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

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.

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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.

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 company”, 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.

I’ll post again when everything is complete.

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.

As I mentioned previously, this content is here, and people come looking for it for many reasons.

Jay said:

This site is great to protect the public from the “BAD GUYS”

Thanks Jay!

Jay continued:

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.

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.

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.

1. 1. Any REGISTERED SELLER OF TRAVEL, that is legit, MUST BY LAW, place their registration numbers on all advertising that leaves their office. The number will begin with an ST-XXXXX, i.e. our number is ST-35843. This is the FIRST AND MOST IMPORTANT CLUE AS TO WHO YOU ARE DEALING WITH.
   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.
2. 2. Make sure that your sale is verified and secured. That is your AUDIO RECEIPT. In the verification, pay attention! Make sure that what you are told then, is what you were told previously. If something is different, stop the verification and make sure that you state the answer you want clear on the recording. This is the receipt that the companies submit to the credit card companies in reference to a dispute. MAKE SURE IT IS ALL CORRECT, and TAKE YOUR TIME. IF they are going to fast, ask them to slow down. MAKE SURE THERE ARE NO MISUNDERSTANDINGS. Write down your contract number.
3. 3. Understand that most discounted packages that are DEEPLY DISCOUNTED have some type of Vacation Ownership presentation. DO NOT THINK THAT THE COMPANY IS A TIME SHARE COMPANY. MANY ARE NOT. SUNSTAR is NOT A TIME SHARE COMPANY, but we do have a discounted package that has a portion in Orlando that will require you to attend a 90 minute presentation in which the goal is to get you interested to follow up and continue to speak with them of Vacation Ownership.
   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.
4. 4. ASK about EARLY TRAVEL SURCHARGES, PEAK SEASON SURCHARGES, AND ANY OTHER FEES ASSOCIATED. Make sure that you are clear on these BEFORE purchasing.
5. 5. Deeply discounted packages cannot CONTAIN AIRFARE! Forget that thinking that you can ever get Airfare included at $299 per person for a 12 day vacation! Not unless you want to get where you are going and paying full price for hotels at the destination, or maybe you can get there free but to get home you are buying tickets at rack rates! AIRFARE cannot BE INCLUDED.
6. 6. If you are that skeptical or have some suspicion that you are purchasing a vacation package from a shady company, then verify their existence Ask the exact name of the company, ask for a local phone number, and then cross reference the number and then even better, call the local number for the NAME OF THE CORPORATION and ask to speak with your agent. If they do not know them, or can not connect you, then there is a problem.
   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.
7. 7. WAIT until the package is received before making conclusions. If the package is not what you were told and promised, that is misrepresentation or fraud and this company is liable. It is easy to dispute the charges with your credit card company.
8. 8. NEVER PAY WITH ANYTHING BUT A CREDIT CARD. Anything else can easily be hid and chances are that you will never see it again, good or bad.
9. 9. Do not be so skeptical if all checks out. Sometimes you must give that 1% of your trust, and make the company earn the other 99%! You are protected.
10. 10. Understand what you are buying and what is complimentary bonuses. Clarify this. The Bonuses have rules of their own and we do not control many of the restrictions. AS far as the package goes, if there are any restrictions that they are telling you to waive, then make sure they put it to you in writing that it will be waived.

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.

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.

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.

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?

Thanks a lot for your help. It really gives me some hope.

Mimi