Complaint Review: America Vacations Corp - Atlanta Georgia

This company had the attached fax come over to our office. I called and talked to a Mathew at x 1040. He told me that I was the 197^th caller so I made it just in time.

In our conversation I was promised a 5 day 4 night trip at 149.00 per person with tax coming up to $200.00 per person and my daughter who is 5 would be free. He said that I would also receive discounted airfare at 60% off because I was caller 197.

Being skeptical, I asked the following:

Are there were any restrictions? – his response was NO – there are many of the resorts have add-ons higher than what was stated

Are there any blackout dates? His response NO

Everything is all inclusive like the flyer states?  - his response was Yes – this was also not true all domestic and Ocean Breeze Properties are not All Inclusive

Do we have to take a tour ? he responded NO   - after researching after paying for this incredible deal it would appear that tours are part of some of the hotel destinations

He made all these promises that I would get an additional Bonus vacation to Orlando or Vegas for 4 days and 3 nights with rental car and park tickets, this has never been sent to me.

After I authorized the charge for $600.00 I was given a confirmation #. A link was then sent to me requiring me to send in my driver’s license and signature on a form to validate my purchase, seems professional right.

So I get the below email:

-------- Original message --------

From: America Vacations via DocuSign <[email protected]>

Date: 4/6/2016 12:11 PM (GMT-06:00)

Subject: America Vacations: Confirmation Receipt

Before signing anything and confirming any further since the charge had already gone through, I called and asked if they could give me some idea of the resorts that I would be staying at. I was given a Hilton resort and a Wyndham resort to look up. The customer service agent confirmed with me that there would be nothing funny about completing my transaction and I would get the final travel details once I completed these documents. I was a little leery since she was not forthcoming with information right away, she had to keep asking her supervisor for approval to issue me the information which I thought was odd since I had already been charged. Nonetheless, since the charge went through I figured I am going to finish up and take my family on a nice vacation this year.

After the confirmation the next email I received is the below:

Please be advised that this e-mail address is used for overflow purposes, ID collection, and for DocuSigns only. If you wish to speak with a representative regarding your package, please contact the America Vacations Customer Service Department at 1(844) 859-2101. They are available from Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST. Please note that wait times vary throughout the day, and the best time to get through is early in the morning. Thank you for your understanding.

If you are inquiring about where to send your ID, you can e-mail a photo with your name as the subject to [email protected] at any time. 

If you look closely, which is what I should have done I would have noticed that their contact information is constantly changing. By this time it was too late I had already paid.

The email for the activated  vacations I received listed below had the two attachments:

-------- Original message --------

From: Email Vacation Confirmation <[email protected]>

Date: 4/6/2016 2:05 PM (GMT-06:00)

Subject: Vacations Activated!

The terms and conditions state that no refunds are allowed and you must claim your certificate within 15 days.. I talked to a Stephanie Smith there and she said she has no idea what I am talking about. She said that it takes 15 days for the booking agents to get the packages together and that I cannot get a call back from anyone until 15 days has elapsed from the date of purchase.

Which is interesting since I was told by Mathew who I bought this from that this was available for use immediately we would just need to travel 45 days out as a minimum.

Stephanie Smith also told me in a conversation yesterday that everyone there are receptionist who are instructed to take messages. She said that no managers take calls and neither do the booking agents. Everyone will return calls as they become available. I asked to speak to a booking agent and she said that they do not take calls they only return messages which makes it near impossible to get anyone to help you.

I let Stephanie know that I talked to a Jessica at her company on Tuesday of this week.

When I talked to Jessica I voiced my concern that the rip-off reports, BBB complaints, and other online complaints warrant a call with her supervisor for a refund. She told me in that call that she would have her supervisor call to take care of the refund.

When I called back on Wednesday and talked to Stephanie Smith she told me that I was misinformed and that there are no refunds. She also stated that this was not a scam and she can only take messages if I want to leave one. The name of the only supervisor making call backs is Debbie Prior.

I left another message.

I called back on Thursday and asked when I can expect a call and again got Stephanie. She said that she has no idea when anyone will call me back.

So here’s the scam, they take your money and send you links that you can book direct with. You are at the mercy of the company who does not return messages or send you anything additional after you receive  the TERMS and CONDITIONS post payment.

In addition the 60% of airfare for qualified callers is a joke. They send you the links in the form for Orbit, Expedia etc. to book your own flights but only after you have secured your hotel reservation, which you can’t because no one will call you back to make a reservation.

So far I am out $600.00 and cannot get anyone from the travel agency to honor the advertisement that is listed on their flyer.

Flyer states – 5 days and 4 nights w/all meals included for only $149.00 per person  (this is not true not all links are all inclusive)

Flyer states – Unlimited activities (this is not true some resorts have additional costs)

Flyer states – Dates: You choose your dates. Packages are open dated and valid for 18 months (problem is they do not offer a way to book)

Flyer states – Bonus 4 days 3 nights Orlando or Las Vegas with rental car and tickets (never received anything for this with my vacation activation)

Flyer states – first 200 callers receive up to 60% off airfare (I was caller 197 and the links they sent to me were for travel sites I currently use with no special discount  - clear deceit).