We purchased a membership in Sept. 2007 and tried to use it several times. We then asked for our money back and was curtly, flatly told we signed a contract. Then this happened. Chanel 7 major television station in South Carolina reported this, and we called South Carolina Consumer Advocate dept. and it is true. The law suit has been filed.

Consumer Affairs files Lawsuit against travel company

Wednesday, Apr 09, 2008 - 03:34 PM
By Heather Sullivan
E-mail | Biography
The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs has filed a lawsuit against VIP Travel, based in Lexington, South Carolina, saying the company has used unfair and deceptive practices in its solicitations. An attorney for VIP Travel says the company is cooperating with Consumer Affairs and taking steps to address those concerns.

When Cheryl Rich wanted to plan a trip to Europe, she says she attended a seminar in Greenville for VIP Travel based in Lexington.

Said Rich, "They were giving us information that were similar trips and cruises that we had taken, yet they were much less expensive than what we had paid."

But Rich says after paying VIP about $3500, she wasn't getting booked on the trip she wanted. Said Rich, "I started calling about one particular cruise and I was getting put off. I was not getting information I needed."

Said Danny Collins, an attorney with the Department of Consumer Affairs, "They promise quite a few things that they don't deliver on."

After receiving about 50 complaints from customers in the Carolinas and Georgia, Consumer Affairs filed a lawsuit against VIP Travel in Lexington, accusing the company of offering free rewards that the Department says were not really free, and not offering customers a three day right to cancel their contracts.

Said Collins, "A lot of people tried to cancel the contract but the company told them they did not have such a right. But that is not true under the law. The law does give a person a three day right to cancel when a presentation is made any place other than the regular place of business."

VIP Travel's attorney Robby Birnbaum told us by phone the company is cooperating with Consumer Affairs and taking steps to address concerns and make sure it's complying with the law. Birnbaum says some customers may receive refunds, but did not have details at this time.

A refund is what Cheryl Rich is hoping for. Said Rich, "We have lost a lot of money for something that I felt like was going to be something really fun."

The Better Business Bureau offers the following advice to protect yourself when using any travel company.

- check for complaints filed with the BBB or Consumer Affairs

- get offers and travel arrangements in writing

- get copies of cancellation policies

- pay with a credit card. Many credit cards will refund your money if you don't receive the trip you pay for.