|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
In reality, neither the trips nor the airline tickets were free, and discounts promised by the travel service were usually nonexistent or effectively worthless. Blumenthal filed the lawsuit on behalf of Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) Commissioner Jerry Farrell, Jr. The action accuses Ultimate Travel Network, LLC, and Ameri-World Group, LLC, which share the same Rocky Hill address, and Ted Wilkie, who was involved in both companies, of violating the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act. Also named is Millennium Travel and Promotions, Inc., of Orange, Fl., which allegedly supplied bogus or deceptive travel certificates for the scam. “These companies exploited classic bait-and-switch,” Blumenthal said. “They lured consumers to seminars with false promises of free trips, airline tickets and other services only to hit them with a hard sell so strong that it bullied them into buying. The supposed free offers were monetary mirages -- rendered worthless by concealed conditions and fees. Memberships in the so-called ‘discount travel clubs’ -- costing as much as $9,000 -- provided few if any markdowns. “I will fight for restitution -- refunds for consumers swindled in this scam -- as well as fines and forfeitures deemed appropriate by the court,” Blumenthal added. Farrell said, “Ultimately, there was nothing free about a trip from Ultimate Travel Network. We allege in our complaint that there was significant material omission of the terms and conditions of the network’s membership, and that the barrage of sales tactics used on consumers involved a misrepresentation of service and cost. I’m pleased that wary consumers stepped forward to call our attention to this matter, so it can be appropriately addressed. Remember, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.” Since at least 2003, Ameri-World Group and, in later years, Ultimate Travel Network have contacted consumers by mail or phone claiming they were “selected” or “verified” to receive a “free” trip, plane tickets or other travel service. All consumers had to do to collect was attend a 90-minute sales presentation, the offers said. After the presentation, consumers were subjected to a high pressure sales pitch for a discount travel club from multiple salespeople escalating to the sales manager if they did not sign up. Consumers were initially quoted a price as high as $9,000 plus an annual maintenance fee for memberships which they told would provide them with discounts on travel services. When consumers resisted, the price dropped precipitously, at least as low as $2,000. The companies only provided consumers with the full purchase agreement and terms and conditions after they signed up. Consumers who tried to collect their “free” trip or service discovered it laden with hidden fees and numerous restrictions. Vacation properties shown to consumers were often not available and in some instances not affiliated with the companies. In reality, the club offered few if any benefits. The Better Business Bureau, which also received complaints about the alleged scam, provided important information that assisted the state’s investigation. Farrell offered this advice related to travelers: • Bewary of “great” deals. Walk away from high-pressured sales pitches. Ask detailed questions about promotions; • Get all the details, total cost and any refund policy in writing before you pay; • Never give your credit card number over the phone unless you know the person or company you are dealing with; • Never be rushed into sending money by overnight express; • Buy travel services only from a business you know. The lawsuit seeks restitution to consumers, a fine of up $5,000 per CUTPA violation, disgorgement of all ill-gotten gains, payment of the state’s legal fees and costs and a court order prohibiting the companies from further violating state consumer protection laws. © Copyright by NorwalkPlus.com. Some articles and pictures posted on our website, as indicated by their bylines, were submitted as press releases and do not necessarily reflect the position and opinion of NorwalkPlus.com, Norwalk Plus magazine, Canaiden LLC or any of its associated entities. Articles may have been edited for brevity and grammar. Related Articles: $40 million for Route 7 improvements in Danbury announced - Jul 24, 2008 - 12:55:22 PM John Martinez Named General Manager at Teddy’s Transportation System, Inc. - Jul 22, 2008 - 2:41:39 PM Fiscal '08 ends with small surplus according to Rell - Jul 22, 2008 - 10:38:33 AM Bond funding for canopy design at two Metro-North stations announced - Jul 18, 2008 - 11:20:10 AM A public meeting concerns a new Intermodal Transportation Center - Jul 16, 2008 - 8:48:08 AM CURRENT HEADLINES: Top of Page
|
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
