Like so many others on this website, I too fell for the "Ramada Plaza Resort" Scam. I received a Travel Voucher for $1,600.00 in the mail so that I could go on their "Gold Key" trip which included... 2 nights in Orlando, 3 nights in Ft Lauderdale, and the 2 night cruise, 7 day car rental. Because we were from Canada, we also received all meals for free. We also got the Puerto Vallarta and Las Vegas Bonus Trips for calling the toll free number.
On June 2 I called the number and spoke with "Angel" who was very nice and did her best to be persuasive anytime we started to hesitate. I even asked if the trip was refundable and the answer was "I don't want to sell you the package if you are going to cancel. Besides, no one cancels their trips with us." We did eventually decide to say yes to the trip and I gave her my credit card number - my first mistake. My second mistake was telling "Rose" from the Shipping Dept that sure, I would take the "Free Package for a Friend or Family Member."
While on with "Rose", I once again asked about it being refundable, she said that it was outlined in the package that was being sent. (Which said 10 days to return the package to receive a refund).
So we wait for the package to arrive and when it eventually gets here, we read it over, watch the video and are fairly excited except for the cost. While on the phone with "Angel and Rose" I did not realize that it was $698 for each person. So, thinking that 1400 plus the 1600 voucher, this was a really expensive vacation, and I decided to look on the internet. I wish I had of done that before I ever called.
So we started discussing the possibility of cancelling the trip. I checked my Visa to make sure that it had been charged and then I was going to call and make sure that no further charges could be put through on it... Low and behold, there was already a second charge that I hadn't authorized. A charge for $21 USD was also on with the $698.
I decided to use the unauthorized charge as my main reason to get out of the trip - if I needed an excuse. I had also found on the internet that the Florida Sellers of Travel Act states that consumers can cancel a VACATION CERTIFICATE within 30 days of purchase as long as they return the certificate. (Also, certificates are only valid for 18 months maximum but we were given a special "extension" for 36 months).
With all my arguments wrote down, I started the process of calling and demanding a refund. I first called the number on my original voucher - 1-800-858-1788. I told "Natasha" that I wanted to cancel my trip and she laughed. Then she asked why. I told her that there was an unauthorized charge to my Visa which she said was impossible. I told her it was for $21 and she said it was the Free Gift. She told me that I had to hold for a manager. Then she came back and said no one was available, I should call Customer Service at 1-800-203-9783. I was on the phone for 4 minutes total.
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