Complaint Review: Capital Vacations - Travel Agency Network - Saint Petersburg Florida

Capital Vacations called my Cell phone and offered me a free vacation because I was "in good standing with my bank". They said that all I had to do was participate in a two-week free trial period, during which they would send me offers. They said that if I cancelled before the two weeks were up, then I would not pay anything, and would receive the vacation anyway.

I told them that I was a minor and my account was a savings account, not checking, but they said that didn't matter. They also said they were recording the conversation, so they do have records of the agreement. They said I call and cancel and anytime.

During the two weeks, I called their number and got a recording (They have it set up so you can't talk to a real person unless they call you). I cancelled it over the phone and was assured that it was cancelled and I would not be billed anything.

On the 13th day of the trial I received another package from them (I believe it was overnight mail). It had a membership card inside and something saying they had to receive the card by the next day by mail in order to cancel the membership. I immediately wrote them a letter explaining exactly what they had told me by phone, and that I did not expect to be billed anything. I also said I wanted nothing to do with them. I still have a copy of the letter.

They called me a few days later saying that there must have been a mistake with a routing number because my account was a savings account. They said I would have to do the two-week trial period again, and assured me that I would still receive the free vacation. They said they would rush me the package this time- not wait until the last minute when it would be impossible to cancel.

I was away from home at school at the time, with two weeks before vacation. They had my school address, and I didn't get it before I left. When my bank statement came I discovered that they billed me $59.95. I still have not received any vacation from them. They knew I was a minor, but it made no difference whom they were ripping off. This was money I earned myself. They stole my money and time.

Kristin

The Woodlands, Texas
U.S.A.

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!

We are not lawyers.

We are not a collection agency.

We are Consumer Advocates.

...the victims' advocate

WE are Civil and Human Rights Activists

We are a Worldwide Consumer Reporting News Agency

...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.

Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Capitol Vacations