We too have been ripped off by Fulfillment International Corporation (FIC).
In May we received an email supposedly from AOL, filled in an on-line form to enter a competition for a holiday.in July FIC telephoned saying we had won' a special discounted holiday, sounded absolutely wonderful for the price. Paid nearly 600 by credit card - was advised it included 4 nights hotel accom in Florida, 3 nights cruise to the Bahamas and bonus of 4 nights accom in Mexico flights were not included. Some weeks later, set of leather luggage arrived with a travel clock and CD information. Checked their website out and that of the cruise company and seemed OK.
We were unable to take the holiday and in Jan 04 asked if we could extend beyond 31 July when the package was due to expire They said that it was OK and I gave the dates, within a 90 period, and gave them personal information they requested about our ages, passport details. We then sent them a bank transfer for 368, $100 to extend and also $260 x 2 to cover the cost of port fees and administration for boarding the cruise liner.
Got email confirmation of all dates, offer of car hire and waited for the final itineray listing hotels. I advised them that I would not be able to answer mail for 3 weeks. Emailed them again and asking about final itinerary, then actually booked and paid for flights to Orlando (with a local agent). Received an email from FCI next day telling us of their insolvency and that sadly there was nothing they could do.
Tried to email and say that at least they could refund the extension/port taxes but now just get the same insolvencyy' message coming back.
We have forwarded the complete email story between us and Fulfillcorp to AOL as it was their company name that was used in the first instance to lure us. Also filed complaints with Department of Agriculture (Consumer Complaints) in Florida. Log your complaint on the on-line form at: www.800helpfla.com/~cs/ccform.html
Ironically, this was the first time ever filled in on-line competition entry and the last! Put it down to experience, probably never see the money again but maybe by reporting it will stop someone else being ripped off. We shall continue to throw as much as we can at them in the hope they may refund
Marian
Middlesex
UK
Marian
London
United Kingdom
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