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jellyman · Joined: 08 Aug 2008 Posts: 4 Location: East Anglia

Hello,

Hope someone can help.

I entered a competition to win laser eye surgery some time back and on the terms and conditions it says:

Terms & Conditions
1) The winner is entitled to free laser eye treatment, costing up to £4500 at other clinics in the UK and up to £3090 at ***.
2) Treatment is subject to consultation with one of our experienced doctors.
3) Non-attendance to appointments without notice will result in a £30 administrative charge (a credit card number is taken on booking).
4) Treatments must take place within three weeks of consultation.
5) Note that about 25% of those attending consultations are deemed unsuitable for treatment.
6) This prize is transferable to other Optimax Laser Treatments.
7) The surgeon's decision on suitability is final.
8) There is no cash alternative.
9) The Winner must be aged 21 or over.
10) By entering the draw you agree to opt in to receive information from Optimax.

Now the problem. I received a e-mail saying 'well done - you are the luck winner of the laser eye treatment competition' but on the email its says I have only won one lasik treatment worth £895.

How can they say I have only won £895 when on the terms of the competition I entered it says the winner is entitled to free laser eys treatment, costing up to £4500?

Hope someone can help

Thanks John

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4616 Location: Bath

Have you asked them for an explanation.

Go to the press if you suspect a con

jellyman · Joined: 08 Aug 2008 Posts: 4 Location: East Anglia

Hello,

I did ask why, and they said 'it clearly states that the winner is entitled to up to £4500 - On this occasion the winner has won £895 off their treatment'.

I need to know how I stand in regards to the competition terms and conditions before I can proceed.

Thanks
John

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4616 Location: Bath

Subject to confirmation from a Solicitor I would think you would have a very good claim.

If for example the treatment cost £2500.00 they must be obliged to pay or are they saying the treatment you meed costs £895.00

Trading standards may be interested as well

jellyman · Joined: 08 Aug 2008 Posts: 4 Location: East Anglia

Hello

They are saying that they will pay up to £895 the full treatment cost is £1790 and I would have to pay the rest. This is for standard treatment with no upgrades, so if I wanted more I would have to pay more.

Any idea where I can ask a solicitor for free on the net?

Thanks
John

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4616 Location: Bath

CAB should be able to give you free advice initially.

If you are saying the treatment is £1790.00 maybe plus VAT then it is well within the prize.

I look at a web site that maybe useful and will see if I can find it again.

Perhaps a no win no fee Solicitor would be an idea as well.

What post code are you in out off interest.

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4616 Location: Bath

You may find some interesting reading here. CAP code on prize competitions is worth a read if you scroll down.

http://www.out-law.com/page-6780

Also some interesting stuff

http://www.ukgamblinglaw.co.uk/

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4616 Location: Bath

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has a remit to Police Promotions.

that would make them the first contact with any complaints.

http://www.asa.org.uk/asa/about/

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4616 Location: Bath

Out of interest Laughing

it would seem that a few more also won £895.00 Rolling Eyes

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=1029211

jellyman · Joined: 08 Aug 2008 Posts: 4 Location: East Anglia

Hello,

Thanks For you help. I live in the NR33 Postcode area.

The links are very interesting, I'm going to go to the cab Mon/Tues to see what they say.

I'll post here when I find out the outcome.

Thanks
John

thescruff · Moderator Joined: 03 May 2003 Posts: 4616 Location: Bath

It may pay to get in touch with the ASA as they are the controlling body.

Its interesting that there seems to be loads of winners all getting what would on the surface be a half price promotion and not a competition.