We received a call asking us to come to a basically a timeshare presentation and we would receive roundtrip airfare for 2 adults within the continental US along w/3 days 2 night accommodation. We attended the presentation and received the travel certificate information. I had been to many of these and found the process so complicated that i just gave up. This time I decided I was going to see it through and see if we could get the "Flyaway Reward Vacation for 2". First you had to register, i read the detailed fine print and was sure to send off our request in a 6x9 envelope, certified mail with postage paid return. I assumed if I failed to follow the instructions perfectly that somehow they would make the offer invalid. There was a $50 PER PERSON deposit so we sent that via money order by certified mail as well. The entire time I wanted to get more information about were we could go PRIOR to giving them my money, but all they told me was a travel representative will contact you. These conversations were the first realization that there was more money involved. They kept saying depending on when you go there could be a charge of between $89-189 per person. This figure was repeated by different reps every time I tried to get more info. Most popular destinations like Vegas or Orlando were basically on-season no matter when you traveled unlike true travel agencies. Anyway, determined to see it through, sent in the money, filled out the travel request form EXACTLY as requested (3 travel dates 30 days apart etc etc) making sure not to void anything. We get an email with the cost of the first trip which is more than if we book it ourselves over the internet. I knew then that this at the very least was misleading advertising, but personally feel it is a full blown scam hoping you will screw up so they can keep your $100. I waited for the quote for the 2nd chosen date but i never came. I called and was advised someone had tried to contact us. Told them we never got a message or email and told them to send the information. They told me it was too late. At no point could I ever talk to the Travel Agent making the reservation and one time I was told she was sick and not available. OK, so Im not even waiting for the 3 vacation quote, I'm gonna get my money back. I sent the request for refund in September (a letter via certified mail). They reported 6-8 weeks for refund and since we are way outside of that timeframe, I decided to make a call. 1st call on November 6th spoke to Juana, she said check would go out following Thursday should receive in 14 days. No refund in mail. Called again, December 17th got Angie, she said the person who processes the refunds was out ill, told her not my problem has been 4 months want my refund or have no choice but to take legal action. Asked for manager was told person not available. Demanded that she notify manager. She said she would and will call me back with a check number for the refund. Told her I need return call in 1 day. She did call the next day and left a voice mail with a check number and said the refund was in the mail. Until i see the check in the mail, i am still concerned about getting our money back... But the frustration, stress, aggrivation and the money we spent with all the certified mail costs, envelope cost etc. And most of all the time, hours and hours mostly having to deal with their customer service people who are skilled at making excuses. I almost felt sorry for the girls who work there, what a crappy job for them, you could tell they got these frustrating calls many times a day but then I thought their probably making a killing on all the folks that screw up somehow and forfeit their $100 or get too stressed out dealing with this group and let it go. IT WAS A BIG HUGE WASTE OF TIME and we still haven't gotten our money. It better be in the mail. To the women who work for this outfit, (I say women because in all my calls to them, I never got a man)
I hope your getting your fair share of the forfeited scam money. If not, you would probably feel much better if you find honest employment that you can feel good about. Look at all the complaints on the internet. It is just a matter of time before someone finally steps in to this organization and shuts it down.
0 comments