UK residents offered free iPhone this summer...
I really dislike 'rewards' web sites that promise to deliver free products for signing up for a whole load of credit cards, film clubs, gambling dens, etc.
I also dislike sites that try to boost their popularity by using the iPhone as an incentive.
Enter e-rewardscenter.co.uk
While browsing Facebook today, I saw this banner advert (don't click on it, it doesn't lead anywhere), offering a free iPhone for a limited time.
"Must be a badly geo-targeted US ad," I thought. I was intrigued, and clicked on it.
Despite the dodgy spelling of 'centre', it turns out to be a UK site. This is one of its terms and conditions:
"I certify that I am a U.K. Resident over the age of 18, and I agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions."
The site proudly proclaims that the iPhone will be shipping in Summer 2007. Correct, it will, but not in the UK. We don't yet know who the mobile operator will be.
How can e-rewrdscenter possibly offer an iPhone to UK residents this summer?
"How can we offer this iPhone at no cost to you? - Our sponsors cover the costs of the iPhone along with the shipping and handling charges. To claim your iPhone simply complete the offers as instructed. Once you fulfill the participation requirements, we will ship the incentive gift to you with free shipping."
Got a special deal going with Apple have you?
Ahh, but here's the caveat:
"On occasion, products may be back ordered or discontinued from our supplier or their manufacturer. In cases involving backordered products, products will ship as soon as they are made available."
Clever.
Or just a little dishonest.
Sure, you've covered yourselves admirably with your exhaustive terms and conditions, but isn't it bordering on fraudulent to appear to offer an iPhone months before it's due to be released in the UK?
I'm not impressed.
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It gets worse. Rewards websites are also being used as a global scam that sits nicely under the radar of fraud investigators. Type 'vistaprint scam' into Google to learn the awful truth about VPrewards or see the extensive stories on my site - to which I have had 40 readers add comments saying they have been scammed. Many of us have contacted BBC Watchdog but to no avail so far.
Posted by: Ken Young | May 10, 2007 6:59 PM