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CB Animals and Pets Review of Great American pet Photo Contest
Great American pet Photo Contest

Great American pet Photo Contest review: Scam Contest 26

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10:51 am EDT
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I received an email about a contest called the "Great American Pet Photo Contest". The winner would win $1000.00. I then attached a picture of my pet bird taking a spray bath while upside down and sent it in. The next day I received an email from the contest committee, telling me that my picture was selected by the committee as one of the top pictures from hundreds of thousands of applicants and that they would like to put his picture in a book, but that I had to reserve my copy of the book. I followed the link only to find that to reserve a copy of the book would cost $69.95 and that they also wanted an additional $10.00 from me to write a short description of the picture I had sent. I emailed them and told them that they should not be asking me to pay money for a book but that I should be receiving the book for free since it was my pet, and that it was ridiculous for them to ask me to pay more money for a brief description of the picture. I then said that they should be paying ME to use the picture of my pet and not the other way around. The next day I got three emails telling me to forward the email to as many friends as I could so that they could vote for my bird. I unsubscribed from the site, but still am receiving emails from them to forward the emails to my friends so they can vote for my bird.
I noticed that the address to the "Great American Pet Photo Contest" was listed as 24 W. Railroad Avenue, Tenafly, NJ. So I went onto "GoogleEarth" and did a satelitte search to see what and where this business was located. The satellite takes a picture of the building, road, etc. Needless-to-say, 24 W. Railroad Avenue in Tenafly, NJ is a parking lot.

I then wrote another response email to this scam company and told them in my email that if they use my picture of my bird for any reason; advertising, publishing, etc., that I would sue them to the fullest extent of the law!

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The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

26 comments
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searchinh4abetter2morrow
US
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Dec 27, 2010 9:42 pm EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I absolutely agee with the comment made by 'upinsmokeproductions'. This photo contest is a scam and should be stopped. My dog was given the title of "Cutest Pet in America" after submitting his photo in December. Like 'upinsmokeproductions', I wondered why I should have to pay for the Plaque that was made in his honor. If I was promoted the book that they were publishing, shouldn't I have received the Plaque and book free? Watch you money people; especially your credit cards! After researching this supposed American Pet Registry, I could find no evidence of their exsisitence. If I am in error, someone please correct me. However, you would think that if a legit company such as American Pet Registry- Photo Contest -would have a website filled with pages of information regarding anything and everything about their company and the contest!

searching4agreater2morrow

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mcveytr8207
greenwood, US
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Dec 28, 2010 1:33 pm EST

i am looking for the same thing saying that mine was also chosen for the same thing this was in august! i did purchase the book haven't got it yet! am trying to see how to contact them! to get a refund!

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jhardyfan33
Roanoke, US
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Jan 11, 2011 1:47 pm EST

I agree with both of you! It is a complete scam to get your money! I entered two of my animals in. The next day I got an email stating that my dog would be in a book called "The Most Adorable Animals in America", I believe it at first, but when I saw how much money they were asking for I couldn't believe. They should be paying me, because the animal is mine and I got the prize. The same day I got another email saying that there judges think that my cat had the best picture. I went to look at the site and they are asking me to pay, to have it publised! When you get this in your emails, do not believe it, because it is a low down, lying scam to get your money!

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jhardyfan33
Roanoke, US
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Jan 11, 2011 1:49 pm EST

mcveytr8207 You just got ripped off!

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Fournier0110
usa, US
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Jan 11, 2011 2:01 pm EST

To celebrate, the company first anniversary, Some commodities have been, discount .Anti-purchase at this site Any goods, we will giving a Christmas gift .In addition Buy $ 300 and receive a free glasses or a wallet, as a Christmas gift . welcome all friends to order. Reputation, quality, absolute guarantee. please log in: http://www.fashionsb.com . so what, move your mouse .

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Cuddles
Arlington Heights, US
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Feb 01, 2011 4:47 am EST

they took our $90 and we got no book the cutest pet for 2011 they said they were suppose to send the book in January still never got it.

AngelnSisTars
AngelnSisTars
Cocoa, US
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Feb 24, 2011 10:15 am EST
Verified customer This complaint was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Sad however friend & fur parents know I am to take this matter in the right direction so none of us is hurt. I got an award for my Babygurl Larissa in a entry to learn I have to pay! Hell to the no! Hello I worked into the government & don't be fooled. Please. Sadly they scam anyone but more so when I do all honors to my 3 Babies "Kitties" more so when Larissa went to heaven in my arms in April. I will take action in all legal along much more! Please email me at AngelnSisTars@Yahoo.Com for any questions in the updates to start right this moment the post is up! I work in the media of film & Promote my Babies & Mama in my Productions. I will be damn if I see you or anyone hurt or ripped off. USES is gonna love this' So being I work in the field of our Fur Babies as well I am busy allot so if I don't post back email me please? Angel God Bless & Forget that mess they will pay! Trust me!

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julesandsquirt
Lake Villa, US
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Mar 08, 2011 1:21 am EST
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I am in the same boat as everyone although I did not pay for the book...I entered this contest about 5 years ago with my kitty Oreo and I got those emails to buy the book. Well I never bought it because I couldnt afford it. Then they were sending me emails for some convention I forgot where it was..supposedly "judges said I won 1st prize for the cutest photo." I never went because I couldnt afford that either. Recently I entered a pic of my very small Yorkie Squirt, immediately I got the emails again...so I was looking for their web site and cant find it I got this web site instead...THANK YOU EVERYONE for stopping me from making a big MISTAKE! Best wishes to you all! Oh does anyone know of legit photo contests or publications?

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cheermom102
frankfort, US
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Apr 04, 2011 9:33 pm EDT

i entered 3 days ago and want to know if the 1000.00 dollar winner is a scam...? this is my dog Norman ..isn't he the cutest dog u have ever seen :)))

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My Annie
Davenport, US
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Apr 12, 2011 1:24 pm EDT
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I actually did this also. Was told the same thing and after reading of scams thought maybe I fell into one. But I must say I recieved my book last week. It's a very well put together and i'm more than happy with the outcome. I have no regrets what so ever.

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MEXICANGIRL
Marshall, US
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Apr 14, 2011 6:49 am EDT

i entered too and got the same as you guys. i didnt payed for the book but I AM GOING TO BE SOO MAD IF THEY USE MY PUPPIES FOR ANY REASON! WE SHOULD ALL DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS!

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Laughingmyheadoff
Seattle, US
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Apr 14, 2011 11:30 pm EDT

I ended up at this website because I thought this was a brilliant scam and wanted to see if this was old or new. So many Americans think their pet is the cutest, best, etc. Pet owners are such an easy mark. They won't even think twice why a German website (.de extension) is promoting an American contest. If the scammers were smart, they would just tell you that you won a free book and need $25 for postage and handling. They are being greedy and probably are losing more people than they should. I only wish I had come up with this idea.

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jmrand
US
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Apr 19, 2011 2:52 am EDT
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I was wondering, I paid the 19.99 to enter my dog into the 10, 000 dollar contest and gave them credit card information. Do they continue to take money out of your account for no reason? Or as long as I don't comply to give them more, did I only get fooled for 20 dollars?

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Kay Spears
Deming, US
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Apr 25, 2011 11:54 pm EDT

I did the same thing I paid 19.99 to enter my little dog in the 10, 000 dollar contest and paid with a credit . I sure hope they do not keep taking money from the card. they wanted me to also buy the book which I could not afford. I will call my card company if they dare take any more money from my account.

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danielle gullifer
Kane, US
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May 16, 2011 9:44 pm EDT

I completely agree. People who do stuff like this need to be locked up for life. Who knows how many people they have ripped off in the past! I hate people like this. And if anyone thinks they are gonna rip me off, they are in for a back stabbing they deserve! I entered my baby and my cat in two similar contests and found they are frauds. I am now going to press charges.

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MrPiggy
Cleveland, US
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Jun 20, 2011 3:58 pm EDT

I also sent a pic of my dog and I and recieved a new email saying my pet was chosen for a special 10.000 dollar contest, and it would only cost me 19.95 to enter. I quickly removed myself from their mailing list and did not give any credit card info, You should not have to pay if it's legit.

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Vergil & Bahr
Louisville, US
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Jul 16, 2011 4:55 pm EDT

This is an actual copy of an email I recieved from the one and only customer service person:
What part don't you understand about reading our privacy policy?

For the second time:
"By registering for our site, you are indicating that you have read and agree to this Privacy Policy and of its all terms and conditions, and you further acknowledge and agree that you understand how and under what circumstances the personal information you provide will be used. You also agree to receive marketing promotions and other solicitations from this website, its advertising partners and/or other **third party advertisers** (collectively, "Website Sponsors") based on the information you provide on this website, and expressly agree to be contacted by any such Website Sponsors through direct mail, phone, pre-recorded message, SMS text and/or email."

Not only that, but our privacy policy also provides clear instructions on opting-out of third party advertising, which mean that yes, you can participate in our free contest without being bothered by any ads.

If any photo has 0 votes, that is simply because nobody has voted on it. I don't know what answer you expect me to give in that regard. A staff pick is just a little check box next to the photos we approve, and when we see a really nice picture, we click the little check box. Staff picks are no more likely to win than other pictures, aside from the extra publicity.

I receive hundreds upon hundreds of emails every day. This is the easiest way for me to communicate with our customers in such a high-volume setting. I believe I have done fairly well responding to your requests in a timely manner.

Isn't she a nice lady? And I never did get a working phone number or a physical address. I did get a refund though. Read carefully folks.

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Andi 23
South Bend, US
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Jul 28, 2011 2:45 am EDT

Well, I submitted my cat's photo & yes, he was selected...blah, blah, blah! Then I received the email wanting $19.95 & then got the pitch for the book! I was thoroughly ticked off, 'cause then I knew it most certainly was a scam! They will not get a penney from me! I, just, sent off an email to them letting them know I was on to them & they had better not use my cat's photo for anything! I, also, chastised them for trying to bilk people out of their money, especially, those who are out of work!

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Luv4me2dance
San Jose, US
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Aug 12, 2011 10:23 pm EDT

Thank God I checked first to see if this was a scam and surely enough I found this information you all have provided to those who are smart enough to check out the credibility of this contest before sending any of my information and pictures of my animals. Thank you all for all the insightful coments and making the public aware of these NO GOODERS SCAMMERS! I feel bad for the many who have fallen for this scam and I wish you nothing but Good wishes and a good outcome from this horrible scam. I've sent the email off to AT&T abuse, scam, phfishing websit and fraudulent authorities to handle these email and to investigate these scammers and hopefully will bring them to justice and Lock them up before they scam anymore people out of their money and personal information they may use for other scams. Shame on these individuals who try to take advantage of innocent people who are trying to make an extra buck during these hard times. May God bless you all and take care.

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CherylRobles
US
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Sep 16, 2011 10:35 pm EDT

They did the same thing to me! UGH!

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judyshome
Staten Island, US
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Sep 22, 2011 4:49 pm EDT

Its unfortunate. If the book was legit it would be awsome and make plenty of money as well. Great concept.

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KOLIX
ID
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Jan 28, 2012 3:23 am EST

yes a agree, it could be stopped immediately

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jv475
Missouri City, US
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Jul 03, 2012 3:14 pm EDT

its not real.There is no way you can vote you have to give your cell phone number to get the pin number but the pin number never comes

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lostout2
Summerville, US
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Jul 18, 2012 3:03 pm EDT

Well it seems we all got took ..I have been trying to call the number listed on my bank statement for the $96.95 i paid for the book because they emailed me and told me that MY picture had been picked to be in the book..I thought cool. well that was in April 2012 it is now July and nothing. How are we supposed to get our money back? the number I called in "No longer in service"
I would like to get my and on them... WHAT DO WE DO. I AM ON DISABILITY AND REALLY NEED MY MONEY BACK BUT GUESS I AM SCREWED...

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Gail LeDuc
US
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May 03, 2017 4:44 pm EDT

Ive entered this contest before and so did other people I knew. We havent had any of the problems people are describing.. I wonder if its some other scammer who got your information? Did anyone look at the exact Email address ? I have problems with Amazon saying i have a big credit but i look and the address isnt theirs. Just Curious
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Susan Meyer
US
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Jan 23, 2023 1:26 pm EST

This is a scam contest. I've known several people who entered and did well, only to lose to a pet that suddenly received thousands of votes literally overnight. Any contest that is basically pay to play should be outlawed.