On 16th June of this year I received a recorded message telling me of an amazing deal on a holiday package to Florida so as the call was free of charge I pressed 0 to be directed to an operator. I have done something similiar in 1998 where I did actually go to florida for a holiday so I didnt think this would be any different. Anyway the operator was extremely convincing, very charming and gave me absolute assurance that I have 30 days to cancel for any reason I did not want to take this offer.
I was a little skeptical as she said I have to secure it there and then. I refused however she then said, if I gave her my credit card details, no money would be taken out, it was only to secure booking and after 30 days if I did not cancel then the full amount would be deducted from my visa. I repeatedly asked if this was definitely the case and she assured me that it was.
Anyhow, I decided to go with this as it does seem like a very good deal. However a week later I received my visa staement and it showed that sunshine travel escapes had taken 593.11 already.
Feeling extremely duped I called back sunshine travel escapes immediately and told them of my annoyance and demanded a cancellation. Spoke to a girl called Jennifer. She tried everything to convince me to keep the holiday package, even offering me an extra-completely free hoiday to mexico!
She also appologized for her colleague and said she doesn't know why she misinformed me.
In the end she put the cancellation through and gave me a reference code: (CXL7868192) and asked me to send the information package back to them as it was transferable. She said it will take about 3 weeks for the refund to go back on my visa.
I had not received the holiday package till the following week and when I did,I posted it back on 2nd July 2005 with proof of posting from the post office.
I have still not received my refund and everytime I try calling the company (before I even finish talking) I just get cut off or directed to somebodys' answering machine! The operators are extremely rude, unhelpful and plain arrogant!
There was once I pretended that I wish to take the offer up again that I was able to speak to an advisor called Casandra. I managed to extract from her that on their system it shows that I have already made the cancellation but she had no idea why a refund was not issued. She said she will call me back, however as expected I never did get any calls back.
I feel I have been subjected to fraud and have since found out that there are many similiar scams occuring all around britain.
I have reported this to my Visa company and this issue is still ongoing. They have informed me that because this company operates outside of the UK it is very difficult to investigate my claim.
I hope some authority will investigate this company as it is operating fraudulently.
It would be most appreciated if someone can advise me if there is an equivalent to our Trading Standards in Uk that are in Florida? or any advise that maybe useful.
Linh
Chester
United Kingdom
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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...by consumers, for consumersCLICK HERE to read about Credit Card Scams... find out how to get your money back. *Rip-off Report Investigation provides valuable information.