TRAVELBRIDGE is a ripoff SCAM. HOUSTON, Texas
My husband and I also visited Travelbridge in Houston, Tx. We did sign up for it after their great sales pitch only to read in the local paper 4 days latter that it was a scam. upon futher investigation we found out that the Texas attorney had a law suit against them for deceptive tradw practices.
I immediately called them but no one was in to take my call so i called the BBB in Houston and they said since it is based out of Phoenix to call the BBB there. I did and got a report immediately faxed to me on their unacceptable reputation. I immediately called our credit card company to report them and put a stop on payment.
I sent the card company and Travelbridge all the info i had obtained. I never heard back from Travelbridge but did hear from the credit card company saying that i had signed a contract with them and that the company (Tavelbridge) had not heard anything from us.
I have reopened my fight with the card company and Travelbrige and am sending my info certified mail this time. A company with this kind of reputation should not be allowed to operate. i would think with the Texas attorney general filing a law suit would be enough evidence that this is not a legitimate company. we intend to fight till the end.
Kim
Spring, Texas
3 Updates & Rebuttals
Mike
Houston,Texas,
The only option left is a lawsuit
#4Consumer Comment
Mon, June 17, 2002
Kim,
You have probably found this out, but the credit card company really only gets involved in resolving fraudulant charges...i.e. charges you did not make, and billing errors.
Travelbridge is a dying company, they no longer sell memberships at least in Texas, many executives like Pete Vincent have fled the company and it appears that they have a "circle the wagons" mentality and are unlikely to respond to complaints.....and bad publicity is no longer a weapon.....so I think the only way possible to get a refund is to file a lawsuit.....and I have heard some indications that even the lawsuit might not be possible as Travelbridge may have done some things to prevent that....such as eliminating the corporate entity that you would have to sue.....
Consult a lawyer or put up the $65 to try it out in small claims court.....At this point I think that is the only option left.
KIM
SPRING,Texas,
HELP FOR OTHER OPTIONS
#4Consumer Comment
Sun, June 16, 2002
MIKE...PLEASE REFER ME TO OTHER OPTIONS. I GUESS I WILL GO AHEAD AND PAY THE CREDIT CARD CO. AS YOU SUGGESTED PLEASE GIVE ME FURTHER ADVISE..IMAGINE MY SURPRISE YESTERDAY WHEN I WENT TO TRAVELBRIDGE AND SAW THEM GONE FROM THERE LOCATION..I'VE LEARNED THAT THEY HAVE MOVED ACROSS THE STREET BY FIESTA..PLEASE RESPOND..KIM
Mike
Houston,Texas,
Forget the credit card company
#4Consumer Comment
Thu, May 09, 2002
Kim,
Based on my experience and the experience of others the credit card company is not likely to be of much help. They are just as obligated to the company as they are to you....The Texas AG suit does not determine the legitimacy of the company and only addressed illegitimate sales practices. It sounds like you bought this at least a few months ago....prior to the injunctive settlement by the Texas AG but did not apply for the settlement which is no big loss anyway.....
I've reached my own settlement with these people, but there are plenty of people out there seeking a refund and I will be happy to point you in their direction if you are interested. The latest rumors are that Travelbridge may have stopped selling in Texas. They are moving the Houston office and reportedly have let go the sales staff and customer relations staff. This means that picketing, etc may not be terribly effective. My opinion (and I am not a lawyer) is that a small claims suit is your best option.
I think there is a good chance that Travelbridge will try to avoid a lawsuit and settle if they think you are serious.....Barring that (and assuming that you really were decieved in violation of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act) the Texas AG lawsuit will probably aid you in making your case in small claims court. Remember....you don't have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt in civil trials....so they are easier to win.....
Ask questions here if you want more information, so others will know too....