I got led through this process to the end too.
some HK person called up, ask me do survey, then say they got stef
sun to partake in their event.
They doing something for the IR in SG, then told me to stay tuned
for their show, or to be there.
But HK leh, impossible to be there one what. 1 week later call me
told me i win 3rd prize, then say dun need to pay anything, a few
days later the lawyer office will call me.
The lawyer guy called me, then asked for all my particulars. I gave
it to them, thought wah really got chance to win prize lei. $66,666
not small sum! (Yea, why all the sixes again? they tie up with
someone we know is it?), and they said they'll put it in an
account.
Then ask me to call this number (presumably a bank), and got
automatic record one. damn power. I had to key in my bank account
number and then the recorded voice told me i had $66,666
inside.
Ah yes, the guy also told me to be nice, and look at their
sponsor's website, which is entirely in chinese, and looks rather..
normal.
Later then the lawyer said i had to put in 3k worth for 5% of the
taxes thing, cause he quote me some statute that in HK any prizes
won above $10k must have a cert or something.
It was all very cleverly done, to make me think i had really won
something.
But of course i'm not so stupid to just pay the 3k. Heck, i don't
even HAVE 3k. He told me to lend from someone, then say can pay
back a few minutes after i get the money.
What made me initially suspicious was that while i was talking to
the 2 of them, got other people call in and thank them for getting
the money.
I did some research, and i found out that their logo was actually
from some other REAL hotel. the website's down now but it used to
be dyent88.com
Other than my personal particulars, and some HK airtime, i didn't
lose much. But i learnt that if its too good to be true, it usually
is.
I think what these companies do, is to paint a very realistic
picture of everything. Invite you for events that is just not
possible for you to attend, then tell you that you've won some big
prize.
Its not just greed that they're playing on. I mean, who could not
use an extra few thousand ? or a few hundred thousand? This is the
same principle as buying 4d, Toto mah.
But yea, do keep a look-out for these companies. I actually got a
missed call 2 times before i picked up the third time (in the span
of 2 weeks).
