I can't be sure exactly what this is, whether it's a "scam" so to speak or a very poorly run travel agency of sorts, but I would say one should avoid them given the swarm of mostly negative feedback surrounding these "free cruises". Here is my experience from today:
I received a call on my cell phone this morning, asking me to complete a 30 second survey. I figured what the hell, and I did it - the survey was 3 questions regarding how the democrats have handled the economic crisis, followed by the republicans, and then Obama. Then I was transferred to a very friendly sales representative, and my initial impression was that it was a scam. I don't like to be rude, so I heard the "travel agent" out.
Low and behold, because I completed a 30 second survey, I was entitled to a cruise. As I had been suspicious, I went to the website for the survey, which was conducted through the Political Opinions of America organization (website: politicalopinionsofamerica.org).
While the agent was charming me with small talk and discussing the details of the trip, I perused the political website, which does include, as incentives for completing surveys, cruise prizes. That made me think that maybe it wouldn't be a scam, although such a trip would not be as grand as it was made out to be. I asked the man how I would know this was a legitimate offer - he directed me to a websitegetaway.com. The website looks legitimate, and as I was trying to listen in addition to look through the site, I didn't do a thorough check. He had then said there was a port fee, which was all tax and that the company themselves would not even see that money. Having won vouchers for free airfare before and having to still pay taxes, that didn't raise a red flag in my mind - other people have commented that free means no taxes, but in my history that hasn't been the case.
He then said that the taxes would be $59 per person, so the trip would be $118 altogether, not including alcohol, gambling, tips. Still a good deal, so I figured I would go for it. I wasn't interested in extending the package, so I refused the 2 people who tried to coax me into it. Still feeling it may be a scam, but not being in a position where potentially losing $118 is an issue, I went with it - gave my Visa info, and listened carefully throughout the remainder of the transaction - I was transferred to a "legal representative" who verified all of the details and gave me a confirmation number, a "personal" website to access in 72 hours detailing my trip, and the customer service number. They stressed the customer service aspect, even making me repeat the customer service number back to the billing agent so that I had it written down correctly, which actually made it feel more legitimate. Everyone I spoke to was polite, charming, and helpful. After hanging up, I did some hard-core research, searching the customer service number, and of course was directed to numerous forums, including this one, where the feedback is almost entirely negative.
Not wanting to take a chance, primarily with my credit card information, I called Citibank's customer service immediately and told them that I was reasonably sure that I had been involved in a scam and what course of action to take. (As a side note, Citibank's customer service has always been fantastic for me - it's the only credit card I have, I've never had long periods of time on hold, and even though most representatives are noticeably from overseas, I've never had an issue communicating with them, they always understand what I'm asking, and they are very pleasant.) The representative told me it wasn't an issue - the charge went through, but I wouldn't be liable for it, that they would dispute the charge on my behalf, credit my account, and all I have to do is fill out a form and circle the charge on my statement. She also changed my account number immediately and is rush-expediting a new card to me in 2 days for free. Feeling fairly confident, I continued to read about the company.
Individuals looking to get refunds seem to have a difficult time - they have reported being shuffled between representatives, being berated, and flat out being refused. I was hoping I could call and ask for a refund so that my credit card company wouldn't have to go through the hassle of a dispute. I armed myself by reading about Florida law as well as the law in the state where I'm from, and I prepared myself mentally to call back and ask for a refund.
My approach was to kill them with kindness, if I could - I was going to avoid calling it a "scam" because I imagine they get pretty upset about that - wouldn't you? I called and was on hold, by default, for about 5 minutes. I spoke to a woman, explained that I wanted to cancel, and she said I was speaking to the wrong department, and I was transferred. Another 5 minute hold. I then spoke to another woman, being as cordial as I could, and she gave me a long talk about my options, including saying "well, since you just booked 2 hours ago, you haven't seen your personalized web page!" I told her that I really appreciated what she was trying to do, and that the cruise sounded very appealing (hell, that's why I booked it in the first place), but that at this time and in the near future, I would not be taking it. I did not mention the negative feedback online, but rather made it about the money, timing, etc. She then transferred me to her manager, even though I didn't ask for that, who is responsible for cancellations I suppose. He was very polite, brought up some of the options that the previous woman had stated, and again I told him how much I appreciated him taking the time to discuss my options with me, but that my mind was made up at this time that I would not be taking a trip and simply wanted a refund. He told me that my refund would be granted in 3-5 days for the full amount. I thanked him and told him that I understand his job can't be easy, but that everyone I had spoken to had been perfectly pleasant, and the reason I "impulsively" agreed to take the trip (as I put it) was because his crew did such a good job of making it sound wonderful.
I then called my credit card company and told them what I was informed - that they shouldn't have to dispute, but that if my account isn't credited in 3-5 business days, to notify me and then I will take further action. Being extremely helpful, the representative at Citibank notated my account to reflect what I had told him, and of course I am still getting a new account number to avoid any potential fraudulent charges.
What I would say is that some people seem to have been flat out scammed by this company, meaning that they paid with no services rendered. Some people eventually went on a trip, and it wasn't what they had expected for a variety of reasons. I even read that some people have had their identity stolen because they gave out their SSN and such, and those that have given bank account information have had more of an issue obtaining a refund than people who use credit cards. (Citibank takes this shit pretty seriously, for one.) There also seems to be a time limitation when trying to get a refund - I avoided this by calling the same day that I had signed up.
As far as issues when calling to cancel go, I was shuffled around a lot, but that can happen even when you are trying to get a hold of your doctor. I was upfront about wanting to cancel in a timely fashion, but I was as friendly as I could possibly be, which I believe made the difference between my refund story and the other ones in these forums. It's not that consumers don't have the right to feel angry (they absolutely do), but sometimes you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar, they say.insinuating that this is a scam and referencing the negative feedback online, if this is a legitimate albeit poorly run company (with a pattern of bad customer service), will only serve to upset the employees, cause an altercation, and make them even more reluctant to give you a refund. And in the off chance that the employees aren't trying to scam you, they have a really shitty job, and for that I'm going to be respectful (until given a reason not to be).
Just be aware of this - I would like to think I'm not a dumb person. The political organization seems to be legitimate, and with the election coming up, we are all receiving phone survey calls, and the website even mentioned the cruise. I didn't give any more information than I would have purchasing items online with a credit card (although I know, those go to an encrypted website), so although people may say you should never give your credit card information out, most of us do it regularly. I even asked the charming "travel agent" how their company stands to gain from this incentive, and he said they have a partnership with the political organization, and that their best advertising is by "word-of-mouth", which I believe is true - I certainly get ideas for hotels, airlines, and destinations based on what my friends and family say. And he mentioned how right now is a tough time for cruiselines based on recent tragedies, which again is true. So I was had (but also did not spend more than I could part with in case it WAS a non-refundable scam), but I don't think that everyone that goes through this is dumb. If it is a scam, it is very well thought-out and executed. And it's just going to gain momentum as the elections draw near and we are all bombarded with phone surveys.
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