- Report: #1120517
Complaint Review: Island Lifestyle Travel Saint Thomas - Select State/Province
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Island Lifestyle Travel Saint Thomas
Select State/Province, USA
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Island Lifestyle Travel Saint Thomas Member Services Group These people conned me into purchasing a travel membership that promises all cruise, air, condo and hotel prices at 1/4 of the retail cost. They accepted my credit card payment of 2,964.00 US dollars, then proceeded to charge my card $3800.00 US. Saint Thomas Island Saint Thomas
I was approached by a man on the street in Saint Thomas while touring the city during a cruise. He asked if I'd be willing to listen to a short introduction to their fabulous travel membership program that would save me thousands of dollars. I agreed and when I attended the short meeting, their staff people showed me how I would save 3/4 of the cost on any cruise, air fare, condo rental and hotel stays anywhere in the world. The agreement was settled for the one time membership fee amount of $2,694.00 US to be charged to my credit card immediately and a yearly deduction of $199.00 to be deducted automatically from my bank account for 20 years. When I arrived home, I checked with my credit card company to discover that they'd billed me for $3800.00. Fortunately, I did not have my banking information to give them. When I saw the $3800.00 charge to my card I became suspiscious and decided to investigate the company (ies). The woman who closed the account gave me an email address and when I attempted to email her, the email was returned to me because the email address did not exist. They even gave me a free cruise for 4 people with the understanding that all I'd have to pay would be port charges and taxes in the amount of $200.00 maximum. This entire deal was offered by Island Lifestyle Travel and the monies were paid to Member Services Group (MSG). Please beware of these people...They are very, very convincing and they have their decietful lies down to a T. I asked them question after question about the company involved (MSG) and they had very quick and solid answers for everything.
Edith C
Canada
5 Updates & Rebuttals
esq007007
Possible Class Action
#2Consumer Comment
Fri, October 24, 2014
If you or anyone else has been the victim of unlawful business practices by Island Lifestyles, Member Servies Group, Conundrum Marketing or any of the other aliases used by these "companies", please contact me at [email protected] to discuss possible initiation of a class action.
Csowell
Blackshear,Georgia,
Not BBB Accredited
#3Consumer Comment
Tue, June 10, 2014
This Business is not BBB Accredited
Member Services Group, Inc.
Find a LocationPhone: (843) 249-2820Fax: (843) 249-2942PO Box 1143, Little River, SC 29566 memberservicesgroup.com
Consumers report that during the sales presentation with the independent marketer, they are told they will be able to receive discounted rates for travel. According to consumers booking with MSG, the rates are not any different than what the consumer can book themselves. - See more at: bbb.org/myrtle-beach/business-reviews/travel-agencies-and-bureaus/member-services-group-in-little-river-sc-90021975#sthash.WU5caCDI.dpuf
New Member Liaison
N Myrtle Beach,South Carolina,
Again not accurate
#4UPDATE Employee
Mon, February 17, 2014
Again, when dealing with a credit card from Canada in a US Territory, we have no control of how much an individuals Credit card company decides to charge the exchange. At Island Lifestyle we use a credit card machine that prints out the charge slip that our new member signs. The amount charged is in BOLD typeset that the member approves before signing.
Edith
Oshawa,Ontario,
Difference between the US and Canadian dollar
#5Author of original report
Mon, February 17, 2014
There is no way that at the difference between the US dollar and the Canadian dollar would increase the charges from $2600.00 to $3800.00.
The most it should have cost is between an increase of $260.00 and $338.00 not the $1200.00 that was charged to the card.
New Member Liaison
N Myrtle Beach,South Carolina,
Not an accurate report!
#6UPDATE Employee
Sun, February 16, 2014
I have spoken to this member personally and explained that she bought her membership in a US Territory where the US Dollar is used. The difference in what Island Lifestyle charged and what she actually has to pay is the difference in the US to Canadian exchange rate. That is an unfortunate fact when using a credit card in a country different than the one you live in.
in reference to her stating that she hasn't been able to talk to anyone. Not only did we reach out to Welcome her right after her purchase, we have since talked to her at the number provided both on her contact sheet and in the Welcome phone call.
As for the details of her membership, she WILL be able to realize a great savings on condos, cruises, and other vacations. Since she obviously hasn't had time to use the membership, I'm not sure why she is slandering our company.
The cruise certificate she received for attending can be used and she will be responsible for taxes and port charges, but is booked through the marketing company that invited her to the presentation, not her membership. Everyone that attends regardless of purchase has an option to choose that gift.
As for her confusion in the company name, it was explained to her that Island Lifestyle is the broker that sells Member Services Group's services. When she calls the 800 provided, she will talk to an agent with Member Services Group. Member Services Group has an A+ rating with the BBB because of their length of time in business and very few complaints.
i find it disturbing that this member has slandered our name when she knew why there was a difference in her credit card bill, was contacted, and she's calling our company liars?
