Parry Sound man among those falsely told by Tim Hortons that they won a boat
Tim Hortons says human error is to blame for some customers thinking they had won a boat in a recent digital roll up to win contest.
On Wednesday, thousands of customers across Canada received emails telling them they had won a $55,000 boat and trailer, only to get a second email hours later informing them of a technical error.
The initial email from Tims Rewards showed a recap of winnings in the recent digital campaign, and then a congratulatory message with a picture of the boat and trailer.
Cory Attamanchuk of Parry Sound said he was skeptical after the first email -- and annoyed by the second.
“If you’re paying for a piece of software to be developed in a digital infrastructure to create these applications on iPhone and Android and online, then you need to be held accountable for what gives in that software,” Attamanchuk said.
“You are held accountable for the mistakes made by your employees.”
In an email to CTV News, Tim Hortons said their intent was not to mislead anyone.
“We developed a roll-up-to-win recap email message with the best intentions of giving our guests a fun overview of their 2024 play history,” the company said in a statement.
“Unfortunately there was a human error that resulted in some guests receiving some incorrect information in their recap message.”
At least 1,200 people got those emails and they’re now part of a Facebook Group contemplating legal action against Tim Hortons.
“Perhaps maybe even setting a precedent that these companies and corporations have to oblige by in order to promote change in the way digital apps and digital versions of what we always grew up with as analog, need to change,” Attamanchuk said.
Toronto lawyer, Ari Goldkind said there are laws about mistakes and he doesn’t think there’s anything to hold Tim Horton’s accountable for the error.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
“An error happened, our laws really do address for those errors,” Goldkind said.
“Maybe there will be a law firm that wants to take it up because the PR value of it to their name will get them out in the broad media spectrum, but I don’t see any judge or any court saying ‘Hey Tim Hortons, you have to head over to Bass Pro Shop and buy 100,000 boats.”
This isn’t the first time an error has occurred with the digital roll up to win contest.
Last year, a group of players was incorrectly told they won the $10,000 prize. They were offered $50 gift cards as compensation.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
TD penalties expected to be higher on alleged drug money laundering link: analyst
A banking analyst says TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Magnitude 4.8 earthquake recorded west of Vancouver Island
A 4.8-magnitude earthquake was reported west of Vancouver Island Thursday evening.
Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
How falling for a stranger she met on a beach led this woman to ditch the U.S. for the French Riviera
Niki Benjamin, from the U.S., had travelled to a paradise island to do some soul searching, and her life ended up going in a very different direction when her dog ran up to a stranger.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
DEVELOPING Foreign interference inquiry to report today on alleged meddling in federal elections
A federal commission of inquiry into foreign interference is slated to release a report today on alleged meddling in the last two general elections.
Princess Anne to take part in B.C. ceremony bringing new ship into Pacific fleet
Western Canada's first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel will officially be brought into the Pacific fleet today and Princess Anne, the sister of King Charles, is scheduled to take part in its commissioning ceremony.
BREAKING Winnipeg man accused of killing four women will be tried by jury
A Winnipeg man accused of killing four Indigenous women will have his case heard by a jury.
Wally, the emotional support alligator once denied entry to a baseball game, is missing
Emotional support animal registrations in the United States reached 115,832 last year, by an industry group’s count. But in the eyes of reptile rescuer Joie Henney, there’s only one: 'Wally Gator.'