ended up in hospital over the worry about the amount of money they cond out of me, the sales pressure tactics was incredible, I still have not as yet received my photos which are way over due something like 2 months, I am seriously considering Consumer Affairs
I Think you should contact the Office of Fair Trading. You must have some rights if you have not received your photos after two months. This company has been already come to the attention of ACA and Fair Trading.Do a search on the Fair Trading website or contact their 13 number they are very helpful with inquiries
My friend has just been sucked in, she and her 14 yr old daughter were pressured to sign only yesterday. What can she do - does anyone know if these contracts have a cooling off period? And does anyone know if u can cancel the contract????? Is the fair trading department the only option?
jo
Please people go onto the department of fair trading website and lodge a complaint.On how they scheme you to get you in there.And how they hit you up for a big bill when you get there.The more complaints the better.I'm very stressed as companies can get away with these things.
Hi everyone, I've also been ripped off big time, and it nearly ruined my life. What I want now is everyone who's been ripped off to get together and take some sort of action against them- if we don't, they are going to keep doing this.
Guys, please contact me if you have been scammed, my number is 0433 425 418. They are in the wrong, their business practices are illegal, and together, we can stop them, as well as getting back what is owed to us.
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