On our way to Myrtle Beach SC we stopped at the Welcome Center which we had done in years past knowing it was owned by either the City or the Chamber of Commerce; neither for profit. (Later we learned the Chamber of Commerce sold the Welcome Center to Mark Anthony Spaugy/ Monster Resorts Group/Monster Vacation Group.) While at the Welcome Center we accepted the opportunity to attend a presentation that would last approximately 60 minutes by Monster Resorts Group/Monster Vacations Group who provide the Monster Coupon Book that we get each year during our visit. We paid a deposit of $20 with the understanding that the deposit would be returned in addition to 3 tickets to the Good Vibrations Show, other show tickets, or $80 in cash; we were told that we could decide once we attended the presentation.

As committed we attended the presentation that lasted approximately 2.5 hours. During the presentation we were promised platinum level goods and services; we were told the offer is only good for while we are in the office and not after we walk out their door. After signing the contract, we did some research of our own on the internet and learned that these platinum level goods and services did not exist.

Fortunately, we had taken notes and asked some questions that proved to be very important. We began investing the company, individual and RCI, the company that would uphold the contract if Monster Resorts Group/Monster Vacations Group should close. We quickly learned we had been scammed in a complex scheme similar to pyramid scheme. The following day we sent a certified letter acting on our right to resend the contract in hopes it would be upheld and contacted the credit card company to close our account and report the scam. The goods and services we were promised, and agreed to pay for did not exist; the hotels, resorts, and packages were mis-represented and in some case simply fabricated. It is unconceivable that such an elaborate business could be such a blatant scam. At this time Monster Resorts Group/Monster Vacations Group did uphold our right to resend, but we are still out $250.

Please pass the word to avoid those working the visitors centers in Myrtle Beach, this one as well as the others that give out the free soft drink and pop corn -we almost got took by them in 2008. If you need to stop to pick up the brochures, coupon books and utilize the restroom facilities just make sure you avoid the help who are getting paid to pull you into the scam.