773-891-5629

On Nov. 12, I received a voice mail from Christopher at Vandell Communications.  The message says: “Hi this is Christopher calling from Vandell Communications, I've made numerous attempts to reach you regarding an entry form that was filled out in your name in the last 12-18 months to win a new car. This will be my final attempt to notify that your name was pulled as a winner and we are going to award you one of our top four major prizes. It will be in your best interest to give me a call back as soon as possible. My number is toll free at 1-866-312-9553, ext. 109. We're not a telemarketing agency or timeshare; this is not a cold call so please do not ignore this message.”  This number was a different number than the caller showed.  The caller ID said “Prize Crd Srvc” with the number 773-891-5629.  If you Google the original number, you will see that it is registered to a Khamraj Mookhram in Chicago.
I decided to play along to see what kind of scam this really was so I called the toll free number and dialed Christopher’s extension.  Christopher wasn’t available but Paul (x135) was could help me.  They did not know my name even though they said that I had entered this contest.  After giving my name and my husband’s name they asked if we were between was 25 and 72 years old, married, and had a combined income of over $45,000.  Then Paul explained the prizes as follows:
•    Brand New Lincoln Navigator or $45,000 Cash
•    $2,500 to spend any way you wish
•    2 nights’ accommodation and airfare for 2 adults to Orlando, FL, Las Vegas, NV, Los Angeles, CA, New Orleans, LA, Reno, NV, Cancun or Puerta Vallarta, Mexico and many more vacations to choose from.
•    32” Color TV

Then he asked if we won the car would we allow our names to be publicized.  I answered no to that question.  Then he said that we would be asked to attend a travel related presentation for 90minutes and that I would receive a “gift package”.  We would need two forms of identification.  A driver’s license and a major credit card, no debit cards or checkbooks.  We would also need to bring the confirmation letter, which was emailed to me later.  Then Paul said that the presentation was on Saturday, November 13 and I could attend at either 10am or 12 noon and asked me which was most convenient.  This was the grand opening of World Class Travel in Tucson, AZ and they wanted to make a good impression.
Later I Googled “World Class Travel” and they are a travel club that offers discounts on their travel for participating.  They require an upfront "good faith" deposit, which I understand runs in about $4,000 to $6,000, required to claim your prize or gift.  The amount of time to get the gift is unknown.  Refunds of the upfront deposit are also difficult to recoup if you never receive your gift.
End of game for me.  I won’t be attending their “presentation” today.

I also received a call from Chris and when I called back I got Domininc....same scenario listed above. Sounds like a promotion to get you to join their travel club....

Same call from Christopher.

just received same call

just received same message, tried to call phone rang then went into voice mail.

I actually got the same message, however, it came from 770-883-6315 in Atlanta, GA

I also received this call with the very same message. I decided to goggle the company Van Dell. Thank you for making it possible to see these remarks. I am very glad to see this is a scam and I will not be proceeding with this. I don't want to waste anymore precious time with something this stupid!!!!!

Received the same phone call as TJ except they were representing "First choice travel"
Thanks for the heads up. I did give them my Email address, thank god I have a good Junk mail filter :P

Same scam message. I urge everyone who receives this to call the number and the extension and tell the person who answers that they are part of a phone fraud. (Optional) : Tell them to stick their head up their ass where it belongs.

Thank you TJ for informing us of this call. They have called us twice today. I didn't answer but the message was just as yours except they did ask us not to place them on the do not call list. I would if I knew how. All I know to do is answer and tell them to remove our number from their list. Wasting my time is one thing but I def don't want to waste my money with anyone! The area code was 708.

Thanks TJ...this was very informative and helpful. I just received 2 calls from Christopher within 5 hours of each other. His message was the exact same message that you have provided in your note. I have no intentions to play the game. Thanks for taking the time to investigate and notify the consumers of this scam. It saves the rest of us much time investing to such a scam. Have a great day....Karen

Oh Yeah...when they called me it was Christopher from Vandell Communications from number 1-708-801-9957. The rest of the message was exactly what TJ said.

Same exact message as TJ, mine came from 708-933-0229.  Thanks TJ for the saving me the trouble!

Thank you T.J. for posting your experience.  I had the exact same schpeel...same Christopher, same extension, only it belonged to a woman when I called (forget her name). Anyway, thanks for the heads-up.

Same thing here and I am on a "DO NOT CALL" list registered with the state of Florida........

I received the exact same message on my answering machine.  I suspected a scam or hoax, so I searched Vandell Communications on the internet.  Sure enought, my suspicions confirmed.  Thanks!

I just got the same call but recieved it at 12:30 at night.  It woke both my small children up.   Unacceptable in my eyes.  If they were real I would get the calls during business hours.  Thanks for the warning.

I just received the same call.  I appreciate the detail of the person who posted this.  That "Christopher" is one busy guy.

Just got a call from Tammy

Bait scam! It's obvious to me we all did not "win" these prizes and that this is a scam.

Here’s a transcript of the message I received:
The caller ID was “Vandell” calling from phone number 708-856-0829.
Hi, this is Christopher calling from Vandell Communications. I have made numerous attempts to reach you regarding an entry form that was filled out in your name within the last 12 to 18 months to receive a new car. 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 1-866-312-9553 extension 109. We’re not a telemarketing agency 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. This is a time sensitive matter I do look forward to hearing from you. Once again congratulations my name is Christopher.

I've filed complaints with the FCC and the DO NOT CALL list as well as the complaint list in Florida. I suggest if you are receiving similar calls to do the same. It is the one thing we can do to voice our concern and potentially help others from befalling such scams.

Also check out this link for more info on someone who kept digging for info about them...
http://blog.kamens.us/2010/08/06/scam-call-fr ... ications-group/


here's the links for you to file a complaint as well...
FCC
https://esupport.fcc.gov/ccmsforms/form1088.action?form_type=1088B

Florida complaints
http://csapp.800helpfla.com/CSPublicApp/Complaints/DNCComplaint.aspx


Do not call list
https://complaints.donotcall.gov/complaint/complaintcheck.aspxCaller: Vandell Communications / Mitchell Communications