UPDATE [August 30, 2011]: Tony Mitchell has threatened to sue me for criticizing him on my blog. Read all the details here, and please consider chipping in a few bucks to help cover my legal defense. Thanks!
UPDATE [February 7, 2011]: As others have noted, they’re now making calls under a third name, “Vandell Communications”. I can confirm that’s how they’re spelling the name because, for some inexplicable reason, @VandellCom followed me briefly yesterday on Twitter before unfollowing me. D’oh!
UPDATE [November 30, 2010]: If you receive one of these calls, please report it to both the National Do Not Call Registry and the FCC. The latter is more likely to result in action against the caller, but it’s important to file both complaints.
UPDATE [November 7, 2010]: Please see my Open letter to Tony Mitchell, the owner of Mitchell Communication Group, a.k.a., Faithful Marketing.
UPDATE [October 29, 2010]: When this article was first published, on August 6, 2010, they were “Mitchell Communication(s) Group”, but now they’re “Faithful Marketing”. They’ve changed their name, but not their modus operandi. I’ve updated the title to reflect the new name, but I’ve otherwise left the article as originally posted.
Got a scam call today I wanted to let other people know about.
The caller ID was “Gorden Leslie” with the phone number 773-891-5581. Here’s a transcript of the message:
Hi, this is Patrick calling from Mitchell Communications Group. I have made numerous attempts to reach you [lie!] regarding an entry form that was filled out in your name within the last 12 to 18 months to receive a new car. [probable lie!] This will be my final attempt to notify that your name was pulled and you’re going to receive one of our top four major prizes. It would be in your best interest to give me a call back as soon as possible. The number is toll free at 1-877-279-3457 extension 243. We’re not a telemarketing agency [lie!] or a timeshare and this is not a cold call so please do not ignore this message. I’m very aware of the do not call list so I wouldn’t be calling unless you actually entered. [lie!] This is a time sensitive matter I do look forward to hearing from you. Once again congratulations my name is Patrick.
Just for kicks, I called back and was connected to a woman who identified herself as “Rhonda, your prize coordinator.”
She asked for my name and phone number. I told her that it sounded an awful lot like a scam, so to prove she was telling the truth about my filling out a contest entry form, she’d have to give me back my name if I gave her my number. She got all defensive and said it wasn’t her job to “prove” anything to me. Needless to say, this proved that it’s a scam, since a real, legitimate contest wouldn’t hesitate to prove that you’d actually entered. I decided to play along and gave her my name and phone number.
I took notes for the remainder of the call. Here are some highlights that I managed to jot down:
- She said “top three major prizes,” in contrast to “Patrick’s” four major prizes.
- She claimed that I had filled out an entry form at a “mall, sporting event or festival” 12 to 18 months ago and “the contest is now closed” and I’d been selected as a winner.
- She said the three prizes were:
- 1st: 2010 Ford Expedition or $25,000;
- 2nd: fly and stay holiday (she went into lots of detail about this; guess what the prize everybody wins is!); and
- 3rd: 27″ flat-screen television.
- She said my wife and I had to go in person to find out what we’d won and sit through a 90-minute “award celebration and presentation” for the “grand opening of a new travel agency.” She claimed that the name of the travel agency was “GCI Travel”.
- The address she gave for the presentation was 800 South Main Street, Mansfield, Mass.
- No children or guests would be allowed to attend the presentation with us.
- We had to bring two forms of ID — a driver’s license and a major credit card — with us. “These are for identification purposes only and will never leave your hands.”
- She gave us a claim number, MCG534.
- She said we had to agree to let them publicize us if we won the car or we wouldn’t receive it.
- She claimed that I’d indicated on the entry form that I was married, over a certain age (I think it was 25 but don’t remember for certain) and make $60,000 per year. She said we would have to fill out another survey at the prize event and if the information didn’t match we wouldn’t receive the prize.
- She tried very hard to convince us that this wasn’t a scam. She said the point of the contest was to make us feel good about this travel agency so that maybe we’d give them our business later, although there was of course no obligation. The phrases “you don’t have to buy, sign or join anything,”, “nothing to be skeptical about,” “we’re not here to waste your time,” “just trying to show you guys a nice time,” and “no trick no hoax no scam” were all used.
- She said she was going to fax or email us a letter with confirmation of all this information and we would have to sign and bring it back with us.
- She said we could go to pick up our prize tomorrow (yes, tomorrow!).
- When I told her my wife was out of the country for the next several weeks, she first asked if there was another married couple that could attend and claim the prize on our behalf, and then asked if my wife could fly back into town for the day to claim the prize and then fly back to wherever she was (really!). She said that once the Ford Expedition was won, the prize drawings would be over.
- When I told her that no, neither of those was really an option, she gave me her phone number (877-249-6405 ext. 126) and told me to call her back when my wife was back in town. She said she wasn’t going to send us the confirmation letter until then. It’s a shame; I really wanted to see it just for kicks (and to get more information about the scam).
Interesting fact: According to Google maps, one of the companies that does business at that address is “Premium Destinations Northeast.” Hmm.
I can’t find anything definitive on-line about a travel agency named “GCI Travel”. But I think in fact they’re a timeshare company.
I filed a complaint with donotcall.gov and the FCC (both are important). I’m pretty sure this is a timeshare scam, and I’m also pretty sure their phone call to me was a violation of the do-not-call law.
I knew it had to be a scam when all 3 different phone numbers to my house rang at the exact same time, from the exact same name, but slightly differnt numbers (last 2 digits). I don’t know how these people live w/ themselves pulling this crap.
Yeah, that’s proof positive that they’re not calling you from a form you filled out when entering a contest, which is what they’re claiming. If that were true, they would only have had only one of your phone numbers. Calling all three means that they’re robo-calling. Good catch!
I have been getting these same calls with the same exact information detail. I think the best thing to do when these type of things happen is reported to the better business bureau. At least this way they can be investigated and hopefully be put a stop to this nonsense.
I am quite certain that the Better Business Bureau does not have the ability to do anything about what this company is doing.
Patrick is a busy guy. 50 days and he is still at it. I guess no one has claimed MY prize yet!!. I wonder what the success rate on this scam is?
received multiple calls from this company see caller ID and do not take call, it is very annoying since I am an elderly person with handicaps. They care not what times they call or what day, I’m really fed up how does one stop them. I am also receiving calls daily rom an unknown person/s calling from NY NY. I too am on a do not call list and did not get anywhere with them either Oh what a world e live in.
We received the same call tonight 9/25/10 at 8:47pm from the infamous Patrick. A little late, I might add for a reputable sweepstakes organization to be calling to notify someone of their winnings. We already knew instinctively that it was a scam but decided to Google it anyways. Our caller id came up Mitchell Communications with the 708 a Chicago, Illinois area code. I think it is horrible that they have to resort to these tactics to reel people in. I will be filing my complaint as soon as I’m finished with this message. Thanks
got the same call for David phone no. 708-801-9716 left 800 no of 877-279-3457.. so glad I googled Mitchell Communitions Group!! Will also file a complaint!
I received the same call, same information from David. I googled Mitchell Communications Group and found your comment!! Will follow suit and file a complaint. Thanks to all those who have posted making the next target’s aware of the scam.
Same call tonight – with all the same details. Where did people complain to since we also signed up for the do not call list?
http://www.donotcall.gov
And I thought I had finally won something! Got the David call and the entire spiel – will also contact the Do Not Call Registry.
Patrick called me tonight…..busy guy I guess…..went to answering machine…same scam blah blah blah. Filing a complaint also.
I just got the call and called back. I actually do put my name into drawings and have won a few things in the past. Thankfully, I listen carefully and write everything down. When I called back, they told me that we would be attending the GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION of Triton Travel Group in Mystic, Ct. where I would receive my 2010 Mini coupe. Like everybody else, I asked them to “fax” me everything in writing. I don’t even trust opening an attachment from email. Anyway, on the forms faxed to me, it states that we will be”selected to receive…”, and must sit through “a 90 minute …travel presentation.” Does that sound like a sales pitch or what?!!! I agree in filing a complaint. Good luck to anyone who actually goes.
Got the call from David 9PM last night… I did not answer the phone. I too am one of the lucky top 4 prise winners. Glad I looked into this. Thanks everyone.
I just got the same exact call and message from Patrick, he called me from number 708-248-7157. I am also so glad that I Googled this company as it sounded like a scam, I just filled out a complaint form on the do not call site, hopefully they will take some action.
Got my call from Patrick yesterday. I had entered the Bed Bath and Beyond Sweepstakes, so I wasn’t sure it was related to that, though I was very skeptical. Glad I checked here. Will report them as well.
Thanks!
I got the exact same call, also from Patrick. He’s a very busy guy, ha ha. I played along too, go the full sales pitch, even gave them a throw-away email account to receive my confirmation letter. It still hasn’t shown up several hours later. No worries though, I have no intention of showing up. Thanks for keeping me from a huge waste of time.
I Googled the address she told me to go to and it’s a hotel…go figure.
I, too, am one of the lucky 4 finalist! Just got my message today from “David” when I went home for lunch. I don’t know how I missed all of those other “numerous attempts.” I am glad I found this posting. It makes me angry that there are always groups out there trying to take advantage of the people who can least afford it.
I just recieved my call last night…David left me a message, wow, so many people winning the “top 4 prizes”. Hmmm there’s a lot more than 4 people here… just doesn’t add up! I’ll complain and block their calls!! Thanks everyone!
Just got the very same call. A very rude gentleman by the name of “David Mackintosh” started arguing with me because I said I wasn’t interested. I’m going to report it as well.
I, too, received the ‘David” call. I called and got an answering machine telling me to leave my name and number. I hung up and Googled Mitchell communication Group. I filed a complaint with my state’s and the national no call list people. Thanks everyone for sharing your stories.
September 18, 2010
I got the same call from “Patrick.” This is ridiculous!
I got the same call, what a scam
Called me today, caller i.d. says Prize Crd Srv. When I answered the phone I had say to say “hello” three times before anyone said anything and then a male voice said “sorry, wrong number” and hung up. First of all, how would he even know it was the wrong number if he didn’t even ask for anyone my name. I, like the rest of you, am sick of these phone scams.
I’m so excited…my name was drawn to win a 2010 Ford Expedition (or the cash equivalent) and I am going tonight at 7:30. According to “James”, my claim number is MCG540 and I don’t need to sit through any presentation as this was not a sales call. It’s Global Connections grand opening of their Mansfield, MA office… Damn, I should have asked if they’re serving any food at this grand opening. Nevertheless, I’ll be sure to honk at all of you fools for passing on this FABULOUS opportunity. Finally….I’ve won something!!!!! Yippee…. 🙂
*** The preceding message was full of sarcasm ***
I just rec’d another call from these people. They called asked me my name, which I wouldn’t give, and told me that I had won a car. I told them that was bull____ ! I never filled out any paper work for a free car. They told me I did 12-18 months ago. I told them If I did, you have my name, so what are you asking me my name for? They obviously didn’t know who they were talking to, and just told whomever answered the phone that he or she won a car. This is such a scam. I can begin to tell you how many times this place has called me. I am getting sick of it. I am on the Gov do not call registry. I reported this company to them. Everyone needs to do this and maybe this company will get so many fines it will close down.
I too received a final message from “Patrick”. What struck me as odd was how quickly he mumbled all the information except the phone number. That was LOUD and CLEAR!!!! Hmmm, could this be a scam I thought? You betcha!I too will report them and will file a complaint with donotcall.gov!!
I got the same message, verbatim, from “David.” Thanks for this blog posting — I’ve also filed a complaint with the National Do Not Call Registry. Thanks for the heads-up!
I have been getting calls from 708-248-6556 now for weeks. Mitchell Communication Group. When we pick up the phone they say “Oh, wrong number” and slam the phone down. I am at my wits end. I just filed a complaint with the do not call registry, as I have my number filed with them for the do not call. I hope something is done….and soon !
You can’t expect quick action from the Do Not Call registry. If there is a particular phone number that is harassing you, you can contact the phone company, file a complaint with them, and ask them to put a block on your line to prevent that number from calling you.
Just received the “David” call with the same speech and same phone number (877.279.3457 x243). Thanks for the heads up.
It appears that complaints to donotcall.gov have not been working. I’ll file a complaint anyway.
@gamma: It takes a lot of complaints before they take action. The best we can hope for is that enough people will complain that the company will end up being socked with a huge fine and go out of business.
I just received a call from a guy name David, the same verbiage, how do they get away with doing things like this? I too called back got an answering machine… X243 just like all of you, what a scam!
Times are difficult, most of us are hoping and praying for something like this to happen, what a true disappointment!
I intend to file a complaint.
Goth the SAME exact call yesterday – same number and everything! Called for the kicks of it, but got an answering machine as well. If I ever win anything, they will know my name! 🙂
We got the same call and letter. It even had the same phone number on it!
My father-in-law received the call and asked my husband and I to pick up his prize. He is elderly and was so excited because he thought he had won a 2010 Ford Expedition.
He did not remember entering any contest and thought someone else had put his name in for him. I explained that it was probably a scam but called 877-249-6405 for him and was given the same speel verbatim as everyone else. They gave me his claim number MCG 583 and asked that we come pick up his prize – no obligation. It was a travel agency called Premium Destination. They said he won one of four prizes (I’m sure it was the 2-night stay in a hotel that you probably had to fly to!). I intend to file a complaint.
WOW, I’m glad I just checked google.com. I just got off a call with Amanda, x131. We’re supposed to pick up our new Ford Expedition tomorrow night. Same drill for me. Thank you. I will surely file a complaint now.
got the same call. Thank you for posting and investigating!
Thanks for posting this. I have learned now…check the web BEFORE ever calling back these places. I am filing my complaint…then calling them back to leave my final message…letting them know about my complaint.
Thanks for posting this…saved me from dealing with these people.
Same as everyone else. A push call from “Patrick.”
I hope those of you who got this call and are on the National Do Not Call Registry (why would anyone not put themselves on the do not call registry?) are filing complaints at donotcall.gov. The more people complain, the more likely it is that the FCC or state attorneys general will do something about it.
yup…I got the same message on my phone yesterday..they didn’t even have a first name or ask for anyone…just the same message…final attenpt yada yada….thank God for caller ID 🙂
Same story here. Patrick left a very rapid message identical to those everyone else has gotten. Will not waste my time. I do sweepstake as a hobby but had never been contacted in this manner so I felt this was a scam……
The number I was to call is 877-279-3457, ext. 243. Same script as noted above. I called back twice but got an answering machine saying someone would call me right back. I did get a callback but did not take it as I wanted to see what was up. Again when I called back within minutes, no one was there and I got shifted to the answering machine again. I too will file a complaint.
Thanks for the heads up. Yep, almost the same verbatim message. The phone number to call back was 877-249-6405, ext 107 – Christie from Mitchell Communications. Will file a complaint also.
I WAS JUST WORKING AT THIS PLACE THROUGH PUT ILLINOIS TO WORK I WAS ONLY THERE FOR TWO WEEKS AND TONY MITCHELL WHICH IS THE OWNER FIRED ME BECAUSE HIS LITTLE GIRLFRIEND ROSLYN REEVES LIED ABOUT NEEDING ME TO WORK ON SATURDAYS SO IT ESCALATED INTO SOMETHING MORE BECAUSE EVERYDAY SHE WOULD TALK TO ME SNOBBY AND I DIDN’T LIKE IT SO I HAD A TALK WITH HER SHE TOLD TONY MITCHELL AND HE LET ME GO. I AM GOING TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST THIS COMPANY AND IT IS A SCAM DON’T NO ONE WINS A TRUCK OR CAR.
I got exactly the same call this past Sunday. Left them a message. I’d love to hear back from them. LOL.. I’ll report them to the FCC also.Times are hard, people are getting desperate. I expect we’ll all be getting more and more of these things soon. I’ll have to think up a script of my own. So I can be prepared.
I too received the same call and it was a person named David. I researched it on the web and found this posting. I signed up for the DO NOT CALL list.
I did not sign up for anything either!
Just received the same call as everyone else. I have received these harrassing calls on a line where only two people have the number. Obviously I did not fill out anything with that private number on it!!! They read from the exact same script and gave the same phone number including the same extension.
Got the same call. The script was verbatim what several people have noted. Caller Id read Prize Crd Srvc phone # 708-248-7124. Called back early in the AM and left a message. Curious to see what kind of call I get back. Thanks for the heads up on this one.
I received the identical call several weeks ago and out of curiosity called and got the identical story, however, when the woman I was speaking with found out I didn’t have a husband (or any man living with me – she asked me that question!) she told me I wasn’t eligible. I questioned how they would have a form from me on which I indicated I had a husband when I don’t and she told me someone else must have filled it out.
That’s not the end – today I came in had the same message – left in a rather nasty tone that I had not responded to his prior calls and proceeded to leave an identical message to my previous call and to Jonathan’s call.
Definitely a scam! I will file a complaint.
+1
got the same call. Caller ID showed a number listed to a man named chris however the caller said his name was Dave. Called a left message to now get a woman chantal with caller ID saying it was Mitchell communications. This is a company in Chicago According to the BBB it has a A- rating but they didn’t answer their phone and the 2nd caller was on a cell phone. I think its a real scam!!!!
I also got exact same call today and did file a complaint.
Got the same call today! Ugh, so tired of spam and scams… Thank you for posting this so I could know for sure.
I got the same call – verbatim!! I will file a complaint as well.