This sounds kind of strange though.They said I should receive the certificate in about 4 or 5 days.Has anyone had this happen to them also?and is it for real?I know I shouldnt fall for anything like this.But one thing I did tell them was that Im not giving my information or credit card info.out.She said no credit card is needed.Sounds eerie huh?
Oh wow. I have never heard of this. The best rule is to trust your instincts. I think you're right on with thinking it's a scam. If you don't remember specifically entering a contest with BHG, then it's more than likely a scam. Plus the fact that they said they are sending you stuff like magazines to try and that you are a preferred customer of a credit card really sounds like they will eventually try to sell you something. The fact that they had your name and address probably means they bought your name from that credit card company. I would stay away from this type of thing. If you had entered something from BHG and just not remembered they would never say they were sending you magazines to try. They would never mention another business. You are right that they would have all the information you asked for including the details of the prize. They would have been up front on how they got your name (they would have told you you entered). In fact, they would be more than happy to send you proof of your entry and give you proof of who they are. Plus they would probably give their name and some sort of contact number. I work for a company that sometimes runs contests and when we call our winners, we always start by giving our real name and our direct line so they know we are really the company we say we are. We always have the prize information because, after all, we ran the contest.
It's usually just a sales call. Don't give them any of your info and only keep an eye out for stuff you might get in the mail.
First off did they call you by your first name? Did they already know your address and other personal info? If so maybe it is real. Did you just finish filling out some online forms when you go the call? Did they ask for money upfront to get the card to you?? I agree I would feel weird about this. I hate getting calls like that. I'd just wait and see if you get it. It was smart not to give our any info over the phone. When I get a call like or even just asked to do a survey on the phone I tell them, I do not do anything over the phone. Sorry. Sounds like you handled it well though.
I actually just had the same thing happen to me. They called and had my name, and address. But then they asked me survey questions like What type of job do I work act, how long have I worked there, Do I rent or own, How have I lived here and My birthdate. Then they told me that I had won a drawing for a $1000 shopping spree, and I had also won 3 free subscriptions to magizines that would be free for 60 months, and after that I would pay $3.75 a week for as long as I would receive the subscriptions. They would send me a thing in the mail with over 150 different magizine publications to choose from. I would recieve my card with the $1000 on it in 4-5 along with the information for the magizines and that I'd recieve the magazines in 6-8 weeks. Through all of the I was never told that I would have to pay anything on the phone, and that I could pay by credit card, money orders, or check....for what though? They never said. Then they had the supervisor get on the phone, who would further explain and finish up the phone call, but when she got on the phone and wanted my credit card information to pay for the intial payment. Which I was told in the first place they wouldn't need any information over the phone. So I told them I didn't have my card available and I've been trying to find info on them ever sence. I just thought with the survey questions they asked, if they got my credit card info I had they could easily apply for loans, and more credit cards.
It is very possible that it is legitimate! Just to be sure, call Better Homes and Garden and ask for customer service to verify that you are the winner and also ask if there are any catches to the prize. Do you recall entering any contest from them? I have won contests and there were no catches to them and I never ever had to pay money to get the prize. Congrats! I bet it is on the up and up! : )
