Several people have emailed me, or left messages asking for help in getting a refund from Florida based holiday companies (such as AmeriVacation, YourVIPTravel, etc), either because they have bought in haste, or feel they have been misguided by the sales person. In this article I hope to condense all the comments from other stories into a simple action plan.
Your Rights
According to Florida State Law “You have a right to cancel your purchase and receive a refund within 30 days of the date of purchase” after which, “the seller has 30 days from the time of receipt of your notice of cancellation to send you a full refund”. [source] [corroborating source]
The law exists to regulate Sellers of Travel to and from Florida, as well as Sellers of Travel whose place of business is in Florida – it helps to maintain the reputation of Florida as a welcoming vacation destination and protects the citizens of any country by forcing licensed sellers of travel to follow strict rules, including the ones about refunds; so the suggestions listed here are valid from any country.
Action 1 – Call
- Call the number you originally dialled.
- Politely and clearly state that you are calling because you wish to cancel a contract.
- Ask them to confirm the company name and address to which you should send a cancellation letter.
- If the person on the other end bluffs or prevaricates, remind them that Florida State Statute 559.933 is quite clear on your right to a full and prompt refund.
- If they verbally agree to send you a full refund, accept this happily, but you should not stop yet because if they were to forget to send it, or lose the note to say that you’d called, or had a computer crash, (etc. etc.) then you’d have no evidence that you called within the 30 day cancellation period.
Action 2 – Write
- Write a letter of cancellation.
- This is a generic letter template.
- This is an AmeriVacation template.
- Send the letter by an international recorded delivery service.
- From the UK you could use International Signed For.
- Sometimes the companies will state that “you have to return the package”, this is usually just an obstruction tactic, but if they insist, take photographs (and scan or photocopy) everything that you return (example).
Action 3 – Complain always
If you you’re unhappy about the experience and wish to air your grievance, then please do. Lodging a formal complaint will quickly raise the profile of your scammer so the DOACS can monitor them better:
- Complain to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (who regulate the selling of travel in Florida) using this form.
- Inform your “local” national press so that others do not go through the same experience.
- In the UK there is the BBC’s Watchdog Programme
- In the Netherlands, there is Opgelicht.
Action 4 – Write to your credit card company
- Write to your credit card company and tell them that you are seeking a refund from the vendor.
- Explain why you feel the company misrepresented itself.
- Include a copy of the letter you sent to the vendor.
- Use local legislation if necessary:
- If you’re in the UK and the vendor refuses (or is unable) to provide a refund, then the Consumer Credit Act 1974 section 75 is your fallback. It makes the credit card company equally responsible for any misrepresentation (which in the case of AmeriVacation there has been), so should attempt to claim the refund from your credit card company.
Action 5 – Help Others
If you succeed in getting a refund, using this or an alternative method, let others know by describing your success below, I’ll modify the above steps as appropriate.
Hi Theo,
I was thinking we’d heard the last of Special-T (they also use the domains special-t-travel.com, freecuise.com and cruiseflorida.com and appear to trade under the name “Travel Shopping Spree” – all the pages linked here specify a Florida Seller of Travel License number of 23944).
Do contact the Florida Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services and record an official complaint about this sorry episode.
Update to my previous posting:
I was charged on Friday evening (Jan 12, 2007).
Got call back from a lady on Monday(Jan 14, 2007).
I told her to cancel immediately. After telling her reason to cancel, she told me that she cancelled it.
I called back the office the next day, and asked about my status. A guy who spoke with me said that it has been cancelled. I did it to verify it.
I have not got money yet, but my visa company has said me to wait for another week. If money is not returned back to my account, I will file a dispute with Visa company, and then they will start investigation.
In the mean time, I sent an e-mail reply to cancel. Have got no response. I notified to local police. They told me to wait for some time. I sent an email to Florida Consumer Services using the webpage available in this section.
I cancelled my both the visa cards. So many phone calls, so many effort to be prevented from any scams in the future. I shall wait another 10 days and if my money is returned back, I will file a dispute with my Visa company and hopefully, I will be refuned because I have neither purchased any packages nor have signed. But visa company people are very helpful, and hopefully, every thing will work out. I shall keep up the update. Please check the comment section regularly.
I have been scammed by a company of many names: Travelcomm, Vacations inc., Travel Comm Industries, Partriot Travel, i.r.r. all of Florida. I have followed your directs in requesting a refund from them, which they called and said, “your request for a refund has been denied!”, I have filed a complaint with the Florida Dept. of Ag & Consumer Service, the Florida attorney general. Now what do I do? Are there any united states laws like those in the UK (consumer credit act of 1974) that I can get my MasterCard company to abide by?
Hi All,
I have a very good news after a week-long confusion. I got full refund of my two visa cards each CAD$717.34, which I confirmed today with my visa card companies.
I am relived of all these problems now. My CAD $717.34 with CIBC VISA was cleared yesterday and my CAD $717.34 in RBC Visa was cleared/voided today. I have learnt a big lesson this time. Never give my visa card to unknown person and free-vacation deals or Disney land vacation except genuine organizations. I do not know what helped to get my money so fast and easily. But one this is true that this webpage helped me a lot to share my pain with others and to help file complain. It also helped me to learn that I should not give up until the end.
I wanted people not suffer like me, so I did the following during the week-long period:
1. Passed the story to local news broadcasting (CBC news, Canada)
2. Contacted local police here at Vancouver,
3. Contacted visa companies immediately and cancelled my both Visa cards,
4. Sent complain to Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, using their webpage. I tried to do all the avenues because I also wanted to help people know what’s going on with this FREE? vacation packages.
5. I sent about three emails including a letter using the format given above mentioning that I will file complain if the money is not-reimbursed within 30 days.
6. Kept calling them, and made sure that every thing is in order.
7. While my money has been cleared, just now while I am typing this comment, I got a phone call from my wife that a package has arrived from USA using DHL, by TG Travels.
I am wondering what the package might include? I got worried again. But then, I re-confirmed with my Visa card whether the money has really been reimbursed.
Its terrible experience, but finally, I am OK. I wish that all of you guys to get the money that you deserve for. My chapter has been closed now within a week time. Thanks god. Thanks every one. Thanks this web-page creator. Good bye
Hi Gina, since you’ve already contacted the DOACS your next step is to contact MasterCard, tell them what’s happened, tell them how you tried to cancel, provide them with a DOACS case number if you have one, and ask them what they’re going to do to help you.
My understanding is that if the transaction was fraudulent, then Mastercard are liable for the full amount if the third party do not or cannot refund your money in full (because they, as the credit provider, are required to assume the liability).
Just filled in everything, stupid stupid! I’m living in the netherlands and thought after subitting everything…. I should google something about this vacation. Just as y feeling sad, this is a scam. So now???
What to do?
Will I get a Phone call?
Is the guy actually going to make new creditcard accounts at Visa and mastercard?
What if I don;t have a credit card?
Should I worry?
Should I just trace the call and tell my phone company to send al the records of it to the Police station in Tampa and also in My hometown?
Thanks in advance, please contact
Youri, holland
Just letting you guys know that Special T Travel are still in operation. I ALMOST fell for this scam a week or so ago, but there was no way I was giving out my credit card number to a company I wasn’t familiar with, without seeing something in writing first. The best explanation they could offer to put my mind at rest was ‘this is the era of the computer. You can see our company’s genuine from the internet, it’s all in front of you.’ Well, anyone can set up a website. Anyone can also remove a website. Out of curiosity I googled the company to find out if I was right to turn down this scam. Glad I did! I can see why people fall for this, though. In the end, all I lost was the cost of the phone call, though it’s a shame even to waste THAT on these scumbags.
Hi everyone,
I just purchased a package by phone with SunStar Travel before I get to know this website. I was wondering if anyone knows if someone finally got a refund even if they say the package is sold on a non refundable basis.
Thank you
M
Hi there,
Yep, I’m feeling pretty stupid too. I have contacted my bank about 7 hours after giving my credit card details and they already have over $600 of my money. I will do my best to get it back though, it’s not looking like an easy task. I have been unable to contact them on the two phone numbers they gave me. I am pinning my hopes on the credit card company being able to help somehow. I sure hope Special T Travel do the right thing. Thanks for this web-site Action Plan.. Heres hoping..
Hi Kerry (and others),
If you’re going through the process of asking for a refund, feel free (if you have the time) to register on the Vacations forum and describe more fully how you were sold to, why you were convinced to buy.
Then, as you go through each step, describe what you’ve done to get your refund.
By separating out those discussions it makes it easier for others in the same situation to help themselves because they don’t have to search so hard for related information.
Just create a new topic and start typing
Well I was todays winner of a beautiful vacation package to Florida.The guy on the phone was very enthusiastic and wrote down my name and address, etc. I already was critical and faked some enthusiasm.
When he started about a credit card alarm-bells were ringing, I even had to call my husband for the number and the expire date. I had to do that right now, or else I lost my price?????? (Why!!!!!).
I called him and got the number, even though I absolutely would not give it to him: Why pay for some thing I won (for 4 persons).
After about half an hour filled with a lot of salesman enthusiasm, he told me I had to pay $898 – I told him I had to discuss with my husband first. Fortunately my husband came home right then. I told the guy we would not accept, well he did not take no for an answer and wanted to talk to my husband.
My husband had to convince him for about ten minutes,we will not pay, not even a part of the amount (he also asked for that). Then finally they hung up the phone!!!
The companies name is specialttravel.
Linked to (I believe) it was something with ‘vacation spree’
My husband about the fact that we had to pay $898.
In July 2006, I fell for the “75% Off – Today Only” vacation deal that was faxed by SunStar Travel. I did not realize it was a time-share promotion until after receiving their package.
I called requesting to cancel, but, clever them, they recorded our original conversation which they specifically stated was “non-refundable” because of the deep discounted prices.
I thought that recorded conversation somehow let them off the hook until I went on the internet & found your site.
I did exactly as you described: phoning, writing (to SunStar Travel, BBB, Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, credit card company). It is true, persistence, determination & patience finally got the job done. I was fully refunded by October/06.
Persevere and use the template forms and letters recommended by this site. Thank you so much for the information posted. I would have stopped pursuing the refund had it not been for all your helpful advice.
TO MIMI, (you posted a question regarding Sunstar Travel on January 24/07):
Please see my above post (#312) because I was able to get a full refund. I live in Canada so thought my chances were slim. The agent at Sunstar (Rosalee)& her boss were very sly in playing all the angles to get out of giving me a refund. But I really think all the correspondence they got from the BBB & Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services put pressure on them to change their minds.
SunStar originally told these organizations that my version of events was all wrong & that I did not comply with requesting my refund within 30 days (they put quite a spin on what actually transpired). I did return the whole package to them via UPS & kept a copy of the UPS invoice to verify return of the package & also to verify the date of return. You’ll probably notice the envelope that you’ll receive from SunStar will not have any marking to indicate the date they had sent the package. I suspect it’s because they intentionally wait quite a few days before shipping off the package to reduce your returning it within the 30 days of purchase. But don’t be discouraged, the Florida State Statute says “30 days from date of purchase OR date of receipt”. Anyway, I had returned it within 30 days of receipt (which happened to be within 30 days of my purchase date verified on my credit card statement).
If you do not intend to keep their package, then follow all the directions posted on the first page of this website. Send copies of your letters to SunStar, along with the copy of UPS slip and any other supporting document to the Florida Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services & the BBB (Central Florida) & your credit card company. Fill out the complaint forms on their website(s), too. At the bottom of your letter to SunStar, make note that you will send copies to these organizations. (I didn’t get much help from my credit card company, AMEX, but maybe yours will be different).
Best of luck in persuing your refund. I got my US$498 refund in Oct2006 (roughly 3 months after purchase date). DO NOT GIVE UP.
I hope you will have a favourable response.
Loretta R.
My story is fairly similar to everyone else’s. I got a call on Jan 25 at 7:30pm on my cell phone while at work. It was ASTAR Vacations (www.astarvacations.com). They advised me of this amazing deal that I was so lucky to have the opportunity to receive. It was a package to travel to Florida and stay at three different hotels and receive all these promotions at only a 1 time fee of 798.00 USD. I quickly jumped on this deal not realizing what I had done.
During my conversation with the initial caller, (during my 15 minute conversation I was bounced between at least 4 different people), I asked her if this trip was 100 % refundable in case I change my mind. She replied YES. This was taking place while they were charging my Visa. After this I was then transferred to some Manager who advised me that the conversation was being recorded. I asked him again about the refund and he told me that I could not retain a refund but only was able to “transfer†the package to someone else over the age of 21 and not a full time student. I replied ok and continued listening to his fancy verbal BS because I was under the impression that my card had already been charged. After filling in my wife of what an amazing deal I had received, I quickly realized that I had been suckered into something that we did not want or need at this time. I quickly began researching online about what to do and found this website.
This morning (Jan 26) at 10am when the customer service office for ASTAR opened, I was on the phone advising of my change of heart. I advised that I wanted a full refund and to my surprise she said that it would not be a problem. She also said that it was just a “Hold†put on my Visa at this time because it just was purchased last night. She advised that it would take about a week to process my request and that they had to contact Visa to have the “Hold reversed.
I called them about three times in total today and received the same response (I was worried due to the amount paid). I also just sent an e-mail to their customer service advising them of my intentions and expected refund. So far I have not heard anything via e-mail but I also did send it on a Friday about 20 minutes before they closed.
HAS ANYONE had any dealings with ASTAR or does anyone have any further advice for me. I wanted to wait a few days before I started to send all those threatening letters because it has only been 1 day since I purchased the package. Is this ok or should I start hitting hard even though the response that I had from them this morning?????
YOU’RE HELP / ADVICE is so greatly appreciated!!!!!
James
Ontario, Canada
Hi James, nobody’s mentioned ASTAR previously. They may be totally reputable, and their behaviour seems ok from what you say. Note that this discussion all stemmed from when I received an unlawful telemarketing call so it’s not an empirical knowledge base! How did they contact you (an unsolicited call, or perhaps you entered a competition at a convention)?
Hey Rich, I think they got my info from a spam e-mail that I signed up for….. Do you think that I don’t have anything to worry about? I don’t know if I should take their word for it with regards to the refund. Like I said before that it was only been since Jan 25 (purchase date) They seem to be a florida based company so I guess I am protected by the Florida Statute. It says on their website, under contact us, that they their shipping address is in Tampa Bay. This was taken from their “Terms on Conditions” “ASTAR is registered with the State of North Carolina as a telephonic seller. ASTAR is registered with the state of Florida as a seller of travel. Registration No. ST35841.” So am I protected. This is alot of money to have wasted…..
Also just an update….. I ended up getting an e-mail respose from ASTAR and they only stated “It has been cancelled”. They did not mention anything about the reund. But the girl I spoke to on the phone earlier that day said that I would get a refund. Should I take her word for it or go through all the steps outlined on the webpage (at the top of this page)?
help…..
Hi James, you’ve plenty of time until the 30 day limit, sit tight and see what happens for a couple of days. If there’s no refund within 7 days then get everything prepped to send letters, make phonecalls and generally make enough of a polite nuisance of yourself that they’ll want you off their back. The Florida State Laws are very much on your side here, so with any squirming (although so far, your description of ASTAR is fairly wholesome, so I’d give them the benefit of the doubt).
Thanks Rich your put an ease to my mind. I’ll keep you posted if anything else happens
Hello all,
well recently i have fell for the 3 nights in Orlando, 2 nights in Daytona, plus a bonus cruise offer. I paid $398, David Crane the associate i spoke with did not mention any taxes or charges on top of the $398. He taped the recording as he explained the package and had me repeat the credit card number.
At no point during the recording did he say no refunds. He did mention a package would be sent to me.
I normally would not give out my credit card number but i was pre-occupied and my girlfriend sound so happy when i told her i was on the phone with them. With that at the top of my mind i neglected the fact that they had tried calling my girlfriend as well.
Well 2 hours after the call from Florida Travel Enterprises, i called back to request more information. Like David had said it was a voicemail and i left a message.
I then called Visa and had them cancel my credit card.
So far i have sent 3 emails to them, left a voice mail message for call back, and tomorrow i will fax in a letter to get a refund as well as send a post letter.
I am also going to get in touch with the Visa customer service department and hopefully try to dispute the charge.
My next step will be to file a complaint with the DOACS.
Is there anything that i am missing?
Should i contact local police authority in Florida or here in Canada?
Hi Loretta,
Thanks a lot for your help. It really gives me some hope.
Mimi
Well, just an update.
To my suprise, i received a two calls from Florida Travel Enterprises. I don’t know who the caller was but I called the number back.
A man answered the call, his voice sounded like the person who sold the package to me in the first place.
I introduced myself and the first thing he said was I answered the phone because i knew it was you calling. We received your mail (probably the emails i sent) and your fax (the one i just sent them before calling them back).
He began to yell at me and questioning me about why I would call on a Sunday afternoon. He pointed out that no one works on weekends and he only called because he received this nasty letter from me.
I kindly asked him for a refund he said the package has already been sent out. He then continued to yell at me asking me what was I thinking, and at the end said okay your package is cancelled okay, and hung up before I could get a word out of my mouth.
Now if no one works on the weekends, then how did i get a call on Saturday? Why was he there to be able to call me back? Is he running his business from home? Is that number i called a cell phone number?
The nasty letter that was sent was the template above. I’ve called visa now and if the charge is not dropped, I will open a dispute with visa.
If it goes to that point then the DOACS will also be filed.
Any ideas?
What do you guys think?
Just another update.
So today i received a call from a woman from Florida Travel Enterprises.
This time she called me at my home number which I had never given to them.
They must of seen it on caller id as i did call them from my home number.
Either way, i was not at home and my mother had answered the call. My mother described the woman as agressive, rude, and very demanding.
I’ll call them tomorrow and we’ll see what they have to say about the last few days.
Well called them back again.
I spoke to a woman named Sarah. She told me that my plan had been cancelled already.
End of story.
I would like to thank the creator of this website for having this up.
Good luck to any one else who maybe in the same position as i am. Remember do not
give up if your true intent is to get your money back.
I am responding to Mrs. Loretta R.’s comments on this site regarding Sunstar Travel and Tours. I am Jay Hammond the customer service manager for Sunstar and I do frequently read these reports to make sure that there is no miscommunication going on and I just read the comments from Loretta.
Let me start by saying that Loretta was told every phase of the vacation and was told all about the tour in Orlando and not only was she told, she also went through a recorded verification in which the agent went over the package with her in detail and did indeed tell her about the tour in Orlando, and every cost and fee involved or that pertained to her. If anyone would like to verify that, I would be happy to play back the recording for any skeptical person and let them hear Ms. R in her own voice agree to all terms and conditions. Also in the verification, she was told that it will take between 10-14 business days to receive her package. She was also told that the package was being shipped by secure mail. Never was “PUROLATOR” mentioned or was she told that. The agent in no way would have told her anything other than “SECURED MAIL”, We are from Florida, We never use PUROLATOR, Secured mail that we use is the U.S. Mail System, and to my best knowledge that is the most secured system you can get! IF we use an express service it would have been DHL or FEDEX or UPS who we have accounts with.
She has made comments about calling in and speaking with Rosalie, who only told her that she was sold the package on a non refundable basis because she had purchased a discounted package. THE OWNER is the only person who has the authority to do a refund and the only person who can process a refund. THAT IS WHAT SHE IS TOLD.
This site is great to protect the public from the “BAD GUYS”, but as for the companies as ours that is here trying to do the right thing, and works hard to travel every client as sold regardless of any terms or conditions. She was told that clearly as well. She received her package in a timely manner, and did receive all as told and promised. Mr. Rich, I challenge you to call me anytime at 1-800-786-5502 and you listen to the recording that is a third party verification, and if she was not told all as she states, then I allow you to report that to your client base as needed. SHE WAS TOLD CLEARLY that “in ORlando you will be escorted on a luxury resort tour, and upon completion, you will receive your choice of …… ” I will leave it to you to judge.
My point is that this site is detrimental to the companies such as ours that are trying to sell quality vacations and cruises and we work hard at being the best. We are accredited by IATAN, as well as CLIA and also registered with the BBB in excellent standing. We are not going to risk our merchant accounts and reputation over that.
If I may, I would like to give all the information on how to know who they are dealing with, and how to determine wether they have been scammed or not. I sent this in as an article to the Chicago Tribune, if they publish it or not, I am not sure. WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A VACATION PACKAGE OFFER RATHER THAN TO BASH THE INDUSTRY.
Let me give you some insight to how it works and what to look for and maybe you could write an addendum to this article that would be more fair.
There are so many companies out there that are not necessarily scams, but are INDEPENDENT AGENTS of larger companies that are out there selling the packages without care. I am currently lobbying the state of Florida in hopes to get rid of the independent agent status because that will clean up the business.
To get a Sellers of Travel License, it is much as buying a house, you go through credit checks, background checks, and you must also put up at least a $50,000 surety bond. You will also submit to the state, your scripts, verifications, advertising, and anything that relates to the packages you sell. This is scrutinized by the state department of consumer services, and after much deliberation, if all is good, you will be issued a seller of travelers license valid for only ONE YEAR. NO ONE IS GOING TO RISK LOSING THAT LICENSE FOR A MINOR SALE.
Most will agree that 90 minutes of your time is well worth the savings you will receive or the benefits you will get by completing the tour. ASK IN DETAIL what you will receive. There are many that tell you that there is no tour required, but when you go to take the vacation, you will be required to put up a deposit that you will never get back if you do not tour! BEWARE OF THESE COMPANIES THAT TELL YOU THERE IS NO TOUR IF IT IS DISCOUNTED THAT MUCH.
NOW… BE CAREFUL TO JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS, just because the sales agent does not tell you the true name of the company right off, there is a reason. Many of these companies get bombarded by people that are angry about receiving a fax and are looking to cause a problem for the company. They will always give a generic name and if you request an address, they will give a generic address. NOT BECAUSE THEY HAVE ANYTHING TO HIDE, BUT because they are trying to protect the office and the business from these people that call with an anger and a vengeance about getting this fax. We constantly take abuse and cursing from these people and many are just repulsive. Our Customer base is Primarily Canadians, and the UK. We are now getting into the Latin market. We do not fax to the US because of fax laws and problems unless the company has opted in to receive our specials.
Be patient and if you are truly interested in the vacation package, listen to the pitch and then when you are finished and for sure interested, I am positive that the agent will give you all the information you would like and more including the address, the license number, and anything else you want to know.
Go and enjoy a great vacation. If you are looking to travel at an inexpensive price, these packages are wonderful and we have many happy clients. Do not look at the industry as always a “Scam” industry and open your eyes and ears to what is really going on.
I am available at all times to answer questions or to comment.
I Hope that this gives you all some insight and that you can see that when you are dealing with Sunstar Travel and Tours, you are dealing with a respectable and reputable company.
People like Loretta, read some misinformation here, and became skeptical and now have looked further into things and made a mountain out of a mole hill on little stipulations that do not even apply to her. She was never DENIED A refund, but told that the person can not issue a refund, it had to go to the owner. THAT IS WHAT SHE WAS TOLD.
We have been here for a while, and we do not plan on risking our business over 5 or 6 hundred dollars. PLEASE DO NOT CONFUSE US WITH OTHER COMPANIES OUT THERE THAT ARE MARKETING COMPANIES WHO ARE SAYING WHATEVER PLEASES THEM. INDEPENDENT AGENT COMPANIES ARE HURTING THIS INDUSTRY AND I WILL DO WHAT I CAN TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE ELIMINATED.
I thank all those that patronize our company, and we wish you happy vacations always.
Jay Hammond – Customer Service Manager
Sunstar Travel and Tours Inc.
Thanks for commenting again Jay.
As I mentioned previously, this content is here, and people come looking for it for many reasons.
Jay said:
Thanks Jay!
Jay continued:
It’s not this site that is detrimental, it’s the bad guys Jay mentions.
Florida State has robust laws that protect the consumer from bad guys, and since people are asking, I’ve provided information about that protection.
However… I share some of Jays concerns that customers may have difficulty differentiating who the “good guys” are, so one of the things I’ve done to help separate the good from the bad is to start a vacations section in the forum. This will help keep individual concerns separate and promote a clearer view of who’s discussing whom and why. I’ve also started mailing people who submit “problems” asking them to do so on the forum instead (my time is short at the moment or I’d rig something up to push comments to the forum automatically).
Jay’s 10 point plan is all good stuff, but, the problem is, it’s information which 99% of people will only find out after they’ve bought the package.
One final thought, Jay, if you want to protect your company from disgruntled customers, then may I suggest a differentiating practice which will ensure there cannot be any confusion: Record the whole sales conversation, not just the sale. Data compression and storage solutions are now cheap enough that for for less than the cost of a single package, you could keep every sales conversation your staff ever have.
HI , I RECEIVED A MSG FROM Travel Services, 13176 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Suite #156 THEY SAYED THAT I WOW 1600$ FOR VACATION THEY CALLED ME THIS EVENING AND I DIDNT UNDERSATAND WHAT THEY WERE SAYIN ANYBODY HAVE A IDEA FOR THIS ?
THANK YOU
In regard to Jay Hammond’s recent information, I believe that the best way is to keep record of all the conversation where a customer is very nervous, hesitant to give credit card information, and on the other hand, the telemarketing people keep on insisting that “YOU HAVE WON A FREE VACATION PACKAGE, Congratulations!-based on the selection of telephone numbers or credit card numbers around the globeâ€. This would be really interesting piece of information of audio tape, which would be a self-explanatory recorded information for investigation by the vacation package companies, credit card companies, consumer services people, and if needed by the law-enforcement agencies.
On the other hand, I am very concerned that the way these telemarketing people are doing business is seriously hurting USA itself. Interesting thing is that these people live in the beautiful land of USA, enjoy life in the beautiful US soil, and do business in such a way that it hurts not only innocent people around the globe and the clean business organization in the USA land but equally adversely affect the US economy and the image of USA itself at a time when USA is facing critical job of safeguarding its soil from people who are working against its interest.
Here question arise: is Florida is such an ugly place that people would not love to visit this place and these telemarketing people have to use all kinds of tricks to lure people around the globe using every possible tricks. One of them is : Congratulations, you have won a free vacation package†which is NOT free at all. It’s a total lie. Are not these people criminal, who blatantly lie to get the credit card information?
Although I have never been to Florida, I was in a impression that it’s a really beautiful place to have fun during vacation. But my concern is that is Florida is becoming uglier and uglier day by day and people around the globe hesitate to take a vacation package there? Is that’s the only final way of these telemarketing people to lure people to Florida vacation? I am just wondering who are these responsible organizations in USA that issue certificate to these telemarketing people? Even after getting so many complaints are not there aware that they have to revoke licenses if any given to these business organizations who are working completely against the US interest? Would not there be any other ways to attract people for vacation? Who is gaining doing this kind of false telemarketing business? If it’s detrimental to the US companies itself, why not they initiate to resolve this problem? Please stop telling CONGRATULATIONS that you have WON a free vacation package, which is NOT free at all. It’s a total scam!
As suggested by Rich in his response, I also fully agree that for any clean operating ST business organizations; only the best way is to keep record of all the communication to prove that they are clean, if any. Otherwise, there is no meaning of explaining at all.
I am in the process of trying to get my refund. I live in Canada and work from home, got the call last week and in a moment of weakness, compounded by cold weather, I went for it. Right after I hung up the phone I knew I made a mistake. Thinking identity theft, I immediately canceled my credit card. I called the next morning to cancel and got a verbal confirmation. I tried calling the previous evening but got their answering service. I also called my credit card company and told them everything so that they have it on file as well…they made a note that I canceled. Thanks to this site though (and I do thank you so much) I know I have to follow up with a letter and make sure I copy everything I return to them. I received the package this morning from Funtime Getaway and am returning it today. I keep trying to contact the sale company who sold me the package but cannot get any answer at the number anymore…strange don’t you think.
I’ll post again when everything is complete.
Hi,
I have a similar issue with Travelcomm. Their agent sent a fax to our company which appeared to be an internal communication from our HR department. (To:All corporate employees From: Human Resource Dept.) I called them to get some information and when I relaized what happened I purchased a non-refundable trip. After that I browsed the internet (I know, I know…) and found this page. Immediately contacted their customer service and told them I want to cancel the contract. I sent them faxes. I sent them e-mails. Today they called me and after a short conversation the representative stated that they won’t refund my money, because I accepted the fact that my purchase is non-refundable. I was referring to the FL State law 559.933, but I was told that this law is not applicable in my case.
Is that true?
Hi EmSmitt,
A response is here on the forum.
Rich
Rich! You are a hero!! you have given innocent, scammed & violated people a site for answers.
My scam with Travelcomm and all its aliases [details on the forum] is currently in mediation with Florida Dept. of Consumer Services. The department is seeking a permanent injunction against Travelcomm prohibiting it from violating Florida Statutes regarding sale of travel.
They are also seeking a civil penalty against Travelcomm. Also, the department is seeking restitution from Travelcomm for the persons that have been injured by the actions of Travelcomm.
It is anticipated that Travelcomm will deny violations of Florida statutes.
In order for the department to prevail in this case, it is necessary that everyone scammed by Travelcomm or its known alias to file a complaint. Also, the Florida DOACS has filed an action against Travelcomm Industries Inc. in circuit court in Orange County based on complaints already received.
Now, here’s the funny part! Today, I received a call from “Travelcomm Reservations†indicating they are calling to confirm my reservations at the specific hotel, I was told, was under construction and on another date, told this same hotel had no availability.
Another Travelcomm obstruction game. Now what’s going on Rich?
I do know Travelcomm is aware of my complaints filed with the DOACS and the Florida Better Business Bureau. is Travelcomm now trying to imply that I do and always have had reservations?
What kind of “game†are they trying to play now?
The spokesperson representing Travelcomm indicated that she was also part of the sunset group.
In correspondence from the better business bureau, Travelcomm indicated to the bureau that they were not responsible as they were only a “fulfilment companyâ€, but my credit card statement indicates Travelcomm and Vacations Inc. as the sellers with both names having the same phone number on the statement. What a mess this is!
Needless to say, Travelcomm has not fulfilled my “refund request†and it seems as though they are trying another “obstruction game†with the state of Florida.
For any one living in Canada; why not you better get “ANONYMUS CALLER ID” option from the telephone company. Its really useful feature.
For example, I had recently got this service from TELUS and it does not let any automated phone calls to my phone until the caller records his name and address. If mistakenly picked up, it also asks the receiver to record all the information while communicating. So, I found this is very helpful particularly, this is a restriction to all kinds of automated in-calls. On the other hand, for regular phone calls, it never blocks.
Riz/Vancouver
I missed an other detail from my previous post: their argument for not giving me refund was (besides stating that during the ordering process I was told that this is a non-refundable purchase) that I bought a vacation which has an open date: I can go for vacation within a year, whenever I want. So they suggested to use this package or try to sell it to somebody. I still want my money back and I still believe that FL State law 559.933 is applicable for my case. Am I right?
EmSmitt, they don’t have a leg to stand on, if you want a refund, demand one using the steps above. I’m sure the DOACS will be delighted to hear about your trouble.
Rich! Do you have any comments for my Post #332? I’m curious to know what your advise would be. Again, Thank You for your time and efforts!
Hi Gina,
this is why using the forum is useful – it makes it very obvious which messages I’ve seen and thus stuff can’t slip by.
I dont have a clue if they’re playing games, but at least by describing their behaviour, it will be apparent for others who travel the same path.
In all of this your best protectors are your credit provider and the DOACS – these are the people who will be able to tell you what to do when strange things such as this occur.
—
If people want to talk about what’s happening with their holiday purchases, please, make it easier on yourselves and those who come afterwards – the forum allows for more focused discussion of particular problems, so it’s more appropriate than this long stream of information.
hello..i was thining of buying one of their offers..what is the scam? do you not really get anything, or is it not a good deal…seems to be ok…$700?
Sarah – see: http://boakes.org/florida-travel-vouchers/
Hi everybody,
I’ll add here my story with A STAR TRAVEL, very simillar to other people’s experience, but I want people to know they’re not alone and they’ll get their money back if they fight for it!!
THANK YOU FOR SETTING UP THIS WEBSITE – You’ve been GREAT and your help is soooo precious! GOOD LUCK!
A Star Travel & Vacations
12421 Nortd Florida Ave., suite C220
Tampa, Florida 33612 USA
Phone: 800-231-3760
Date of Purchase: February 6th
Product or Service Involved: Vacation package
On Feb 6th, at 8:45-9pm Pacific Time, I got a call from a rep at A Star Travel (his name Michael Tynklauk) saying I won a vacation package to Florida for 11 days, with mini cruise to Bahamas (3 days) – some of the details: 6days/5 nights in Florida at Radisson Htl, passes for 2 at Disney World,cruise on Regal Empress to Nassau, Bahamas, then back to Florida and car rental for 7days or passes to Universal Studios for 2 pers. He then tells me that will cost $798 US, plus I pay for hotel taxes, meals on land, port taxes, and other fees…Asked for my Master saying I need to secure the spot – gave the numbers to him, then more talk of how they’ll retrieve the money tognight, so I said hold on to speak to my husband. Got back to the guy saying NO, not a good idea right now. He said ok, since I didn’t go through 3rd party verification, no other steps to be taken… On Feb 7th at 4pm pacific time, called Master to find a charge of $ 946.43 CAD was pending to be processed to my account. Feb 8th at 8:00am pacific time, found out from Master the charge was declined as it was overlimit. Called A Star Travel (Feb 8 at 8:20 AM pacific), initially got a lady that would not give her name, said she’ll refund and searched my info for 30 min (asked again for name, city, CC number and PIN!!!). Said I’m not in their file, but will call back – never did. Called again on Feb 8th at 9:50AM got Rena from A Star Travel Customer Service, nice and helpful – said the card was declined and no instalments will be done without my approval through 3rd Party Verification. Got the company’s address for formal letter of cancellation – mailed today Feb 8th by recorded delivery service. Feb 8th, found out from Master the charge was declined as it was overlimit.
DON”T GIVE UP!
Ruxandra
Vancouver BC
CANADA