Hi,
I was just contacted by "All Seasons Travel and Resorts" after filling out a pop up box on the internet. Tony Stellman (employee 7699) spoke to me for about half an hour about the holiday I was selected for. I learnt in great detail, that I and 3 friends could have a trip to Florida including:
7 days, 6 nights in Orlando at the Hilton or Ramadan (?) hotel
2 day, 2 night all inclusive optional cruise to the Bahamas
4 days and nights at the Sheraton or Hilton hotels at St Florida Beach
And a bonus holiday for 2 adults for 5 days, 4 nights in Mexico.
He was enthusiastic and seemed upfront about the cost. Said the holiday was valued at around $3,000 USD and that I was being offered it for only $998 USD. The cruise would cost an additional fee of $249, but if I didnt want to pay that they would organise accommodation at Datona Beach instead.
Made it clear that only additional costs were meals on land, room service, hotel tax of $4-7 per day and phone calls. Also that 90 minute timeshare presentation.
Had 18 months to take trip, and could extend for another year.
I was wondering where the catch was, and then he asked me when my credit card expired. I asked him if he needed my credit card details and when would I have to pay. Despite the fact that they were going to courier me a promotional package with all the details in 14 - 21 days, I had to pay now.
At this stage I was concerned and tried to stall. Said I had to talk to my partner who was at work. He said he would hold while I rang him on my cellphone, but if I hung up on him the offer would go to the next person on the list. My partner (who hadnt heard the sales talk) was not keen about giving our credit card details to some random guy from America over the phone, and we had a quick look at the website.
Tony then conference called my partner at work, and we said we were worried about giving details over the phone and asked if "All Seasons Travel and Resorts" were a properly registered travel company - but didnt get a straight answer. He was not prepared to give us time to think about it, so we declined offer.
Have now found this website and very pleased we did so.
Especially, as while had realised I would have to pay airfares NZ - USA, had assumed that the all inclusive holiday would include transport within US and Mexico. Also, no mention that as I am a New Zealander, may not have been able to take cruise after all!
I didnt feel overly pressured (it is his job to make people keen, which I was - at least until I reality checked with my partner) and he was pleasant, but it does concern me that you have to pay before you know all the details. Also I have noted that there are people around the world who are being charged different amounts for the same package.
I see from other reports that several people were asked to pay $898, others around $600 and a Canadian woman $220. All USD and all listed in the last 2 months. Comparatively $998 seems high!
Also, don't think it is good practice to make people make decisions without first researching offer. I completed internet pop up box about 6 weeks ago, assumed it was a scam and promptly forgot about it.
Would be interesting to hear if anyone did take up the trip.
Good luck to all those who are trying to get money back.
Catherine
Auckland
New Zealand
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