I got an Internet Pop Up in July claiming I had won $1000.in hind sight, very guillible, but 'phoned the number and after an hour or so of hard sale, I purchased what I would describe as a timeshare promotion package. The initial sales person said her name was Krystal Watson and gave the company licence number ST35770. This is a Florida State Travel Licence.
This was for 5 days and 4 nights in Orlando, 4 days and 3 nights in Daytona Beach and a 4 day 3 night all inclusive cruise (except alcoholic beverages) in the Bahamas. It also included tickets for two adults to any of the major theme parks and 7 nights in a resort in Australia. I agreed as a condition of purchase that the holiday could be taken within 3 years. The website seemed OK and I printed off the Details Of Particpation.
The Orlando stay states it "could be equivalent to Summer Bay Resort, Renaissance World Gate, or Comfort Suites Maingate Resort". Datona stay "could be equivalent to Adam's Mark Resort, Radisson Daytona Beach, Treasure Island Grand Seas or Acapulco Resort". These resorts may be totally unconnected and oblivious to the use of their name but there are other reports concerning The Summer Bay resort on this website. Another English Customer has posted a report (2/11/05) about difficulty redeeming same package with Soho Vacations which sounds like the same company. The time share promotion may have been held at the Celebration World Resort and Celebration Resorts seem to be connected. Also possibly Capitol Vacations.
The vouchers arrived Fed Ex account number 270267785, from the address given. The company name had been blacked out but is still legible as Soho Vacations. The pamphlet enclosed has a website address blacked out and illegible with centuryvacations.com stuck over the top. The vouchers have the same company licence number ST35770.
There was a book of Orlando Coupons included similar to what you'd pick up for free in a tourist information centre. The vouchers and extension certificates were valid for two years.
I telephoned the company when I got the package to query the fact that they'd only sent out certificates for two years instead of three. They seemed helpful and advised me to ring back nearer the time to extend the package as per the original contract.
I tried to call the company May and the telephone number is no longer in use. The website states the domain has been purchased and if you enter your details it should send a link to your email account but doesn't.
I'm glad I didn't end up going on the holiday and going to the timeshare presentation as it sounds like customers are being deceived and bullied into handing over their money.
I'm willing to support proceedings in this matter and will make further enquiries.
Phaedra
DIDCOT
United Kingdom
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