Online Prize Draw Winner Reports Non-Payment of £18,000 Winnings

Dafydd Bayliss’s initial Monday morning despondency quickly dissipated upon learning of his victory in an online competition, where he had the choice of a BMW M3 or £18,000. The 31-year-old had participated in Level Up Giveaways’ prize draws for three years, marking this as his inaugural win. As a first-time homebuyer nearing the finalization of his property acquisition, he chose the monetary prize, intending to allocate it towards a new kitchen and bathroom. “I was over the moon,” he stated. However, his elation proved fleeting. The HGV driver was expected to receive his funds within days; yet, three months later, he has not been compensated at all. The company’s communication regarding his payment inquiries has also ceased. Mr Bayliss is among multiple individuals interviewed by the BBC who report a lack of information from Level Up Giveaways. The competition firm, based in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, appears to have ceased disbursing prizes amounting to tens of thousands of pounds. Following the publication of the story, Anton Hall, the firm’s director, informed the BBC that he had “nothing to hide,” further stating: “I’m just someone who tried and did do good whose business has failed unfortunately.” He commented: “As for a message for those not paid up till now, I’ll do everything in my power to make sure they are, it may just take a while.” Mr Hall mentioned that he had been managing numerous personal and professional challenges. The company’s online platform, which featured prize draw competitions for items such as sports cars, luxury watches, and gold, became inoperative approximately 10 days prior to Christmas. Additionally, the company provided a complimentary entry method, allowing prospective winners to mail their submissions to an address located in Halifax, West Yorkshire. Mr Bayliss, a resident of Blackwood in Caerphilly county, south Wales, purchased five 99p online entries for a draw held on 15 September. He recounted speaking with Mr Hall, 35, via telephone the day following his victory. He recalled Mr Hall expressing satisfaction that he “took the cash” and verifying that the funds would be deposited into his bank account within two to three days. Nevertheless, no funds were received. Mr Bayliss dispatched multiple messages in subsequent weeks and occasionally received explanations from Mr Hall, but payment has not materialized. “I have kind of given up,” Mr Bayliss stated. “It was the first time I’d won and it was typical that he stopped paying everyone.” “I have just gone numb to it. I have probably got a 5% chance of getting the money.” Mr Bayliss indicated he had not communicated with Mr Hall since 1 November, at which time Mr Hall informed him his bank accounts were “on hold.” Subsequent to the BBC’s publication of this account, Robbie Savage, from Devon-based competition operator Rev Comps, expressed his desire to resolve Mr Bayliss’s predicament. Mr Savage’s firm, which bears no connection to the initial allegations, contributed £18,000 to Mr Bayliss to guarantee a “happy ending.” Mr Savage announced that his company intends to collaborate with other entities in the new year to “spearhead some sort of regulation” for the prize industry. Tina, Mr Bayliss’s mother, lodged a complaint against Level Up Giveaways with Trading Standards and Action Fraud, which serves as the national reporting hub for fraud and cybercrime across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Mrs Bayliss stated her conviction that her son’s situation represented “just the tip of the iceberg.” “He’s taking your money and not paying up – it’s like having the rug pulled out from your feet. “I just feel really aggrieved someone is allowed to do that.” Scott Boyle, an insurance broker residing in Wakefield, secured £1,200 in a Level Up Giveaways competition in May, with the payment scheduled over a 12-month period. He received payments for five months, but these ceased in October. Despite the company typically being “really responsive,” he has not received communication from them since October, even after dispatching multiple messages. “It’s disgusting,” he remarked. “A lot of people have won huge amounts of money. If I won that sort of money I would be absolutely devastated.” Concurrently, Phill Harkins, located in Manchester, has been awaiting a 20g gold bar he won in a Level Up Giveaways prize draw since 18 October. “Something needs to be done about it because you can’t treat people like this,” he commented. Mark McCorry, a restaurant manager based in Belfast, won £600 in cash during a draw on 9 October. The 36-year-old father of one had previously encountered individuals who had won vehicles in Mr Hall’s competitions, which led him to consider the business owner “trustworthy.” He expressed that his experience with Level Up Giveaways had left him “gutted.” A representative for Trading Standards West Yorkshire informed the BBC that they have recorded seven complaints concerning Level Up Giveaways related to prize draws, including unfulfilled winnings, since 2022. The spokesperson stated that, owing to “limited resources,” the company was not currently under investigation. A West Yorkshire Police representative indicated they were unable to comment on investigations pertaining to named individuals. Companies House records indicate that Level Up Giveaways was established in March 2019. Its social media platforms claim to have generated over 5,000 winners and distributed £5 million in prizes. While former satisfied customers have posted testimonials on the review website Trustpilot about winning substantial amounts, some recent reviews are less favorable. In a social media video update published on 6 December, Mr Hall stated he “had to take time out.” “I was just absolutely drained with personal life and issues that are going on with the business,” he proceeded. Mr Hall mentioned he was “still trying to fix Level Up Giveaways” and further commented: “I do intend to come back to doing draws in the near future.” “I’m just going to stay in my lane with the smaller prizes. I tried to run wild with extravagant competitions. I’m just not in a position to be able to do that. Mr Hall offered an apology for a “lack of communication” but did not specify if, or when, individuals could expect to receive their prizes. Notwithstanding his pledge in his latest update to contact those pursuing him “as soon as possible,” none of the individuals interviewed by the BBC have received communication from Mr Hall. “He hasn’t said what’s actually going on, it’s more just like smoke and mirrors,” Mr Bayliss commented. When questioned about a message for Mr Hall, Mr Boyle responded: “Pay what people are owed and have paid to win in good faith.” Individuals impacted by Level Up Giveaways are invited to share their experiences via email to steve.jones06@bbc.co.uk. For highlights from West Yorkshire, listeners can tune into BBC Sounds, catch the most recent episode of Look North, or submit a story they believe warrants coverage here. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. 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