Lured by 'Free' Travel, Consumers Bit by Large Expense

11/2/2009

Phone: 817-332-7585
Email: communications@fwbbb.org

Fort Worth, TX – BBB is warning consumers to be alert when offered “free” travel awards. Many consumers have found redeeming their “free” trip cost them thousands of dollars.

One local example is All Inclusive Excursions in Fort Worth, TX. The company has an ‘F’ rating largely due to the number of complaints, the number of unresolved complaints, the number of serious complaints and an unanswered complaint. Complaints focus on the use of misleading and high pressure sales tactics resulting in purchased services that don’t meet the promised expectations.

Often travel clubs use a solicitation practice similar to All Inclusive Excursions. A letter is mailed stating the consumer has qualified for a prize. To redeem their prize, they must contact the company within a specified period. Upon calling, consumers learn they must attend an informative presentation before the prize will be awarded. During the presentation the company claims to be able to save consumers thousands of dollars on vacations if they purchase a membership through the Club.

At the conclusion of the presentation, sales consultants meet individually with consumers to pitch the travel clubs offers. The “investment” ranges from $6,000 dollars to $9,000 plus fees. Consumers are asked to sign a contract that day, on site. One consumer noted the contract includes a clause making the “three day right to cancel” law null and void.

Some consumers complained to the BBB that ultimately what they purchased was nothing more than a user id and password that directed them to sites like Expedia and Travelocity. And, in order to receive their ‘free’ gift they had to mail $100 non-refundable postal money order.

    The BBB urges consumers to use caution when seeing these red flags in travel or other unsolicited mailings:
  • Requirements for time or money in order to receive a “free” gift
  • High pressure sales tactics like ‘you must sign today’
  • Demands for credit card information before explaining the conditions of the offer
  • Refusal to provide all the information about the total cost of the offer

BBB recommend consumers always check a company’s Reliability Report at www.fwbbb.org or by calling 817-332-7585 to gain insight before doing business with them.