Complaint Review: Roark Vacation Travel Club - Branson Missouri

A year ago we got a call back from filling out a form at the Kansas State Fair for a opportunity to win a trip. We got a call from Roark Vacation Travel Club (VTC) saying we didnt win the primary prize but we did win the secondary. This should have been out first clue.

The stipulations were that we were going to have to pay $300 for 2 nights stay at a hotel, 2 day pass to Branson Silver Dollar City, and one show from a listed provide by VTC. In addition, we were going to have to listen to a sales speech. We decided it would be a good oppotunity so we accepted.

They brought us into a room and explained we had to listen to the whole sales speech. They then told use the cost was about $7000 for their package that would get you cheaper vacations via wholesale. Because they owned in on some of the companies they could get you discounts at lower costs. They showed us listings of disounted rates to places like Hawaii for 7 day trips for about $799 each including hotel, airfare, and rental. There were lists of others that were shown to be extremely good deals all for having the membership. They stated they will inform you when these deals are available and that you generally have a 45 day window to capture them (Both these statements are a lie).

We were hesitant, so they brought their manager over. We told him we were not interested. So he stated if we joined they would lower the price to $3000 and still give us the "GOLD" package. This is a package where you get points to use for the really good resort deals. We went ahead and accepted. They also stated that they annual membership dues were $150 a year. Also that you would only be charged if you used their service.

We tried to find out their services and logged into their site (first password was not good and we had to get another). Then when I started looking up for airfare costs they had a discounted one on their site that stated 5 people from ICT to LAX for about $189 a person. But when I tried to book it wouldnt take it. I called the phone number and the representative stated they didnt see what I saw and that they were getting around $300 a ticket for their fares. I asked how is it possible you get a different fare on your site then I get. She couldnt explain. I took screen shots of the rates and emailed them to her. She appologized but stated they couldnt get me the rates.

I then looked up the company they were using as a search engine (one they were mirroring and pushing to 'their' site). That company TravelStoreMaker.com said they would honor their engine. So I had to technically use a different company which they were stealing their search engine for use. They no longer are pushing that engine to their site by the way.

This company will send you NO INFORMATION ON VACATIONS. THEY WILL NOT CALL YOU. ONCE THEY GET THEIR MONEY THEY ARE DONE WITH YOU. I have called the office trying to get good deals. But when I look up comparibles againsts what their site shows verses what expedia or others. VTC rates are higher. Additionally, they dont get you the deals as I now found out. Your paying for a opportunity to get one of the open slots they may be able to get. This is a complete false representation of what they tell you.

Now I found out they charged my credit card $196.90 for annual dues. I called and complained because I was NOT suppose to be charged unless I use the service.

I called 1-800-524-6240 and complained they said they always charge the annual fees and its part of my contract. I stated no its not. They referred me to call back to the Branson office. I did so. Leon from Branson (after having to make a couple calls back to get them to respond) left a message and said to take to Jose and she would credit it back. Then (after leaving messages with (1-800-524-6240) I finally got them to call back. Jose says Leon didn't say that and I have to notify them a year in advance to suspend my account to prevent these charges. This is completely a life long scam.

I am now going to be filing with the Attorney Generals Office with Missouri. I have called them last week and they stated they are aware of them and sent me the forms which I recieved in the mail Saturday.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to [email protected] or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2004_3rd/Aug04_MissouriAG.html

http://ago.mo.gov/newsreleases/2006/121906.htm

Wbaldwin

Andover, Kansas

U.S.A.