Beware of "Free Vacation" Giveaways
Ronny: Free vacations! Who wants a free vacation? That's right ladies and gentlemen, I said FREE! Step right up for your chance to win! There's no cost to play!
You there! You look like you could use a free trip. How ‘bout it? Wanna give that wheel a spin, and WIN?
Alrighty then! First, let's choose your destination!
First on the list is TREE HOUSE ISLAND! Our beach-side treetop resort lets you live it up Swiss Family Robinson style at the most relaxing beach on the planet!
But if the sand's too hot for you, cool down at Sunbeam Mountain Ski Resort! The powder's always fresh, and the sun is always shining at this 5-star lodge!
OR maybe you're more into history and culture! At the luxurious Smithington Castle, you'll enjoy nightly feasts, watch armored knights jousting for glory, or browse the local historic markets.
So, what'll it be?
EXCELLENT CHOICE! Let's just light that up on the wheel.
Now all you have to do to win is hit your destination with this dart gun and the trip is yours!!! You've got three shots. Ready? Then, let's SPIN THAT WHEEL!
YOU'VE DONE IT! Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner!!
Congratulations! You're on your way!
I've got your tickets for your fabulous trip...but before I can give them to you, we just need to take care of a few minor details.
First, you need to book a 5-night stay at our luxurious resort. Will that be cash or credit?
Parkman: Ahem.
Ronny: What seems to be the problem, officer?
Parkman: Something smells like scam and it's coming from your direction.
Ronny: Scam? No scams here, just free vacations!
Parkman: Hate to burst your bubble kid, but there's nothing free about this. This guy is trying to make some money off you.
These plane tickets may be free, but to get them, you have to pay for a 5-night stay at one of his company's resorts. I suspect it's not cheap—and once you're there, there'll be still more charges, and more salesmen just like him. Before you know it, your "free" trip will have cost you thousands of dollars.
Ronny: Come on man, I was THIS close to a sale!
Parkman: And I'm THIS close to getting you shut down. I've notified the FTC, the BBB AND our State Attorney General. If any one of them finds something fishy going on, you're through.
Ronny: Uh oh.
Parkman: Well, kid, if you only remember one thing from this experience, let it be this: Offers for "free" things often involve a catch, and that catch always involves money. Free isn't free if it isn't free. Trust me... it makes sense.
Ronny: So officer...
Parkman: What?
Ronny: I guess this means you're not interested in winning a free vacation.
Parkman: Grrrrr.
Ronny: Ok! Ok!
Parkman: Be careful out there, kid.
