Need Help!

[trinadc6 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close trinadc6]

Hi, I am new here. I need a little help. About 4 years ago I seen an ad on tv for a Las Vegas getaway for $199 I called and booked it the stipulation was that I had to attend a timeshare meeting, She said thats all you have to do to get this discounted hotel room. It was just a hotel room for 2 nights $199 no airfare or anything. So my husband and I attended this timeshare presentation and did not buy it. I thought nothing of it until tonight I received a phone call saying that I was in default I was supposed to attend 2 timeshare presentations and I owe them $433 for defaulting. That I had 48 months to complete the presentations. I never signed anything I paid the $199 over the phone. Now they are telling me that they are sending me to collections. They have never called me before or sent me a letter...nothing. The las vegas stay was on 7/23/04 & 7/24/04. I am not sure if this is legitimate or not they have my credit card information, address and phone number. They did tell me if I paid the $433 and attended another timeshare presentation they would refund my $400 within 30 days. I do not have $433 laying around I don't know if this is legal can they do this? Has anyone ever had this happen to them? Are they really going to take me to collections? I am not sure what to do....Thanks for listening

[katiemack Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close katiemack]

I know others will have advice here...but for now, here is my two cents....it sounds like you may have been scammed by the caller. Your information may have been compromised....you don't say what place you toured in Vegas...it would help us to help you if you gave us all the details.

In no way are you liable for charges you did not authorize....if you think they have your credit info, advise your credit card company that you think your card has been compromised, and have them issue you a new card immediately...this way no charges can be made on that card.

As for collections, if there is no paperwork, I don't see how there can be collections....you don't mention who claims to be able to put you into collection.

In one instance a long time ago, (not timeshare related) I told such a caller to give me their phone number and address as I wanted my attorney to call them to handle this. I never heard a word after that, and guess what, they refused to give me that info....when possible, be uncooperative but firm....don't ever assume that someone is legit when they call you....scams are everywhere.

I know you will get more advice here....and I wish you the best.

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

I have never heard of having to take 2 tours unless you took 2 rooms for a friend and they were to tour. After 4 years my guess as Katiemac said this is a Scam. Tell them you will pay it if they show you proof. Besides did you give them your SS # if not how are they going to report you.

[Beaglemom3 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Beaglemom3]

Hi, I am new here. I need a little help. About 4 years ago I seen an ad on tv for a Las Vegas getaway for $199 I called and booked it the stipulation was that I had to attend a timeshare meeting, She said thats all you have to do to get this discounted hotel room. It was just a hotel room for 2 nights $199 no airfare or anything. So my husband and I attended this timeshare presentation and did not buy it. I thought nothing of it until tonight I received a phone call saying that I was in default I was supposed to attend 2 timeshare presentations and I owe them $433 for defaulting. That I had 48 months to complete the presentations. I never signed anything I paid the $199 over the phone. Now they are telling me that they are sending me to collections. They have never called me before or sent me a letter...nothing. The las vegas stay was on 7/23/04 & 7/24/04. I am not sure if this is legitimate or not they have my credit card information, address and phone number. They did tell me if I paid the $433 and attended another timeshare presentation they would refund my $400 within 30 days. I do not have $433 laying around I don't know if this is legal can they do this? Has anyone ever had this happen to them? Are they really going to take me to collections? I am not sure what to do....Thanks for listening

Tell these shameful scammers that you have forwarded all their correspondance to the consumer fraud division of your state's Attorney General and The Nevada A.G. and that they are handling the matter. In fact, do call the A.G s. Call your credit card company, too.
Let us know.
Go get 'em !

[rikkis_playpen Diamond Club Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close rikkis_playpen]

Besides did you give them your SS # if not how are they going to report you.

A SS# is not a requirement to submit a collections account.. A name, address, and legal obligation to pay are all that are required.. You don't even need a current address- skip tracing is something every collection company does on a daily basis now.....

trinadc6-

I also would urge you to exercise caution. Perhaps the tour list was sold on the black market and the crook is simply trying to come up with a new angle.... I've never heard of a tour requirement that lasts four years!

If you are submitted to collections- you will have to be notified in writing. You would then have the opportunity to deny the collection claim and demand documentation proving the validity of the claim (do this in writing within the timeframe the collection notice stipulates)...

I doubt this will ever get to that point as when you don't take the bait- the calls will most likely stop..

Good luck!

[Beaglemom3 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Beaglemom3]

A SS# is not a requirement to submit a collections account.. A name, address, and legal obligation to pay are all that are required.. You don't even need a current address- skip tracing is something every collection company does on a daily basis now.....

trinadc6-

I also would urge you to exercise caution. Perhaps the tour list was sold on the black market and the crook is simply trying to come up with a new angle.... I've never heard of a tour requirement that lasts four years!

If you are submitted to collections- you will have to be notified in writing. You would then have the opportunity to deny the collection claim and demand documentation proving the validity of the claim (do this in writing within the timeframe the collection notice stipulates)...

I doubt this will ever get to that point as when you don't take the bait- the calls will most likely stop..

Good luck!

Excellent points here.
Yes, by all means, do not verify any information or give any additional.
Ooooh these low-lifes !

[trinadc6 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close trinadc6]

I am not sure of the name of the place that we toured it was not on the strip it was behind the strip across the way from the hard rock and there was a restuarant in the bottom of the building. The name of the company that called me was Executive Travel Consultants on behalf of 1st Class Travel Wise they are based in Florida. The man I talked to emailed me a bunch of terms and conditions I have never seen before. He knew where we stayed, last 4 digits of my credit card number, our address, Phone number and email address.
Here are the terms he sent me, he said by purchasing on the phone with my credit card I agreed to these terms.

First Class Cruise Vacations, Inc. ESSENTIAL VACATION INFO
FIRSTCLASSTRAVELWISE.COM UNDERNEATH THIS PAGE
21950 Soundview Ter. Suite# 101
Boca Raton, FL 33433
For Reservation Contact 1-877-948-8900
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF YOUR PACKAGE WITH US
This material is being used for the soliciting of sales of vacation ownership.
• Additional nights to any particular vacation are available at our special, corporate rates. If more than 4 people need to be accommodated at the hotels or resorts additional person charges may apply. If cruising, for a third or fourth passenger, there are direct additional passenger costs for individuals under 18 who must be added to the first and second passengers same cruise cabin. As is the policy with Royal Caribbean and our other major cruise lines. This may be done directly with the fulfillment company or Royal Caribbean cruise lines.
• While on board, the networks ships have over 5 meals a day, with all meals and entertainment included. You will be responsible for all beverages other than coffee; tea; or juice, and any gambling or gratuities that you may incur. Now, they do have ships that depart every week, though there may be some surcharges if you are traveling during peak seasons, or the week or weekend of a holiday. Note, incase of a layover or some unforeseen event with your airline, you may be required to spend, at least, a night together with the cruise, at one of our featured properties, to ensure, at least, you do not miss your ships departure. And, of course, the cruise is included in our packages; however, you are responsible for the port and processing fees that are relative to Royal Caribbean or Regal cruise lines. These are administrative and government fees that may only be paid around 60 days, or so, before your cruise departs. No part of these fees go to First Class Travel Wise, so these fees and departure taxes cannot be paid at this time. Finally, know, our Royal Caribbean cruise certificates do have date change flexibility, for only $99.00 you may change or extend the cruise portion of this package even beyond the original year to 48 months. *We reserve the right to substitute the cruise line depending upon Royal Caribbean rain check or cruise cancellation policy.
• For any cruise or hotel accommodations, sometimes there is a $10.00 to $20.00 per person charge for reservations, for your package here, depending on season, if there is a major event, or something special going on. At the hotels, all incidentals such as hotel tax, long distance calls, transportation to the destinations, and meals (unless the meals are otherwise established on audio receipt or in writing) are not included, and are your responsibility. At the featured vacations you and your spouse or guest are required to take a tour, for part of a morning, or part of an afternoon, usually no more than 90 minutes, each to hear the benefits of acquiring vacation ownership at some award winning resorts. And, note, spouses are required to tour in some destinations. If the spouse term applies. This package is good for 48 months, and may be extended longer, as long as the tour in the featured vacations are completed (your Itinerary Summary distinguishes the featured vacations, which is generally Vegas and one of other over 70 select locations). Just call when you get the postcard from us, and we’ll extend the remaining getaways for you. For accommodations we do ask for a 30 to 60 day notice in order to guarantee the guarantee-able travel dates. For most of the destinations we need, at least, a 7 day notice in order to book. At least a 60 to 65 day notice may be necessary (especially for cruises) for holidays or peak seasons, if available. If no events are going on, or during non-peak seasons, the cruises may be booked at around a 30 day notice. The featured vacations of this package are transferable at no charge.
• For corporate travel that includes airfare, taxes and activation fees are not included. And minimum hotel night stays may apply.
• All cruise, airfare, car rental, or gasoline reimbursement offers of this package will be fulfilled directly by Royal Caribbean, Regal, and whichever participating gas station or fulfillment company, and will not effect your central accommodations of the package you have purchased through First Class Travel Wise. Any rain checks, problems, complaints, or Acts of God, it is henceforth established, will be resolved directly between you (the consumer) and the relative fulfillment company. And will not effect your package or terms with First Class Travel Wise, in any way. First Class Travel Wise does everything it can to assist all consumers in working with Royal Caribbean, our network Radisson World Gate hotels, and any of the other companies that are involved in the fulfillment of your package. Travelers must have a valid, major credit card on file before traveling. Just as is the policy with virtually all hotels and rental car companies.
• Only the tour relative parts of some distinguished Preferred Packages are limited to individuals between the ages of 25-70, with an annual household income of at least US $50,000. Never for Florida. Some parts of this package must be used by U.S. or Canadian citizens.
• Failure to tour and/or meet the qualifications of this vacation package, and the vacation ownership tours relative to the featured vacations, will result in the consumer to pay the timeshare tour payout relative to the front-end (if applicable) and the back-end vacations of this package. This tour payout is $400.00 for each of the tours .Only if qualification is not met or if tours are not completed, this is. Welcome Aboard! Estimated retail value of this package: $1,200.00 (or greater in peak seasons).