Complaint Review: Payless Holiday's (P.H) & Florida Tourist Bureau (F.T.B) - Orlando Florida

11TH nOV,2005:-

I received a "pop-up" on my computer screen, declaring me a "a lucky winner" for a vacation package & was instructed to call up on 001 407 478 0099 to get furhter details. I called up on the said number in the USA & the person said that I have been chosen to receive a "discounted vacation package" from PAYLESS HOLIDAYS. The person on the phone said they would require all my details, viz:Name, address, tel.nos & credit card number, to which I asked him(David), why my CC #, to which he replies "just to ascertain that I am the rightful holder of the card". Then he gives me the details of the package, viz: schedule, cost & other relevant details, BUT AT NO POINT DID I AUTHORISE ANYONE TO CHARGE MY CARD NOR DID I AGREE TO PAY ANY CHARGES OR DEBIT MY ACCOUNT. I only asked them to send me the brouchers & other details, & I WOULD LET THEM KNOW OF MY INTREST IN THE SAID PACKAGE, later.

12th Nov.2005:-

I am SHOOOOCKKKKKED to see my credit card mini statement showing an amount of Indian Rupees 48.866.28p, charged to my card account by Vacation Package S A, Panama.

Its strange, that these guys quoted me the amounts in Euros, my account was debited in Panama & they are in USA !!!!????STRANGE !!

28TH nOV,2005:-

I receive by post, 2 packets (with identical contents) from FLORIDA TOURIST BUREAU INC. containing their brouchers, Terms & Conditions, introduction letter, certificate & other documents. In their Terms & conditions, clause #13, it clearly states about contract cancellation & "NO PENALTY OR OBLIGATION REDFUND".

29th Nov,2005:-

I return the certificate and a notice of intent to cancel the contract (as per their requirement) by Fed-Ex courier, well within "30 days from the date of purchase or receipt of the vacation pkg." The sender from FTB & the receiver from FTB is the same person- Linda Baldwin, so there is no way they can deny not receiving my packet of courier.

I have made repeated calls (001 407 478 0099/571 5066/ 209 9820/ 660 9995) to Payless Holidays and spoken on various occasions to David, Mary Davis, Jonathan Vice, Michael Turner, Jenifer Scott (Mgr.) & Catherine. After speaking to them asking them for the status of my refund, they started to "NEGOTIATE THE REFUND AMOUNT"!!!???

Today-6th Feb,2006:-

Till today, I still have not received any reversal/ refund.

I AM UNDER IMMENSE MENTAL/FINANCIAL & EMOTIONAL DISTRESS SINCE 11TH NOV. 2005. I HAD TO TAKE A LOAN TO MAKE THE PAYMENT OF INRs.48.866.28P.

I WOULD APRECIATE A REFUND OF THE SAID AMOUNT & COMPENSATION FOR THE PRESENT STATE OF MY MIND.

Mazhar

107-E, Mohammedali Road, Bombay-3
India

EDitor's Suggestions on how to get your money back!

HERE IS WHAT RIP-OFF REPORT SUGGESTS YOU DO:

Go to your bank within 60 days of the charge, or as soon as you know about the charge, don't delay, and tell them that there has been fraudulent activity within your account. Explain that you wish to file a dispute, and demand that they assist you in accordance with Federal Regulation E.

According to the majority of victims interviewed by Rip-off Report, those who immediately called their banks to dispute the charges did not get very far. Many victims got the following responses from their banks: we could not do anything for you or you waited too long; it has been more than 60 days.

If the bank is says that you have waited too long, explain to them how you called their 800 number as soon as the charges were found, and were told by the bank that nothing could be done. Remind the bank that they failed to assist you properly at the 800 #, and instead, provided you with an inadequate explanation of your right to dispute. Tell the bank that it's their fault time has expired, and since they gave you the wrong info to begin with, they will just have to deal with it, take the loss and reverse the charges.

Tell them the truth; this was unauthorized and your account was NOT to be charged! Keep emphasizing how you never authorized anything! Direct them to the hundreds of victims reports that were filed on Rip-off Report.com. And if you're at the bank, walk them over to their computer and make them go to this site! If you are on the phone with them, tell them you will wait while they access this site! Either way, be persistent!

DO NOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER!

Let them know nicely, that you were advised to Report them (the Bank) and this situation to the Banking Commission in your state. Since each state has a different name for the agency/controller over banks, find that name before you call or get to the bank so you can throw it in their face. The more knowledgeable you appear to be, the further you will get.

And just continue to demand the Federal Regulation E form! The bank CAN, MUST and WILL reverse the charge! But, you must be persistent; ask to speak to the supervisor or the area manager for all the branches in the state.

Let the bank personnel know you are meeting with the media later in the day, that you would much rather they do the right thing (as most other banks have) by looking at the complaints and immediately reversing the charge(s) to your account; no matter how long ago it was. Be sure to call the Media if necessary so you are telling the truth.

If you have to, be loud (but nice) in front of other customers. If you are just calling by phone, the above tactics should still work. The bank can easily fax or mail to you the Federal Regulation E dispute form.

CHARGES TO YOUR CREDIT CARD

If the charge was to your credit card (not debit card, check card, or checking account), contact the credit card company as soon as possible to request a dispute form. Consumers usually have a little longer to dispute fraudulent credit card charges (up to 6 months), but it is better to act right away. In this type of situation, credit card disputes are usually successful since fraudulent companies often won't contest the disputed charge. In rare cases, credit card companies will review disputes, but refuse to reverse the charges. If this occurs, complain to a manager and let them know you will be filing a report here.

Remember Don't let them get away with it! Make sure they make the Rip-off Report .. The more Reports filed on a Company or individual, the more likely it is that the authorities, media and attorneys will want to take action.

And good luck Let us know how you do!

ED Magedson Founder, Rip-off Report.com & Author of www.ripoffrevenge.com

[email protected]

badbusinessbureau.com

www.ripoffreport.com

Don't let them get away with it.

Make sure they make the Rip-off Report!

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...the victims' advocate

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...by consumers, for consumers

CLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.