WTF - Fly Fishing Show selling your personal information

[dcabarle]

I'm always skeptical when I receive phone calls from numbers I don't know but when I see one that comes up local, I lend a bit of credibility to it and answer the phone. Ok, that's a lie. I always pick up, no matter what the number is and as soon as someone asks for anything I usually explain to them that I hope they die a long painful death from cancer.

I received a phone call today and some douche asks for me by name. I'm a bit hesitant and never say, "This is Dennis", I always ask who is calling before revealing that I am in fact Me. So this guy says to me, "I'm calling because you entered your name and info at the Fly Fishing Show in Somerset, NJ and You've been selected". Shit man, the last time someone from the Somerset show called to tell me I won something it was Winston telling me to come back and pick up a brand new Winston BIIx. So then he says, "You haven't won anything from the show but have been selected to receive a free 4 night cruise and a 4 night hotel accommodation" He then went on to tell me he's from "BlueGreen Vacations" and of course I ran to google to do a search on this company.

Bluegreen Corporation Business Review in Boca Raton, FL - South East Florida BBB

So not only is the Fly Fishing show charging you to get in, they collect (albeit voluntary) information about you and sell it. Who knows what company's now know your personal information.

Don't they make enough money from the admission fees and the vendor costs?

 

[Rusty Spinner]

Let Chuck Furimsky know you're pissed. I never fill out those silly cards anymore and each year the past few I noticed that I no longer get the mailer reminding me of the Show each year. But I do recall, or at least I think I do, that there were signs in the lobby around those computer kiosks taking your contact info that said your info would not be sold and were for the Show's purposes only. Anyone else remember those signs this year?

 

[Trouser Trout]

I'm always skeptical when I receive phone calls from numbers I don't know but when I see one that comes up local, I lend a bit of credibility to it and answer the phone. Ok, that's a lie. I always pick up, no matter what the number is and as soon as someone asks for anything I usually explain to them that I hope they die a long painful death from cancer.

I received a phone call today and some douche asks for me by name. I'm a bit hesitant and never say, "This is Dennis", I always ask who is calling before revealing that I am in fact Me. So this guy says to me, "I'm calling because you entered your name and info at the Fly Fishing Show in Somerset, NJ and You've been selected". Shit man, the last time someone from the Somerset show called to tell me I won something it was Winston telling me to come back and pick up a brand new Winston BIIx. So then he says, "You haven't won anything from the show but have been selected to receive a free 4 night cruise and a 4 night hotel accommodation" He then went on to tell me he's from "BlueGreen Vacations" and of course I ran to google to do a search on this company.

So, who are you going to bring with you?

 

[dcabarle]

So, who are you going to bring with you?

Wanna come? it will be fun.

 

[Rusty Spinner]

It's on Carnival. You only have a 1 in 3 chance of survival, but it will be fun until the ship runs aground or dies at sea.

 

[BrownChickenBrownTrout]

I distinctly remember the same phone call 2 years ago. I figured it out pretty quick after she disclosed the terms, so not really free, and not really a contest. Sounded like the typical vacation club timeshare hard-sell. I told her, "Not interested". She was like "Well, this is it, your last chance". Then proceeded to call me three more times with another last chance. Finally had to tell her "I'm going to file a grievance with the state AD for telemarketer harassment." The calls stopped then.

I haven't filled out the kiosk since. I have a pseudonym I use on those kinds of things. So when someone calls asking for "Chicken" I know right away who gave them the number.

 

[Rusty Spinner]

"Hello, may I speak with Mr. Spinner?"




Can't wait for next January. I'm filling in one every day. Wrong name and address, but my cell # will be correct.

 

[WBDluver]

Im sorry, it was me. I just thought a cruise would be a nice way of saying thank you for operating this board and we could bond. I thought since you dont have the beetle, I could take his place as your float buddy.

I dont handle rejection well and I think I will be calling your house in an angry tiraid threatening you.

 

[dcabarle]

These phone calls would be like me calling each one of you and offering a float trip down the D with 1 condition... You have to listen to me preach my atheistic ways and you have to agree with everything otherwise, I pull out my bat and clock you over the head a few times before dumping your ass off the side and accidentally losing my anchor.

 

[Trouser Trout]

These phone calls would be like me calling each one of you and offering a float trip down the D with 1 condition... You have to listen to me preach my atheistic ways and you have to agree with everything otherwise, I pull out my bat and clock you over the head a few times before dumping your ass off the side and accidentally losing my anchor.

it would be like reading your posts while being able to fish..... not so bad.....

 

[WBDluver]

These phone calls would be like me calling each one of you and offering a float trip down the D with 1 condition... You have to listen to me preach my atheistic ways and you have to agree with everything otherwise, I pull out my bat and clock you over the head a few times before dumping your ass off the side and accidentally losing my anchor.

Let me think about it and I will get back to you.

 

[Thursthouse]

These phone calls would be like me calling each one of you and offering a float trip down the D with 1 condition... You have to listen to me preach my atheistic ways and you have to agree with everything otherwise, I pull out my bat and clock you over the head a few times before dumping your ass off the side and accidentally losing my anchor.

You sir, have yourself a deal - what date/time are we goin fishin?

 

[Pete]

I distinctly remember the same phone call 2 years ago. I figured it out pretty quick after she disclosed the terms, so not really free, and not really a contest. Sounded like the typical vacation club timeshare hard-sell. I told her, "Not interested". She was like "Well, this is it, your last chance". Then proceeded to call me three more times with another last chance. Finally had to tell her "I'm going to file a grievance with the state AD for telemarketer harassment." The calls stopped then.

I haven't filled out the kiosk since. I have a pseudonym I use on those kinds of things. So when someone calls asking for "Chicken" I know right away who gave them the number.

Female telemarketer?
Simple, just call her "baby", and ask her what she's wearing....
She won;t be able to get off the phone fast enough, and she won't be calling back any time soon...

 

[tomfly]

I haven’t fill out my information at the show in 2 years. I was getting the same bull-crap calls .Calls at night calls on the weekend. Yea that is what I want to do is answer the phone and talk to some imbecile trying to get me to buy their vacation package. I would just ask them what time they get home from work and that I would give them a call then. Then I would ask them for their home phone number. Click.

 

[Trouser Trout]

Female telemarketer?
Simple, just call her "baby", and ask her what she's wearing....
She won;t be able to get off the phone fast enough, and she won't be calling back any time soon...

HAHAHAHAHA!!!!! About 25 years ago, my buddy picked up the "operator" that way.....true story.....

 

[BrownChickenBrownTrout]

When stores as for email addresses at check out I use "hunglikehorse@yahoo.com". I spell it real slow without saying it just to see if it registers.

 

[FlyFishingShow]

Gentlemen,
When you fill out the survey information and the Fly Fishing Show, you agree to one partner using the info for one call. They are supposed to give you the opportunity to opt out very early in the call and once you do, they do not call back. If you have return calls, please let us know. We have seen this in the past and these callers are not associated with the Fly Fishing Show list and got your info from one of the vendors. We will be happy to verify any credibility on the calls. The agents helping at the survey area announce that the info will only be used by the FFS and one partner. You also agree to this on the survey physically. It was not sold to them. This partner, arranged by the survey company, allows us to afford the costs of having a modern electronic survey and moving past paper.


The information that you fill out on the survey is very important for us to improve the show and help us provide what you are looking to get out of the show. The statistics also help the vendors prepare or decide if the location you are going to is one they should attend. It is also our number one way to let you know when we return. We also offer prizes for those that fill our the info properly. This year we gave out over $70,000 in prizes, including 7 grand prizes that are week long fishing trips worth up to $7,000! The odds aren't too bad and winning is well worth it. All past winners have been extremely happy.

Thanks for attending the shows, and for understanding.
Ben Furimsky
Co-Director
Fly Fishing Show

 

[Trouser Trout]

Gentlemen,
When you fill out the survey information and the Fly Fishing Show, you agree to one partner using the info for one call. They are supposed to give you the opportunity to opt out very early in the call and once you do, they do not call back. If you have return calls, please let us know. We have seen this in the past and these callers are not associated with the Fly Fishing Show list and got your info from one of the vendors. We will be happy to verify any credibility on the calls. The agents helping at the survey area announce that the info will only be used by the FFS and one partner. You also agree to this on the survey physically. It was not sold to them. This partner, arranged by the survey company, allows us to afford the costs of having a modern electronic survey and moving past paper.


The information that you fill out on the survey is very important for us to improve the show and help us provide what you are looking to get out of the show. The statistics also help the vendors prepare or decide if the location you are going to is one they should attend. It is also our number one way to let you know when we return. We also offer prizes for those that fill our the info properly. This year we gave out over $70,000 in prizes, including 7 grand prizes that are week long fishing trips worth up to $7,000! The odds aren't too bad and winning is well worth it. All past winners have been extremely happy.

Thanks for attending the shows, and for understanding.
Ben Furimsky
Co-Director
Fly Fishing Show

What is the cost to become a partner and how does a business become one?

 

[FlyFishingShow]

Trouser Trout,
Good question. That is taken care of by the survey company. We make no money from it. It only covers the costs for us to have the surveys conducted and processed. I've sent this link over to them, as well as the company link provided by dcabarle on Bluegreen. We are informed that all partners have A+, or excellent ratings with the BBB. It is very important to us that you have a good experience with the show and this will be researched. By the way, the partner only uses your phone # and name. All the other questions and information is set up by us and is not associated with your name other than your address. False addresses and info will only make it hard for us to send you a brochure or to provide the best product for you at the show.

 

[Pete]

IMHO: It's taking advantage of one of the loopholes in the "Do Not Call" list.

There's probably something in the wording of the survey, that either grants permission to call, or establishes a "prior business relationship".

If you tell them to add your number to their "do not call list", they can't legally call again....
Don't just tell them to stop bothering you, or to never call again, include the words "do not call list" in your directive.

 

[tomfly]

When I did give my information at the show, I received unwanted calls at inappropriate times of the day. As I have stated I have not given the show any of my personal information for the past two years. I have singed up with vendors at the show without receiving spurious calls. Your claim that the calls came from a vendor sounds to me to be erroneous. Let me ask you this; do you audit the survey company to see who has obtained access to The Fly Fishing Shows Database? If you do not, how can you be sure?

 

[flytire]

oops never mind

 

[Pete]

Similar topic:
Somerset Fly Fishing Show Telemarketing

 

[Trouser Trout]

On a Saturday morning about 10 years ago I got a telemarketing call from a girl offering me a free dance lesson at a local dance studio, i politely declined, she persisted and eventually asked why i didn't want to take her up on her offer, I responded that i would love to dance but i have no legs.....the call was shortly over and she never called again....

 

[FlyFishingShow]

Tomfly,
I am not claiming that calls are from vendors. There have been situations in the past that we have had with some vendors sharing info, or being part of a time share and making calls using the Fly Fishing Show's name. It is fine for them to do this, but not when using the shows name. We have had to ban some exhibitors due to this issue. We never had a partnership, or a survey company associated with us until the last two years. Prior to that, we never had any of the contact info shared. If you got calls before the last two years, they were not from us. We have investigated nearly all of the calls that we have had a complaint on. Not only is there a record of all the calls made, but they all are recorded. It's a rather quick process to find out if a complaint came from our partner. The survey company owner has personally followed up on most complaints to clear any confusion. We have had very few complaints, but I can assure you that most complaints I've seen are just due to confusion. Please let us know if you have a specific complaint on a call and we will investigate it. I wouldn't be posting on here if it didn't matter to us.


Thanks,
Ben

 

[dcabarle]

Tomfly,
I am not claiming that calls are from vendors. There have been situations in the past that we have had with some vendors sharing info, or being part of a time share and making calls using the Fly Fishing Show's name. It is fine for them to do this, but not when using the shows name. We have had to ban some exhibitors due to this issue. We never had a partnership, or a survey company associated with us until the last two years. Prior to that, we never had any of the contact info shared. If you got calls before the last two years, they were not from us. We have investigated nearly all of the calls that we have had a complaint on. Not only is there a record of all the calls made, but they all are recorded. It's a rather quick process to find out if a complaint came from our partner. The survey company owner has personally followed up on most complaints to clear any confusion. We have had very few complaints, but I can assure you that most complaints I've seen are just due to confusion. Please let us know if you have a specific complaint on a call and we will investigate it. I wouldn't be posting on here if it didn't matter to us.


Thank.
Ben

Ben,

Here's my gripe. The place that called me kinda misrepresented itself "Hi, congratulations!!!!! You signed up for the door prize at the fly fishing show in Somerset New Jersey, we're calling to tell you that you haven't won SQUAT but sign up for this "Free" cruise of a lifetime..." I get at least 3 telemarketing calls PER DAY at various times. Here's the kicker.. it's always the same 3 - 4 companies and I always tell them to put me on the Do not call list. Most of the time they hang up on me before I even complete the sentence.

The company that called me is not a BBB member but the BBB has quite a bit to say about the company that called Bluegreen Corporation Business Review in Boca Raton, FL - South East Florida BBB

Take a look at their deceptive practices, it's terrible.

http://www.bbb.org/south-east-flori...-corporation-in-boca-raton-fl-8195#govtaction

510 complaints in the past 3 years! 206 of those with the product / service.

 

[BrownChickenBrownTrout]

Here's the thing Ben. For every Tom there's 50 guys who don't say a thing. I for one stopped signing up at the kiosk. You have the data. Go check your return year over year results. How many guys are opting out cause of this?

 

[Rusty Spinner]

Here's the thing Ben. For every Tom there's 50 guys who don't say a thing. I for one stopped signing up at the kiosk. You have the data. Go check your return year over year results. How many guys are opting out cause of this?

I'm one of those that hasn't bothered to sign in at the kiosk for several years now. As a result, I no longer receive the mailing about the event, but since I know it intimately each January, that is unimportant to me. Yet I'm there all day on all 3 days each year in most years. And I'm not getting spammed or unwanted calls because I took my name out of circulation a few years back.

 

[tomfly]

Tomfly,
I am not claiming that calls are from vendors. There have been situations in the past that we have had with some vendors sharing info, or being part of a time share and making calls using the Fly Fishing Show's name. It is fine for them to do this, but not when using the shows name. We have had to ban some exhibitors due to this issue. We never had a partnership, or a survey company associated with us until the last two years. Prior to that, we never had any of the contact info shared. If you got calls before the last two years, they were not from us. We have investigated nearly all of the calls that we have had a complaint on. Not only is there a record of all the calls made, but they all are recorded. It's a rather quick process to find out if a complaint came from our partner. The survey company owner has personally followed up on most complaints to clear any confusion. We have had very few complaints, but I can assure you that most complaints I've seen are just due to confusion. Please let us know if you have a specific complaint on a call and we will investigate it. I wouldn't be posting on here if it didn't matter to us.


Thanks,
Ben

Without some form of auditing on who has downloaded or had access to the shows costumer database. You only have their word to go on. Yea that works.

 

[CTobias]

One time at band camp.