Morning of 11th Oct I received a call from Scott Darwin of ASTAR TRAVELS in my office number informimng me that I had won a promotional holiday pakcage sponsored by Walt Disney. He offered a package of 6 nights at Orlando, 2 at Detano, 2 at Las Vegas and a 2 days cruise to Bahamas. Sounded very attractive. He spoke quite fast and the connection was not clear and hence I could not really swallow all of the information that he gave. What ever I could gather I noted down on a paper as he spoke. I did not get much of a chance to speak though. He informed that I would have to pay US $ 249 pr head for the cruise.
The package was for 4 people, but did not include phone calls, restuarants, air fares and hotel taxes. I was very busy at work and I really do not understand what got over me to even bother to listen to him. BUT I DID (I WAS AN ABSOLUTE FOOL!) Their trick is to catch you when you are least attentive and cannot think clearly.
Any way I listened to this crook and got passed on to a Heather in the "Corporate Verification Department" (That might have been his garage for all I know or care!) and gave my credit card number. They recorded that part of the coversation when I confirmed to pay the US $ 998 upfront and replayed it back later on (That is a later part of the story).
As soon as I put the phone down I realised the blunder that I had done. I received within about half an hour a confirmation of my booking via email. So I sent a reply to them that I wish to cancel the Booking. I let time elapse till late evening (I live in Melbourne Austarlia) and informed my wife. We immediately called up the Bank and cancelled our credit card straight away.in the mean time ASTAR had already charged my card. That night 1. Am Melbourne time I called them enquiring about the booking and they just played the recording of my voice and then disconnected the phone.
My wife called again, but this time as a prospective traveller and kept asking a lot of questions about the trip, which they were unwilling to answer. Finally, my wife asked them about the cancellation policy and then eventually got transferred to a supervisor who informed that we have 30 dyas time to do so.
I called up again at 6.00 am Melbourne time and quoting my booking ID number requested them to cancel. I spoke to a person called Ashley Reyes. Her immediate response was one of anger about my wife enquiring on the booking. I told her that my wife never called and I do not know anything about any other woman calling about my booking. I insisted that I want my booking cancelled. I again gave her my customer ID number and told her "politely" that I could not afford a holiday and would think of it later on. She was willing to extend the time frame from 18 mths by another 2 years. I rejected the offer politely and again insisted on cancellation and also informed that I knew about ASTAR's cancellation policy of 30 days refund (I really have to thank my wife for her smartness). Immediately she put me on hold. I waited for several minutes and a "supervisor" came on line and spoke to me. After a bit of dilly dallying she finally confirmed that she has cancelled my bookings, BUT can pay my money back only aftre 14-21 days! I accepted as I was interested in getting my money back.
In the meanwhile following this call, I received an email from Ashley stating that my booking has been cancelled. This I retained as a record for future action if required.
I contacted the bank again and requested them to keep my old credit card open for receiving this credit. I was assured by the bank that though all debits will bounce back credits to the card will be accepted.
After 14 days I sent am email to them requesting payment, for which they replied that it could take upto 3-4 weeks from the date of booking. This was from a person called Terry.
Again after 24 days I sent another email reminding about the email but received no response.
But finally after 28 days I received the credit of US $ 998 days into my old credit card account.
I did one thing that I do not do too often in my life. The night I made the booking I went on my knees and prayed god!
I believe that this money back was his grace. Especially so, after readin all the consumer complaintss on ASTAR.
For those who do not know, there is a money back gaurentee and please read all the usacomplaints. Coms. Some have provide useful info. On how to get the money back.
Beware people.
Bal
Melbourne
Australia
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