Ramada Promotions & Imperial Majesty Cruise Lines scam - phone solicitation for credit card info Ft. Lauderdale Florida
I received a call yesterday from Imperial Majesty Cruise Lines and Ramada Promotions. We travel a lot and I smelled a rat as soon as the call started... although I didn't share his enthusiasm, the sales rep went on and on about what a great opportunity this package is, how much I'd love the trip, etc. When he finally finished (I stayed on the line so I'd have enough details to write this) and asked for my credit card information to purchase this 'great deal', I said I don't give out credit card information over the phone unless I INITIATE THE CALL. He then got his manager on, who gave me his name (Matt Flanders), his 1-800 # (800-519-7502, direct line - ha! - I'm sure the turnover in the call center is quite high), suggested I call from my cell while on the other line to verify he's really there and everything is legit, or that I let my bank know in advance about an upcoming credit card charge which would read RAMADA. He even went on to explain the high rating his company has with their Merchant Account status.
But, I was, under no circumstances, allowed to call them back or receive anything in the mail. If I didn't Act Right Away, on this call, and give them my credit card information Today, he stated the offer was no longer available. They were both aghast that I wasn't thrilled to my toes about the offer, willing to just jump in immediately. Give me a break. I stated again I DON'T GIVE OUT MY CREDIT CARD INFORMATION OVER THE PHONE UNLESS I INITIATE THE CALL, then hung up. Was reminded, as I tell my kids, if an offer is valid, you can call back. If an offer is valid, they can forward information and documentation by mail. If an offer is valid, and a prize is truly won, the pressure to 'act now' is not necessary. Don't be fooled. Be wise consumers. Am glad this site exists and hope the all readers reflect on their choices before giving out precious information.
K
seattle, Washington
U.S.A.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Helpwithrippoffs
Sheboygan Falls,Wisconsin,
U.S.A.
"FREE" Vacation package received.
#3Consumer Comment
Fri, January 30, 2009
I received a package in the mail today from Imperial Cruise. It offered:
A FREE Cruise and Extended Stay package to Ft. Lauderdale for 3 nights/4days, a 2 night cruise, and 2 night stay in Orlando. The person I talked to (Randy) on the phone said I was ONLY liable for the drinks on the cruise, as well as any gratuity. He went on to say we would receive a free car rental with free mileage in FL, as well as a Mexico trip and Vegas trip. I listened and finally asked if there are any other charges. After 45minutes, he finally said this package is worth $3,000. They were discounting it 70% and it would be $798/pp and then we would have to each pay a port fee, so another $200 for that. I figured the only catch would be sitting through their orientation deal, but they wanted us to pay that much money, when it was supposingly FREE. Then Randy asked me if it sounded like a great deal. My answer: No. He asked my why not. And I said "Because on the package I have in front of me, it says FREE". He then went on to tell me that only the cruise was free. I said not thanks, and he said he can find out if he could give us more discounts. Well, I was smart on this one and told him to have a nice day and no thank you then hung up.
So people, please be aware that nothing is free! They all want your money with the economy the way it is! I hope others do not fall into the trap and end up paying them.
Joe
Here,Florida,
U.S.A.
BREAKING NEWS!! RAMADA EXPOSED ON LOCAL TV NEWS STATION!!
#3Consumer Suggestion
Mon, August 14, 2006
Have your ever received an e-mail or phone solicitation offer for a "free" cruise? Well buyer beware b/c that "free" cruise will cost you more than you think. Hidden charges people don't know about.
Connie Thompson of KOMO Channel 4 News in Seattle does a segment every tuesday and thursday at her local tv station on products that might sound too good to be true.
In the case of Ramada Plaza Resorts and Imperial Majesty (sub company) you better read the fine print before taking them up on any of their offers.
Copy and paste the link below to see the video and news story.
http://www.komotv.com/buyerbeware/story.asp?ID=44247
FYI: If you do sign up on their offer you better read closely b/c you are essentially giving up your rights for being on the federal DO NOT CALL LIST registry. That's right! In the fine print it says you can have telemarketers call you in the future even if you are on the FDNC.
BUYER BEWARE!
PS For any past or future stories on company scams and products just copy and paste on KOMO CHANNEL 4 NEWS link below.
http://www.komotv.com/buyerbeware/