I just fell for a time share scam and lost $798.
The company faxes a 70% discounted holiday offer. I rang the Corporate Travel Department on 1 800 832 4670. I said I was in the Army with DND and a Ms Linda Shear (SIC) said this was a special offer for military personnel to say thank you. The holidays were from another company that had used them as bonus and incentives, but had not used them all. The Travel Center was therefore selling them on at Admin cost only, reduced from $2600 to $399 per adult. They said the special offer had sold like hotcakes and that only 2 were left.
I discussed at length what the holiday included: 8 nights accommodation, tickets for Disney Land, and an all inclusive cruise to the Bahamas. I was told that as the firm was passing these tickets on at no profit, they could not be refunded. There then followed a lot a spiel about how you could sell the package on, or transfer parts there of, to friends etc.
I fell for the hard sell and agreed to buy 2 adult tickets. I was passed to the accounts department, a Mr William Lopez, who repeated (from a script) the salient points, including the non refundable payment. This conversation was recorded 1800 326 1092.
Subsequently (5 days later) I found 2 faxes on different machines within my place of work, a DND HQ. The same package was offered for different prices. I rang the company and got disjointed responses. Only then did I go on line and check! The web is awash with details of this Time Share Scam.
Http://usacomplaints.com/reports/0/148/RipOff0148486.htm
Http://www.tripadvisor.com/Search? Q=Ramada Plaza Resort Orlando Fort Lauderdale
Http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview. Cfm? EntryID=43652
They use substandard accommodation in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale and a cruise ship to the Bahamas, just read the appalling reports:
Fort Lauderdale Ramada Plaza Hotel & Resort
Imperial Majesty Regal Empress
I paid on my CIBC visa and have filed a report to CIBC Visa who are investigating.
However they have said that as I offered my card details, it is highly unlikely that I will get my money back.
I have sent 2 recorded letters to the Company, within the stipulated 10 days of purchase, demanding my money back. But the Web says no one receives any rebate.
I am saddened that the Credit Card Company is not more actively trying to prevent this situation from affecting others. However this scam has been in effect for 4 years and the Travel Center Orlando must have found a loop hole in the law to keep trading so long.
Sad Canadian
Ottawa, Ontario
Canada
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