On Friday, May 30th I received a rather official looking piece of mail from Fort Erie, Ontario L2A 5N1, with the Administrative Offices of RPR/OFV Records Division 2419 E. Commercial Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33308 (The zip is legitimate). Two years ago the same company did a phone campayne with very similar tele - sales techniques alwready described by other consumer complaintss.
I called the 1-800 number to activate, but rather searched the internet for the scam report. Confirmed: 1040 reports, generally negative. I did try the number before sending this report, but the number was too busy. (Too many people trying to give their credit card numbers too the operators, I suppose).
The ticket / voucher looks fairly impressive: (Almost Reader's Digest Quality mailer), with a reservation number, confirmation number, * cabin class (*TBD -which doesn't seem to make sense, when looking at the ship floor plan). The $1300.00 travel Credit Voucher was terribly impressive too. It looks just like a cheque, with bank/acct/transit numbers on the bottom left. *savings up to. Non-regotiable-no cash value. Voucher based on full retail value of all components purchased separately. On the right side of the "check" is states This Is Not a Check
On the back of the "check" are the Terms and Conditions: I won't repeat them here but in b o l d at the bottom of the fine print is: This advertising material is being used for the purpose of soliciting sales of a vacation ownership plan. The link for the fine print is here.
Http://www.travelinformationservices.com/Ramada2FreeTickets
This is not a revelation; many resorts utilize this method to sell time-share condominiums. For a weekend stay you are required to attend a 3-hour sales presentation. (Example: Elkhorn Resorts Manitoba)
If you DO actually say yes it states in small print that "Responders to this offer may be identified to other advertizing companies with products and services we believe you may be interested in.
Fine Print Surcharges: The cruise does not include Port Charges, and Government Taxes, TRANSPORTATION to and from Florida, hotel and rental car taxes if applicable and meals on land. Depending on traveler's selection of cruise line, additional energy and security charges may be imposed and collected at the time of embarkation to reimburse carrier for increased costs associated with fuel prices, port security and government imposed fees. And of course, Canadians require Pass Ports to enter the United States, which in most cases wouldn't slow down the average traveler BUT is a consideration for those on a budget.
Link for fine print on Imperial Magesty Cruise Line Vacations.
Http://www.travelinformationservices.com/Ramada2FreeTickets/
If it looks to good to be true... It probably is...
Mikefrommanitoba
Portage La Prairie, Manitoba
Canada
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