The Vancouver Pride Society is warning festival goers about a supposed cruise contest.
Wherever people gather -- whether for a parade or trade show -- you are likely to see a kiosk with a "free draw" offer for something.
The Vancouver Pride Society has received several complaints from people who entered a draw at the Pride Festival following the parade to win a cruise vacation for two. They were all called to say they'd won but needed to provide their credit card number to cover the $299 fee per person.
At least one of the phone numbers that came up on call display traced back to Ramada Plaza Resorts out of Florida -- not the Ramada Hotel chain, but another company.
Ramada Plaza Resorts has an "F" rating and more than 1,400 complaints to the Better Business Bureau in the past three years. The Pride Society has a warning about the offer on its website and recommends you contact the RCMP's Phonebusters if you get this sort of call.
The Pride Society has contacted the company that offered the "free draw" and told them to stop calling folks with this cruise offer.
If you've already given them your credit card number and want out you have to act fast. As a vacation telemarketing company this cruise offer is subject to a Florida law that requires the company to give you a full refund if you cancel your trip within 30 days.
Contact the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for help in claiming your refund. CTV News has been referring people here for years and once the state authorities get involved you will get your money back.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
