I was called by a Sales Representative of a company based in Florida called "Preferred Guest Resorts" which I had purchased a 'vacation package' for $298.00 with 18 months to use the package. Due to a death in the family and other personal tragedies, I have not been able to use this as planned (bought it 12/10). But, this is not the problem...
I do know these folks are essentially selling Time Share vacation plans. No problem. I know this going in. I have done these vacations before, and as long as you don't buy, well... No problem. Even if you DO buy, by Federal laws you have at least 3 Business Days to cancel.in Florida, it is even stronger since there are many scams in Florida real estate (hmmmmmm...), so you actually have (I think) 10 days to cancel the deal. So, there are ways to get out...
My problem was a call earlier today... Offering to not only extend my current purchased vacation for 3 more years, but also I get 3 Mini Vacations to use (3 day, 2 night). You just have to listen to a 90 minute sales pitch. No biggie... BUT, being married I wanted to pass this by my wife. We do this to get each others input... So, I asked the Sales Rep, "Brian" if I could get the info up front first to show my wife then call back. "No Problem, " he uttered and essentially lied as I later found out. He said "get the deal for $198.00 and then if she hates it, just call us back!"
Seemed Reasonable...
Then, I'm on the phone with "Christopher" who informs me this transaction will be voice recorded for my protection... Off we go! As he goes to the credit card, I mention it's on file. He asked me if I would authorize it... I told him I wanted to be sure I could cancel it if my wife did not like it. He said there are no refunds, but you can transfer it! I told him STOP NOW as this is NOT what I was told by Brian! So, he told me to hold and left the line. After about 90 seconds, another guy comes back on named "Chris" who informs me my credit card was authorized okay... I was Shocked! I got upset and verbal with him, asking him his full name ("I'm Chris..."). I also asked for a Supervisor. "I am the Supervisor."
Great...
I basically told him to preserve the recording of the transaction so the Florida Department of Consumer Affairs can review it, as well as any other agency involved in the enforcement of this type of scam on consumers.
"Chris" gave me their customer service line... Only way to cancel, or "call your credit card company."
So, upon calling the Customer Service number, "Jasmine" answered after a long wait and was not happy I was asking for a cancellation. She happily said she'd transfer me "to the cancelling department." There I went... And waited... And waited... For over 10 minutes. I even called the number on my cell, got a gentleman and asked for the Billing Department... Again, on an endless hold.
Amazing way to treat your "valued customers!"
So, That' my warning to the online world... These guys are not to be trusted.
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