Correction/Change: "I thought about cancelling several times, but ended up forgetting about it."
Please put instead that: "We thought about cancelling it, but my mom didn't want to have to go all the way back there and didn't want to have to worry about it any further."
We are submitting this written response as a follow-up to our phone call to the Missouri Revdex.com on 5/4/16 at 9:17 AM. We spoke first with [redacted], then with [redacted]. [redacted] indicated that there was an Administrative Hold on this account, and there is nothing that we, as the consumer, could do to move things along. However, we do want to respond to the 5/3 rebuttal from a company called VSA.
As stated in our 4/20/16 letter, the product delivered was not the product that was demonstrated by the representative from Destinations.
It is our position that their fraudulent sales presentation and failure to provide the product they demonstrated has rendered the contract null and void. It is also our belief that this company intentionally does not allow access to their product until it is too late for the consumer to opt out. However, in good faith, we have tried to have conversations with representatives from management of Destinations, to no avail. From the first day we contacted [redacted] and later Destinations, we have begged to speak with someone from management. We have been put through to customer service, who assured us that a member of management, namely [redacted] or [redacted], would be contacting us. No call came. We received a phone call from the sales rep, [redacted], who admitted that we did not receive the product he demonstrated and told us again that his manager would be contacting us. No call came. We waited in our home for 5 entire days for this call and 14 days later no call has come. Yet, on May 3, the company is responding to the Missouri Revdex.com complaint that we have not requested mediation. It seems that this is a stall tactic from a company who we have repeatedly tried to contact, yet have received no response. These are not the actions of a company that wishes to have a discussion.
In addition, we do not even know who VSA is. We had no contract with a company called VSA. Our contracts were with Destinations and with [redacted]. Our research has indicated that the various businesses involved with this particular scam has hampered the ability of law enforcement to put an end to their taking advantage of unsuspecting senior citizens. And now, they want us to incur additional costs to return to Missouri for mediation. This will involve the cost of mediation (approx. $500), round trip transportation, lodging and meals for an indeterminate amount of time, at yet an additional cost, all to defend ourselves because this company fraudulently presented one product and delivered another one entirely.
Due to a Revdex.com complaint that we have filed in Florida against [redacted], we received a call from [redacted] on Thursday, May 5, 2016, and we set up a conference call for Friday, May 6 at 3:00 PM. During this conversation, Mr. [redacted] stated that, although his company is the "fulfillment" company, he is not a representative of Destinations, but rather acts as a liaison to them. No mention of a company called VSA was made. We explained our position; that we do not have access to the product that was presented during the sales presentation. He admitted that we are not provided access to the same website that is used during their presentation. This is in keeping with what we have previously reported we were told by [redacted] at [redacted] on 4/15/16, when we began questioning the product delivered, and also in keeping with the conversation that took place with [redacted] on 4/20/16, when he admitted that the site he had shown during the sales promo was what travel agents use. At that time, [redacted] asked if giving me access to the product that he had demonstrated would satisfy me. We declined this offer at this time, stating that we had no faith in their company. Upon hearing this, [redacted] stated that this was not a possible resolution anyway. I reiterated that I specifically asked if we would have access to all that was being presented during the sales presentation. This seems to have boiled down to a matter of semantics...his response is that we do have access...if we fill out a travel request, [redacted] will send us an itinerary within 48 hours. If that is not to our liking, we make another request, wait another 48 hours, etc. From our perspective, that is not having the same access that was demonstrated during the sales presentation. We cannot sit down at the computer and look at all available options, then select the option that fits us best. The only options we have are what [redacted] chooses to share with us. We have no means of seeing what is actually available and, had that been explained to us during the sales presentation, we would have had no interest in purchasing this product. At the sales presentation we were assured that we would have access to everything that was shown.
As we explained to [redacted], there is no chance of ever creating a bond of trust with this company at this juncture. As a resolution, [redacted] first offered that Destinations refund $2000 of our purchase price along with $1000 in travel vouchers. Later in the conversation, he enhanced this offer to a $3000 refund toward our purchase price, with $500 in travel vouchers. We indicated that, given the fact that we did not receive the product that was demonstrated to us, and that the bond of trust in this company is irreparably damaged, we simply wished to have our entire purchase price refunded and go our separate ways. As if we were not distrusting enough of this company, learning from [redacted] that, what [redacted] had offered during his aforementioned phone call on 4/20/16 (namely, access to the site he had presented during his sales promotion) would not have been a possibility even if we had been interested only added to our distrust. This is a clear indication to us that this company is willing to promise anything to make a sale, with no regard for what is the truth. [redacted] also acknowledged that he can understand our frustration that no one from Destinations management has gotten back to us, and he has indicated that he will see to it that this will happen. We are not hopeful. In addition, upon learning that we have filed a dispute of this purchase with our credit card company, [redacted] stated that, if the credit card company sides with us, the entire issue will be moot. He stated that, because the credit card company was involved, we should take no further action until notified. He also asked that we contact him at the phone number that he previously provided when we get the result of our dispute. We also requested that, due to our intense distrust and intent to sever relations with these companies (or, apparently, any other companies that might come out of the woodwork) no membership fees be charged to our credit card. He assured us that our membership would be put on hold. As previously stated, we have returned all membership material to Destinations.
In addition to Revdex.com complaints in Missouri and Florida, we have filed complaints with both the Missouri Attorney General and the Florida Attorney General. We have initiated a dispute with our credit card company and we are in the process of filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. We hope that these efforts will result in a full refund of our purchase price, as we have not used, nor will we ever use, this product. It is useless.
Member admits to not using the service contracted for, and there is no actual complaint about the service. Members sole complaint is he is not able to access on the web the travel agent's web access. The contract between the parties does not provide member with access to travel agent's website. this is not a valid reason for a refund. In Destinations "Representations and Agreement' contract, it specifically provides that the decision to purchase the [redacted] membership is not based upon any representation which is not in the membership packet, membership application, Understanding & Acknowledgment or Terms & Conditions and that if the member is relying upon any other representations the member has noted them in writing on the special provisions section of the sales agreement worksheet." Mr [redacted] initialed this provision and did not note any exceptions in writing on the sales agreement worksheet. Destinations and [redacted] have fulfilled all of their contractual obligations, nd member has not even bothered to attempt to use the service.
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
Nobody would ever return our calls or emails, but now that we have filed a complaint they want to make contact. Again another example of poor customer service.
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
First we saw Destinations. there was no mention of VSA Holdings, Inc. There is no contract with this company.
This is the 2nd company that Destinations has foisted on us that we did not contract with.
There is no mention of any mandatory 3 hour mediation in any contract with Destinations.
I am forwarding a copy of this to our lawyer and the MO Attorney General's Office as well as the banks regarding a merchant dispute.
September 21, 2015
RE: Revdex.com Case ID: [redacted]
We are in receipt of [redacted] and [redacted]'s complaint and offer the following -
The contract between the complainant and VSA Holdings, Inc. requires three hours of mandatory mediation prior to proceeding with the complaint. The consumer has not requested or completed the mandatory mediation. We will not comment upon the consumer's complaint prior to the mediation.
Respectfully,
[redacted]
VSA Holdings, Inc.
Administration ([redacted] - bus resp.pdf)
I have contract proof that [redacted] from Destinations was a representative of [redacted]. I posted the contract on [redacted] and the respondees agree that [redacted] was the representative.
Based on this, I feel as though there was fraudulent representation in the seminar that was presented by Destinations.
I guest for now will try and use what we sign up for we haven't tried it yet but we are planning on trying it in Feb thank you for trying to resolve this issue for us for now
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
We do NOT feel that this retired military couple should have to spend more time and money to retrieve our payment from [redacted], a company who LIED, SCAMMED, and CHEATED us. [redacted] portrayed themselves as a truthful company. BUT AFTER 14 MONTHS, we found out that they LIED to us. If they were any kind of an honest company with a conscience, they would return our money as they did NOT do as they said. They did nothing but LIE!
2/8/16. I have had no response from Destinations Travel/VSA. Of the two credit cards in dispute that we placed the $11,995. membership amount, [redacted] has issued a temporary credit for the contract being "cancelled". The merchant has 45 days to respond to this matter. If merchant fails to...
respond within the 45 days, the credit becomes permanent.
The MO. Attorney General has asked me to file this complaint with their office, which I am in the process of filing.
Hello,Hope this find you well. Please find in the attachment case ID #[redacted], as well as the required documents. If you have any questions, please do call. Respectfully, [redacted]
September 25, 2015
RE: Revdex.com Case ID: [redacted] and [redacted]
Thank you for forwarding the additional information from Mr. & Mrs. [redacted] and [redacted].
We continue to be available for mediation in accordance with the contract.
Respectfully,
[redacted]
VSA Holdings, Inc.
Administration
([redacted] - 2nd bus resp.pdf)
Initial Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2015/10/19) */
October 19, 2015
RE: Revdex.com Case ID: XXXXXX
Thank you for forwarding the complaint from Mr. [redacted]. However, Vacation Services of America has no relationship with this consumer. Vacation Services of America is a completely...
separate company from [redacted] The two companies are neither partner, nor are they affiliates.
Vacation Services of America was not involved with this consumer transaction. Thank you for your prompt attention to the matter.
Respectfully,
Shawna [redacted]
VSA Holdings, Inc.
Administration
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
We do not accept the merchant's response to our dispute. There is nothing to mediate. We realized within 48 hours that we did not belong in this contract and called our representative at Destinations with our decision. We HAD to change our minds due to the financial hardship and physical restrictions, both of us nearing 80 years of age. We are consumers who were lead to believe that the membership would end our timeshare worries and joined ONLY because of that. The podium speaker, [redacted] and our Destinations representative, convinced my husband with great and scary detail as to how timeshare owners are badgered by gangs of attorneys for the fees of the timeshares for years and how estates are targeted and the children of the owners are held responsible, etc., and my husband jumped at the opportunity at what we thought was a TRADE OF THE TIMESHARE for a travel membership, just to get rid of timeshare.
On arrival home we immediately called our Destinations representative [redacted]. My first words were "We have to get out of this contract" and it was met with how much we were going to enjoy the travel membership. [redacted]'s next question was "What do we have to do to get out of this contract?" and What would it cost us to get out of this contract? and What options do we have?
We then were told there would be no maintenance fees for the timeshare any longer, etc., changing the subject and NEVER answering my questions. He said to make a list of questions for the [redacted] who were "taking" our timeshare. He never once responded to my please about what I needed to do to "get out of the Contract."
12/5/15 Two hours later [redacted] called back, offering a bigger discount ($5,000) than the first contract. He said the new Contract would be sent to us in Colorado for signature.
12/7/15. [redacted] phone call to [redacted]. Again, stressed to Destinations Rep. that even with the large discount on the new Contract we were unable to handle that kind of expense. He seemed shocked when I told him I had contacted my home timeshare people and they were willing to "take-back" our timeshare and we did not need their services after all. He said "Good, that will save you some money." I might add it saves Destinations a considerable amount of effort, also.
I again told him I had to CANCEL OUR CONTRACT. He stated it was "too late, the deadline was Saturday 12/5/15.
I argued that weekends didn't count as business days. He replied they are open on weekends and thus count them as business days. I pleaded with him about what did we have to do to get out of the contract or what would it cost us to get out. He replied that it was too late and he wanted to get back to his football game. End of phone call.
Then our Missouri contacts advised us that Missouri Law allows for a ten-day rescission period and we realized we'd been mislead once again.
12/7/15 Placed the contract amount on our two credit cards in Dispute.
We signed the new contract on 12/13/15 for a new amount and on 12/14/15 following due diligence we exercised our rights under the contract, item #4, sending all materials back to Destinations in accordance with their directions for rescission, via First Class Mail along with our Cancellation Notice of Dec 14, 2015, signed by us.
We have used due diligence in notifying the parties we knew to be involved in decision making as to our rescission, such as the man known to us to be the Sales Rep/Closer/Speaker [redacted] and also our agent talking directly with the owner of Destinations on two occasions during January. We explained our position as financial and health related, and we blindly accepted that the speaker was being honest in his portrayal of the timeshare industry. We desire to rescind this transaction in it's entirety, because we understand that the laws of Missouri allow us to do so. Our desire is for Destinations to credit the $5997.50 to each of our credit cards and allow us to rescind the membership contract.
Sincerely, Mr & Mrs [redacted]
Initial Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2015/09/21) */
September 21, 2015
RE: Revdex.com Case ID: XXXXXX
We are in receipt of [redacted] and [redacted]'s complaint and offer the following -
The contract between the complainant and VSA Holdings, Inc. requires three hours of mandatory mediation...
prior to proceeding with the complaint. The consumer has not requested or completed the mandatory mediation. We will not comment upon the consumer's complaint prior to the mediation.
Respectfully,
[redacted]
VSA Holdings, Inc.
Administration
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (3000, 7, 2015/09/22) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
Nobody would ever return our calls or emails, but now that we have filed a complaint they want to make contact. Again another example of poor customer service.
Final Business Response /* (4000, 9, 2015/09/25) */
September 25, 2015
RE: Revdex.com Case ID: [redacted] and [redacted]
Thank you for forwarding the additional information from Mr. & Mrs. [redacted] and [redacted].
We continue to be available for mediation in accordance with the contract.
Respectfully,
[redacted]
VSA Holdings, Inc.
Administration
Final Consumer Response /* (4200, 11, 2015/09/28) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
Like I stated before nobody wanted to return phone calls or emails previously, and we will not take time off from our jobs to drive 3,hours to be bullied. We are standing firm on wanting a refund. I believe this is the right thing to do. We work hard for our money and really thought we was getting an awesome deal, instead we was taken advantage of.
Initial Business Response /* (1000, 6, 2016/03/11) */
We are in receipt of [redacted]'s complaint and offer the following -
Please see the enclosed waiver and release that Mr. [redacted] signed. Any giving that was not received: the 3rd part marketing company was to mail to them. The undersigned...
does acknowledge that Destinations makes no warranties or representations regarding said gift/s or services promised by the third party upon redemption. Having said this; as a good faith gesture, Destinations will ensure that Mr. [redacted] receives his $100.00 Dining Card.
Respectfully,
[redacted]
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (2000, 8, 2016/03/11) */
(The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.)
September 24, 2015
RE: Revdex.com Case ID: [redacted]
Thank you for forwarding the additional information from Ms. [redacted]. We continue to be available for mediation in accordance with the contract.
Respectfully,
[redacted]
VSA Holdings, Inc.
Administration ([redacted] - 2nd bus resp.pdf)
Complaint: [redacted]
I am rejecting this response because: The failure of Destinations not allowing us...
access into their website for 6 days, after signing the contract. It did not give us adequate time to evaluate their services before the three day business contracted ended. On November 8th, we finally received our pin number. we immediately turned to [redacted] and discovered these so called 'good deals' were not as good as the presenter led us to believe. The Destinations presenter used numerous on-line travel agencies such as; [redacted], etc. to show us that Destination could save us up to 50% or more. We felt that some of these prices were questionable? This was why we wanted to get into Destinations website and check it out before contract was finalized. As soon as we got into [redacted]'s website, we noticed that Destinations prices were anywhere from $7-15 cheaper. If we were paying a quarterly fee of $69, plus a $8,500 membership fee, this would be a losing proposition. Another 'red flag' came up just before we were just about to sign the contract. We noticed their business manager had an I-phone in his hand showing various vacation sites. We told him we were going to Sedona, Ariz. this Winter and asked him if he would please look up the cost of the condominium we plan to stay at. He pulled it up and it was only $8 less than [redacted]. We asked him again if he would pull up another hotel site where we stayed at in Illinois. It was only $7 less. We asked him what happened to all those 'big savings we had just listened too" His reply;" These are our old prices....I just haven't updated it." This was another reason why we wanted to check out Destinations website....immediately. Things just didn't seem to add up. In hind sight, we should have not signed the papers. All we had heard up to this point was a lot of promises/.When Destinations apologized for the mistake they made by not sending us their log in for 6 days/or their error in not even entering our email in their system correctly, we even questioned that the 'delay' might have even been done intentionally. It is more than just a little 'inconvenience' for us....the 'delay' cost us $8,500. As soon as we got into Destinations website we called their office and said we wanted to cancel our membership immediately. We believe their error or mistake did not give us enough time to end our agreement within the 3 day time span.We want our membership terminated with no cost involved.
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Initial Business Response /* (1000, 9, 2015/09/11) */
September 7, 2015
RE: Revdex.com Case ID: [redacted]
We are in receipt of [redacted]'s complaint and offer the following -
The contract between the complainant and VSA Holdings, Inc. requires three hours of mandatory mediation...
prior to proceeding with the complaint. The consumer has not requested or completed the mandatory mediation. We will not comment upon the consumer's complaint prior to the mediation.
Respectfully,
[redacted]
VSA Holdings,Inc.
Administration
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (3000, 11, 2015/09/14) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
What do they mean by 3 hrs. mandatory mediation? How? When? What are they expecting from us? It sounds like a way for them to try to wiggle out of their agreement to me. Where do I go from here?
Final Business Response /* (4000, 17, 2015/09/25) */
September 24, 2015
RE: Revdex.com Case ID: XXXXXX
Thank you for forwarding the additional information from Ms. [redacted]. We continue to be available for mediation in accordance with the contract.
Respectfully,
[redacted]
VSA Holdings, Inc.
Administration
Final Consumer Response /* (4200, 19, 2015/09/28) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
This does not help us obtain the advantages promised to us for use in Branson, MO. We never were and still are not interested in cruises, resorts, etc., but enjoy Branson and were told we would get assistance with travel, lodging and rental cars. Now this company is not even available to us at this site. Another rip-off with promises never intended for us to collect.
Initial Business Response /* ([redacted], 2015/09/11) */
September 7, 2015
RE: Revdex.com Case ID: [redacted]
We are in receipt of [redacted]'s complaint and offer the following -
The contract between the complainant and VSA Holdings, Inc. requires three hours of mandatory...
mediation prior to proceeding with the complaint. The consumer has not requested or completed the mandatory mediation. We will not comment upon the consumer's complaint prior to the mediation.
Respectfully,
[redacted]
VSA Holdings, Inc.
Administration
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* ([redacted], 2015/09/16) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
We feel [redacted] LIED to us and should refund all the money that we have paid to them.
When we first went to the [redacted] presentation in Oct 2013, we were singled out by salesman [redacted] and others because we owned a time share. We had no intentions of buying anything as we explained to them that we are a retired couple and can NOT afford a maintenance fee for a time share AND their travel plan! After each protest and reason as to why we could NOT purchase their plan, [redacted] would very loudly say "YOUR TIME SHARE IS GONE!" He explained that [redacted] buys unwanted time shares and that we would no longer OWN one or be responsible for the maintenance fees, so we could then afford their travel plan. We were excited to be free of the time share and could travel with our family. LIE, LIE, LIE!
Before papers were signed, I was alone with assistant [redacted]. I asked her if they really were buying our time share and she assured me that they were a reputable company that keeps their word, unlike others in Branson. LIE, LIE, LIE!
When we returned home we paid [redacted] for transfer fees and paper work.
FOR 14 MONTHS we thought our time share was GONE! We did not use the travel plan, but every 3 months we paid $59 for [redacted] membership fee.
In Dec 2914, we received a bill for the maintenance of our time share. We sent the bill back with a note that said that we did not own the time share any more and that it was sold 14 months ago.
A week before Christmas 2014, we received a letter from [redacted] saying that they could not sell the time share and we had to respond within 30 days or we would loose our $1000. We were shocked to find our that the time share was STILL OURS! LIE, LIE, LIE! We would have a fee to pay!
After several [redacted] calls, they advised us to email for a refund from [redacted] They promptly returned our $1000.
When I asked [redacted] about returning our money for the travel plan as we not have a maintenance fee to pay, they said that [redacted] handles that. When I explained to him that we would have NOT purchased their travel plan without the selling of the time share and asked for the return of our money as [redacted] had done, he said many times, "THAT ISN'T GOING TO HAPPEN!" We visited with [redacted] many times. He told us that there isn't anything we can do, we should be happy to get $1000 back, there is NOT going to be a refund, and he only handles complaints! He also told us that we did NOT want to go the 3 hour arbitration route as we would have to travel back to Branson, pay for lodging and meals, pay for an attorney, and pay for 1/2 of the court costs and that would be more than the $6995 we paid in the first place and we should just forget about it as nothing could be done! Just be happy with the plan from them!
We have called and left messages, but [redacted] is not returning any of our calls now. So we have stopped paying the 3 month membership.
We felt scammed, stuck, foolish, furious, lied to, and taken advantage of. We listened to and believed this company and thought we were doing the best for our family.
[redacted] wanted us to just forget about the money we paid them as they LIED, LIED, LIED to us. They seem content in the fact that they can scam families and not be held accountable. They just LIE, LIE, LIE!
Final Business Response /* ([redacted], 2015/09/25) */
September 25, 2015
RE: Revdex.com Case ID: XXXXXX
Thank you for forwarding the additional information from Ms. [redacted].
We continue to be available for mediation in accordance with the contract.
Respectfully,
[redacted]
VSA Holdings, Inc.
Administration
Final Consumer Response /* ([redacted], 2015/09/28) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
We do NOT feel that this retired military couple should have to spend more time and money to retrieve our payment from [redacted], a company who LIED, SCAMMED, and CHEATED us. [redacted] portrayed themselves as a truthful company. BUT AFTER 14 MONTHS, we found out that they LIED to us. If they were any kind of an honest company with a conscience, they would return our money as they did NOT do as they said. They did nothing but LIE!
Correction/Change: "I thought about cancelling several times, but ended up forgetting about it."
Please put instead that: "We thought about cancelling it, but my mom didn't want to have to go all the way back there and didn't want to have to worry about it any further."
We are submitting this written response as a follow-up to our phone call to the Missouri Revdex.com on 5/4/16 at 9:17 AM. We spoke first with [redacted], then with [redacted]. [redacted] indicated that there was an Administrative Hold on this account, and there is nothing that we, as the consumer, could do to move things along. However, we do want to respond to the 5/3 rebuttal from a company called VSA.
As stated in our 4/20/16 letter, the product delivered was not the product that was demonstrated by the representative from Destinations.
It is our position that their fraudulent sales presentation and failure to provide the product they demonstrated has rendered the contract null and void. It is also our belief that this company intentionally does not allow access to their product until it is too late for the consumer to opt out. However, in good faith, we have tried to have conversations with representatives from management of Destinations, to no avail. From the first day we contacted [redacted] and later Destinations, we have begged to speak with someone from management. We have been put through to customer service, who assured us that a member of management, namely [redacted] or [redacted], would be contacting us. No call came. We received a phone call from the sales rep, [redacted], who admitted that we did not receive the product he demonstrated and told us again that his manager would be contacting us. No call came. We waited in our home for 5 entire days for this call and 14 days later no call has come. Yet, on May 3, the company is responding to the Missouri Revdex.com complaint that we have not requested mediation. It seems that this is a stall tactic from a company who we have repeatedly tried to contact, yet have received no response. These are not the actions of a company that wishes to have a discussion.
In addition, we do not even know who VSA is. We had no contract with a company called VSA. Our contracts were with Destinations and with [redacted]. Our research has indicated that the various businesses involved with this particular scam has hampered the ability of law enforcement to put an end to their taking advantage of unsuspecting senior citizens. And now, they want us to incur additional costs to return to Missouri for mediation. This will involve the cost of mediation (approx. $500), round trip transportation, lodging and meals for an indeterminate amount of time, at yet an additional cost, all to defend ourselves because this company fraudulently presented one product and delivered another one entirely.
Due to a Revdex.com complaint that we have filed in Florida against [redacted], we received a call from [redacted] on Thursday, May 5, 2016, and we set up a conference call for Friday, May 6 at 3:00 PM. During this conversation, Mr. [redacted] stated that, although his company is the "fulfillment" company, he is not a representative of Destinations, but rather acts as a liaison to them. No mention of a company called VSA was made. We explained our position; that we do not have access to the product that was presented during the sales presentation. He admitted that we are not provided access to the same website that is used during their presentation. This is in keeping with what we have previously reported we were told by [redacted] at [redacted] on 4/15/16, when we began questioning the product delivered, and also in keeping with the conversation that took place with [redacted] on 4/20/16, when he admitted that the site he had shown during the sales promo was what travel agents use. At that time, [redacted] asked if giving me access to the product that he had demonstrated would satisfy me. We declined this offer at this time, stating that we had no faith in their company. Upon hearing this, [redacted] stated that this was not a possible resolution anyway. I reiterated that I specifically asked if we would have access to all that was being presented during the sales presentation. This seems to have boiled down to a matter of semantics...his response is that we do have access...if we fill out a travel request, [redacted] will send us an itinerary within 48 hours. If that is not to our liking, we make another request, wait another 48 hours, etc. From our perspective, that is not having the same access that was demonstrated during the sales presentation. We cannot sit down at the computer and look at all available options, then select the option that fits us best. The only options we have are what [redacted] chooses to share with us. We have no means of seeing what is actually available and, had that been explained to us during the sales presentation, we would have had no interest in purchasing this product. At the sales presentation we were assured that we would have access to everything that was shown.
As we explained to [redacted], there is no chance of ever creating a bond of trust with this company at this juncture. As a resolution, [redacted] first offered that Destinations refund $2000 of our purchase price along with $1000 in travel vouchers. Later in the conversation, he enhanced this offer to a $3000 refund toward our purchase price, with $500 in travel vouchers. We indicated that, given the fact that we did not receive the product that was demonstrated to us, and that the bond of trust in this company is irreparably damaged, we simply wished to have our entire purchase price refunded and go our separate ways. As if we were not distrusting enough of this company, learning from [redacted] that, what [redacted] had offered during his aforementioned phone call on 4/20/16 (namely, access to the site he had presented during his sales promotion) would not have been a possibility even if we had been interested only added to our distrust. This is a clear indication to us that this company is willing to promise anything to make a sale, with no regard for what is the truth. [redacted] also acknowledged that he can understand our frustration that no one from Destinations management has gotten back to us, and he has indicated that he will see to it that this will happen. We are not hopeful. In addition, upon learning that we have filed a dispute of this purchase with our credit card company, [redacted] stated that, if the credit card company sides with us, the entire issue will be moot. He stated that, because the credit card company was involved, we should take no further action until notified. He also asked that we contact him at the phone number that he previously provided when we get the result of our dispute. We also requested that, due to our intense distrust and intent to sever relations with these companies (or, apparently, any other companies that might come out of the woodwork) no membership fees be charged to our credit card. He assured us that our membership would be put on hold. As previously stated, we have returned all membership material to Destinations.
In addition to Revdex.com complaints in Missouri and Florida, we have filed complaints with both the Missouri Attorney General and the Florida Attorney General. We have initiated a dispute with our credit card company and we are in the process of filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission. We hope that these efforts will result in a full refund of our purchase price, as we have not used, nor will we ever use, this product. It is useless.
Member admits to not using the service contracted for, and there is no actual complaint about the service. Members sole complaint is he is not able to access on the web the travel agent's web access. The contract between the parties does not provide member with access to travel agent's website. this is not a valid reason for a refund. In Destinations "Representations and Agreement' contract, it specifically provides that the decision to purchase the [redacted] membership is not based upon any representation which is not in the membership packet, membership application, Understanding & Acknowledgment or Terms & Conditions and that if the member is relying upon any other representations the member has noted them in writing on the special provisions section of the sales agreement worksheet." Mr [redacted] initialed this provision and did not note any exceptions in writing on the sales agreement worksheet. Destinations and [redacted] have fulfilled all of their contractual obligations, nd member has not even bothered to attempt to use the service.
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
Nobody would ever return our calls or emails, but now that we have filed a complaint they want to make contact. Again another example of poor customer service.
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
First we saw Destinations. there was no mention of VSA Holdings, Inc. There is no contract with this company.
This is the 2nd company that Destinations has foisted on us that we did not contract with.
There is no mention of any mandatory 3 hour mediation in any contract with Destinations.
I am forwarding a copy of this to our lawyer and the MO Attorney General's Office as well as the banks regarding a merchant dispute.
September 21, 2015
RE: Revdex.com Case ID: [redacted]
We are in receipt of [redacted] and [redacted]'s complaint and offer the following -
The contract between the complainant and VSA Holdings, Inc. requires three hours of mandatory mediation prior to proceeding with the complaint. The consumer has not requested or completed the mandatory mediation. We will not comment upon the consumer's complaint prior to the mediation.
Respectfully,
[redacted]
VSA Holdings, Inc.
Administration ([redacted] - bus resp.pdf)
I have contract proof that [redacted] from Destinations was a representative of [redacted]. I posted the contract on [redacted] and the respondees agree that [redacted] was the representative.
Based on this, I feel as though there was fraudulent representation in the seminar that was presented by Destinations.
I guest for now will try and use what we sign up for we haven't tried it yet but we are planning on trying it in Feb thank you for trying to resolve this issue for us for now
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
We do NOT feel that this retired military couple should have to spend more time and money to retrieve our payment from [redacted], a company who LIED, SCAMMED, and CHEATED us. [redacted] portrayed themselves as a truthful company. BUT AFTER 14 MONTHS, we found out that they LIED to us. If they were any kind of an honest company with a conscience, they would return our money as they did NOT do as they said. They did nothing but LIE!
2/8/16. I have had no response from Destinations Travel/VSA. Of the two credit cards in dispute that we placed the $11,995. membership amount, [redacted] has issued a temporary credit for the contract being "cancelled". The merchant has 45 days to respond to this matter. If merchant fails to...
respond within the 45 days, the credit becomes permanent.
The MO. Attorney General has asked me to file this complaint with their office, which I am in the process of filing.
Hello,Hope this find you well. Please find in the attachment case ID #[redacted], as well as the required documents. If you have any questions, please do call. Respectfully, [redacted]
September 25, 2015
RE: Revdex.com Case ID: [redacted] and [redacted]
Thank you for forwarding the additional information from Mr. & Mrs. [redacted] and [redacted].
We continue to be available for mediation in accordance with the contract.
Respectfully,
[redacted]
VSA Holdings, Inc.
Administration
([redacted] - 2nd bus resp.pdf)
Initial Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2015/10/19) */
October 19, 2015
RE: Revdex.com Case ID: XXXXXX
Thank you for forwarding the complaint from Mr. [redacted]. However, Vacation Services of America has no relationship with this consumer. Vacation Services of America is a completely...
separate company from [redacted] The two companies are neither partner, nor are they affiliates.
Vacation Services of America was not involved with this consumer transaction. Thank you for your prompt attention to the matter.
Respectfully,
Shawna [redacted]
VSA Holdings, Inc.
Administration
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
We do not accept the merchant's response to our dispute. There is nothing to mediate. We realized within 48 hours that we did not belong in this contract and called our representative at Destinations with our decision. We HAD to change our minds due to the financial hardship and physical restrictions, both of us nearing 80 years of age. We are consumers who were lead to believe that the membership would end our timeshare worries and joined ONLY because of that. The podium speaker, [redacted] and our Destinations representative, convinced my husband with great and scary detail as to how timeshare owners are badgered by gangs of attorneys for the fees of the timeshares for years and how estates are targeted and the children of the owners are held responsible, etc., and my husband jumped at the opportunity at what we thought was a TRADE OF THE TIMESHARE for a travel membership, just to get rid of timeshare.
On arrival home we immediately called our Destinations representative [redacted]. My first words were "We have to get out of this contract" and it was met with how much we were going to enjoy the travel membership. [redacted]'s next question was "What do we have to do to get out of this contract?" and What would it cost us to get out of this contract? and What options do we have?
We then were told there would be no maintenance fees for the timeshare any longer, etc., changing the subject and NEVER answering my questions. He said to make a list of questions for the [redacted] who were "taking" our timeshare. He never once responded to my please about what I needed to do to "get out of the Contract."
12/5/15 Two hours later [redacted] called back, offering a bigger discount ($5,000) than the first contract. He said the new Contract would be sent to us in Colorado for signature.
12/7/15. [redacted] phone call to [redacted]. Again, stressed to Destinations Rep. that even with the large discount on the new Contract we were unable to handle that kind of expense. He seemed shocked when I told him I had contacted my home timeshare people and they were willing to "take-back" our timeshare and we did not need their services after all. He said "Good, that will save you some money." I might add it saves Destinations a considerable amount of effort, also.
I again told him I had to CANCEL OUR CONTRACT. He stated it was "too late, the deadline was Saturday 12/5/15.
I argued that weekends didn't count as business days. He replied they are open on weekends and thus count them as business days. I pleaded with him about what did we have to do to get out of the contract or what would it cost us to get out. He replied that it was too late and he wanted to get back to his football game. End of phone call.
Then our Missouri contacts advised us that Missouri Law allows for a ten-day rescission period and we realized we'd been mislead once again.
12/7/15 Placed the contract amount on our two credit cards in Dispute.
We signed the new contract on 12/13/15 for a new amount and on 12/14/15 following due diligence we exercised our rights under the contract, item #4, sending all materials back to Destinations in accordance with their directions for rescission, via First Class Mail along with our Cancellation Notice of Dec 14, 2015, signed by us.
We have used due diligence in notifying the parties we knew to be involved in decision making as to our rescission, such as the man known to us to be the Sales Rep/Closer/Speaker [redacted] and also our agent talking directly with the owner of Destinations on two occasions during January. We explained our position as financial and health related, and we blindly accepted that the speaker was being honest in his portrayal of the timeshare industry. We desire to rescind this transaction in it's entirety, because we understand that the laws of Missouri allow us to do so. Our desire is for Destinations to credit the $5997.50 to each of our credit cards and allow us to rescind the membership contract.
Sincerely, Mr & Mrs [redacted]
Initial Business Response /* (1000, 5, 2015/09/21) */
September 21, 2015
RE: Revdex.com Case ID: XXXXXX
We are in receipt of [redacted] and [redacted]'s complaint and offer the following -
The contract between the complainant and VSA Holdings, Inc. requires three hours of mandatory mediation...
prior to proceeding with the complaint. The consumer has not requested or completed the mandatory mediation. We will not comment upon the consumer's complaint prior to the mediation.
Respectfully,
[redacted]
VSA Holdings, Inc.
Administration
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (3000, 7, 2015/09/22) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
Nobody would ever return our calls or emails, but now that we have filed a complaint they want to make contact. Again another example of poor customer service.
Final Business Response /* (4000, 9, 2015/09/25) */
September 25, 2015
RE: Revdex.com Case ID: [redacted] and [redacted]
Thank you for forwarding the additional information from Mr. & Mrs. [redacted] and [redacted].
We continue to be available for mediation in accordance with the contract.
Respectfully,
[redacted]
VSA Holdings, Inc.
Administration
Final Consumer Response /* (4200, 11, 2015/09/28) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
Like I stated before nobody wanted to return phone calls or emails previously, and we will not take time off from our jobs to drive 3,hours to be bullied. We are standing firm on wanting a refund. I believe this is the right thing to do. We work hard for our money and really thought we was getting an awesome deal, instead we was taken advantage of.
Initial Business Response /* (1000, 6, 2016/03/11) */
We are in receipt of [redacted]'s complaint and offer the following -
Please see the enclosed waiver and release that Mr. [redacted] signed. Any giving that was not received: the 3rd part marketing company was to mail to them. The undersigned...
does acknowledge that Destinations makes no warranties or representations regarding said gift/s or services promised by the third party upon redemption. Having said this; as a good faith gesture, Destinations will ensure that Mr. [redacted] receives his $100.00 Dining Card.
Respectfully,
[redacted]
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (2000, 8, 2016/03/11) */
(The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.)
September 24, 2015
RE: Revdex.com Case ID: [redacted]
Thank you for forwarding the additional information from Ms. [redacted]. We continue to be available for mediation in accordance with the contract.
Respectfully,
[redacted]
VSA Holdings, Inc.
Administration ([redacted] - 2nd bus resp.pdf)
Complaint: [redacted]
I am rejecting this response because: The failure of Destinations not allowing us...
access into their website for 6 days, after signing the contract. It did not give us adequate time to evaluate their services before the three day business contracted ended. On November 8th, we finally received our pin number. we immediately turned to [redacted] and discovered these so called 'good deals' were not as good as the presenter led us to believe. The Destinations presenter used numerous on-line travel agencies such as; [redacted], etc. to show us that Destination could save us up to 50% or more. We felt that some of these prices were questionable? This was why we wanted to get into Destinations website and check it out before contract was finalized. As soon as we got into [redacted]'s website, we noticed that Destinations prices were anywhere from $7-15 cheaper. If we were paying a quarterly fee of $69, plus a $8,500 membership fee, this would be a losing proposition. Another 'red flag' came up just before we were just about to sign the contract. We noticed their business manager had an I-phone in his hand showing various vacation sites. We told him we were going to Sedona, Ariz. this Winter and asked him if he would please look up the cost of the condominium we plan to stay at. He pulled it up and it was only $8 less than [redacted]. We asked him again if he would pull up another hotel site where we stayed at in Illinois. It was only $7 less. We asked him what happened to all those 'big savings we had just listened too" His reply;" These are our old prices....I just haven't updated it." This was another reason why we wanted to check out Destinations website....immediately. Things just didn't seem to add up. In hind sight, we should have not signed the papers. All we had heard up to this point was a lot of promises/.When Destinations apologized for the mistake they made by not sending us their log in for 6 days/or their error in not even entering our email in their system correctly, we even questioned that the 'delay' might have even been done intentionally. It is more than just a little 'inconvenience' for us....the 'delay' cost us $8,500. As soon as we got into Destinations website we called their office and said we wanted to cancel our membership immediately. We believe their error or mistake did not give us enough time to end our agreement within the 3 day time span.We want our membership terminated with no cost involved.
Sincerely,
[redacted]
Initial Business Response /* (1000, 9, 2015/09/11) */
September 7, 2015
RE: Revdex.com Case ID: [redacted]
We are in receipt of [redacted]'s complaint and offer the following -
The contract between the complainant and VSA Holdings, Inc. requires three hours of mandatory mediation...
prior to proceeding with the complaint. The consumer has not requested or completed the mandatory mediation. We will not comment upon the consumer's complaint prior to the mediation.
Respectfully,
[redacted]
VSA Holdings,Inc.
Administration
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (3000, 11, 2015/09/14) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
What do they mean by 3 hrs. mandatory mediation? How? When? What are they expecting from us? It sounds like a way for them to try to wiggle out of their agreement to me. Where do I go from here?
Final Business Response /* (4000, 17, 2015/09/25) */
September 24, 2015
RE: Revdex.com Case ID: XXXXXX
Thank you for forwarding the additional information from Ms. [redacted]. We continue to be available for mediation in accordance with the contract.
Respectfully,
[redacted]
VSA Holdings, Inc.
Administration
Final Consumer Response /* (4200, 19, 2015/09/28) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
This does not help us obtain the advantages promised to us for use in Branson, MO. We never were and still are not interested in cruises, resorts, etc., but enjoy Branson and were told we would get assistance with travel, lodging and rental cars. Now this company is not even available to us at this site. Another rip-off with promises never intended for us to collect.
Initial Business Response /* ([redacted], 2015/09/11) */
September 7, 2015
RE: Revdex.com Case ID: [redacted]
We are in receipt of [redacted]'s complaint and offer the following -
The contract between the complainant and VSA Holdings, Inc. requires three hours of mandatory...
mediation prior to proceeding with the complaint. The consumer has not requested or completed the mandatory mediation. We will not comment upon the consumer's complaint prior to the mediation.
Respectfully,
[redacted]
VSA Holdings, Inc.
Administration
Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* ([redacted], 2015/09/16) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
We feel [redacted] LIED to us and should refund all the money that we have paid to them.
When we first went to the [redacted] presentation in Oct 2013, we were singled out by salesman [redacted] and others because we owned a time share. We had no intentions of buying anything as we explained to them that we are a retired couple and can NOT afford a maintenance fee for a time share AND their travel plan! After each protest and reason as to why we could NOT purchase their plan, [redacted] would very loudly say "YOUR TIME SHARE IS GONE!" He explained that [redacted] buys unwanted time shares and that we would no longer OWN one or be responsible for the maintenance fees, so we could then afford their travel plan. We were excited to be free of the time share and could travel with our family. LIE, LIE, LIE!
Before papers were signed, I was alone with assistant [redacted]. I asked her if they really were buying our time share and she assured me that they were a reputable company that keeps their word, unlike others in Branson. LIE, LIE, LIE!
When we returned home we paid [redacted] for transfer fees and paper work.
FOR 14 MONTHS we thought our time share was GONE! We did not use the travel plan, but every 3 months we paid $59 for [redacted] membership fee.
In Dec 2914, we received a bill for the maintenance of our time share. We sent the bill back with a note that said that we did not own the time share any more and that it was sold 14 months ago.
A week before Christmas 2014, we received a letter from [redacted] saying that they could not sell the time share and we had to respond within 30 days or we would loose our $1000. We were shocked to find our that the time share was STILL OURS! LIE, LIE, LIE! We would have a fee to pay!
After several [redacted] calls, they advised us to email for a refund from [redacted] They promptly returned our $1000.
When I asked [redacted] about returning our money for the travel plan as we not have a maintenance fee to pay, they said that [redacted] handles that. When I explained to him that we would have NOT purchased their travel plan without the selling of the time share and asked for the return of our money as [redacted] had done, he said many times, "THAT ISN'T GOING TO HAPPEN!" We visited with [redacted] many times. He told us that there isn't anything we can do, we should be happy to get $1000 back, there is NOT going to be a refund, and he only handles complaints! He also told us that we did NOT want to go the 3 hour arbitration route as we would have to travel back to Branson, pay for lodging and meals, pay for an attorney, and pay for 1/2 of the court costs and that would be more than the $6995 we paid in the first place and we should just forget about it as nothing could be done! Just be happy with the plan from them!
We have called and left messages, but [redacted] is not returning any of our calls now. So we have stopped paying the 3 month membership.
We felt scammed, stuck, foolish, furious, lied to, and taken advantage of. We listened to and believed this company and thought we were doing the best for our family.
[redacted] wanted us to just forget about the money we paid them as they LIED, LIED, LIED to us. They seem content in the fact that they can scam families and not be held accountable. They just LIE, LIE, LIE!
Final Business Response /* ([redacted], 2015/09/25) */
September 25, 2015
RE: Revdex.com Case ID: XXXXXX
Thank you for forwarding the additional information from Ms. [redacted].
We continue to be available for mediation in accordance with the contract.
Respectfully,
[redacted]
VSA Holdings, Inc.
Administration
Final Consumer Response /* ([redacted], 2015/09/28) */
(The consumer indicated he/she DID NOT accept the response from the business.)
We do NOT feel that this retired military couple should have to spend more time and money to retrieve our payment from [redacted], a company who LIED, SCAMMED, and CHEATED us. [redacted] portrayed themselves as a truthful company. BUT AFTER 14 MONTHS, we found out that they LIED to us. If they were any kind of an honest company with a conscience, they would return our money as they did NOT do as they said. They did nothing but LIE!