This past weekend I attended the Nascar Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, NC. I am a huge fan of Nascar and travel to all the Nascar tracks along the east coast. My girlfriend and I attended the pre-race festivities, which involved looking through the Nascar vendor displays, receiving free products, and also signing up for a lot of contests/sweepstakes.
The part that I am paying the price for after this past race weekend is the contests/sweepstakes. As my girlfriend and I were walking to the main entrance of Charlotte Motor Speedway, there was a group of females that asked if we wanted to signup for a chance to go on a cruise to the Bahamas for FREE! This sounded like the perfect thing because my girlfriend and I have been thinking of a nice vacation to go on.
After we signed up for the sweepstakes, we were pretty excited and hoping to be able to go on this extravagant cruise. After the race weekend was over we had gone back home and didn’t think anything of it. On Thursday, October 21 I was driving and received a phone call from the number 718-228-0786. I didn’t pick up because I didn’t recognize the phone number.
About 10 minutes later the number 718-228-0785 called so I just picked it up to see whom this was. When I picked up they asked if they were speaking to _______ and I had agreed. The person introduced himself as Bill and explained to me that I was chosen to spend 3 days in Orlando, 2 nights on the cruise with Caribbean Cruise lines, 3 more in Orlando. He also told me that the package included all meals paid for, spa packages, car rentals, and a 2 for 1 airfare. I was very excited to hear this so I continued to speak with Bill.
After he had repeated the details of the package rapidly, just like he was reading it off a piece of paper, he went onto telling me what I would have to pay. It all sounds good until you get up to the fees and taxes. Bill told me that I would have to pay $299 per person and there would be a port tax of $150 per person. He also went onto telling me that they will rent me a car while I am down in Florida, but explained to me that I would have to pay $25 a day. This was because I am under 25 years old and the rental company requires this on drivers under 25.
I had then asked him what’s the catch with this because I knew it sounded way too good to be true. He was a well-experienced sales person for Florida Bahama Vacations because his response had no hesitation at all in it. With me driving and listening to Bill, I wasn’t really thinking of everything and if this was a scam or not. It all sounded so real and fully put together. After all the excitement of hearing this and not really thinking of reality I accepted to go ahead with the package AKA “The Scam”.
I had to pull over on the side of the road to get my credit card info. When I pulled over Bill had told me that he was going to transfer me over to the validation department. It was really weird because I had waited about 4 minutes but Bill had reassured me that I would be transferred as soon as the validation agent was available. When the validation agent came on the phone, Bill and the agent were talking and exchanging employee number and other information such as my name. The validation agent had started to read over the package details once again quickly and just like he was reading right off a sheet of paper. You could barely understand him but I stupidly went ahead and stated my credit card information to him. He made it clear that the information was being recorded, but I didn’t think anything about it.
When I had gotten home I had done a little research on other people who had fallen for this scam and I went to call the customer care number that they provided, which was 1-800-221-8200. I wasn’t able to reach anybody because they close at 10pm. The next morning I had quickly gotten up at 9 am and gave the customer care number a call once again.
When I reached a representative, Carla, she had asked me for my confirmation number and I gave it to he three times before she told me that she couldn’t find me in the system. She then had asked me for my first and last name, but then quickly asked me for my credit card information. I found it really weird that she would ask me straight for my credit card information but nothing else. I guess she was able to find me in the system and asked me how she could help me.
She then had stated to me that I was calling from Canada and I had told her NO, I was calling from NC. She had apologized, but I guess this is what you deal with when going through a scam. I had told her that I had spoken with a sales representative yesterday and agreed to the vacation package, but I wanted to cancel my purchase. Carla told me that I wouldn’t be able to cancel my purchase and no matter what the turnout was, I would be traveling.
I told her that I wanted to cancel my order and that was the only thing I wanted out of that phone call. She once again apologized to me that it wasn’t going to happen and started asking me why I wanted to cancel my purchase. This was the start to persuading me not to cancel and that it was going to be a beautiful travel experience. I had then told her that she was working for a scam and she then told me that they weren’t because they had a license number and a physical address.
I had told her that anybody could purchase a license and have a physical address. She told me that if I look up their website www.grandcarribeancl.com , I would be able to see testimonials that state positive outcomes and experiences. She also wanted me to go to the website www.cruisecritics.com and look at all the high rated reviews. I had asked her what company she worked for and she told me that she was working for Caribbean cruise lines and I didn’t understand why I couldn’t talk to Bill McCoy and get my refund.
I repeated myself for the tenth time and told her that I wanted a refund and she then went into all these discounts that she would be able to give me and that she could offer me an extension of the expiration date. I told her that I want a refund now and she then told me that I had to wait and she would put her “supervisor” on the phone. When her supervisor, Shantel, came on the phone I had told her that I wanted a refund.
She then had told me that she was sorry to hear that I wanted a discount and told me that she couldn’t give me a refund because it was like purchasing airline tickets. Once you buy airline tickets, you can’t get your money back. This was a bunch of hogwash and I knew it was. I had then told her that in the State of Florida, it was illegal to not give a customer a refund if it is a time period of 30 days. She then insisted on telling me that since I was not residing in the state of Florida that it didn’t matter.
I then told her that no matter if I live half way across the world, she must issue me a refund because I bought something from a company operating in the state of Florida. I also proceeded to tell her that I would report her company to the State Attorney General’s office if she were not willing to go through with my refund. She then told me that the information that I found online was written by “disgruntled people” and “Joe Shmo’s” across the world. I had told her that www.cruisecritics.com wasn’t the only credible website on the Internet. She told me that I had all my facts wrong and that I will be very happy with my vacation. She also went ahead and offered me all these discount opportunities and I then stopped talking.
After moments of me not talking she had asked me if I was still there. I had told her that if she was willing to offer me all these discounts, then she should be able to offer me a refund. After an hour on the phone repeating myself, she then told me to hold on and she would get a confirmation number for me. She asked me for the last four digits on my credit card I used and the name on the card. She also told me that I would receive my refund within 7 to 10 days.
I really don’t understand why they both couldn’t save me an hour of repeating myself and didn’t just give me my refund. If you receive a phone call or enter into a sweepstakes for Florida Bahama Vacation, please be aware that it is only a scam. The company tells you that they are promoting a hotel down in Florida, but in reality they just want your money. They will offer you all these upgrades when you get on your vacation. They have all your phone calls on tape so that they have you trapped once you agree and give them all your credit card information. Do Not fall for the same scam I fell for!!!!
I buy my cruise vacations through BJ’s and have never had a problem.
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Called Florida Bahamas Vacation customer service to cancel within Florida state law (559.933) 30-day cancellation window. First call, 5:50 PM 01/13/11, spoke with “Frederick” and was informed I would need to call back later due to high call volumes — his supervisor would not allow me to hold on the line.
Second call, 6:30 PM 01/13/11, spoke with “Darrius” and repeatedly stated that I want to cancel the package purchase. After approx. 50 minutes, I was finally transferred to a supervisor, “Vantrise,” who advised that I did not need to call her because the cancellation information is listed under Frequently Asked Questions on the booking website.
I logged into my account while speaking with her and searched the page for the word “cancel” using the browser “find” function, but with no hits/results. I informed the supervisor of this and she apologized that I am unable to understand the package information, while maintaining that the information is listed under the website’s FAQ section.
She further refused to indicate where this information is located on the webpage. She would not process my cancellation request until I specifically stated that my reason for canceling is due to the horrible customer service I have received during my 55-minute telephone conversation.
I originally paid $199 per person for 2 travelers and was then quickly read a lengthy set of booking conditions. However, I later logged on to cruisebookingsite.com to learn that I have a balance due of $298.00 in addition to the original $398.00 for 2 people. The entire practice of calling drawing entrants and speed-talking them into purchasing this “amazing” FREE vacation is deceptive and misleading.
In no case should customers be thrown around in customer service for just under 60 minutes solely to cancel the purchase. Supervisor “Vantrise” was unreceptive to my repeated requests to simply cancel the package. She repeated the offer details countless times and then treated me like I am stupid for calling her in the first place.
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They are a SCAM! The same thing happened with me and now they aren’t giving me a refund.
Beware of these frauds. I’m going to sue them
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I just want to start off by thanking you for this post. I just got off the phone with “Chris McCoy” from Florida Bahama’s Cruise Vacation. I had entered a draw at the Boat, Fishing and Leisure Show in London Ontario about 2 weeks ago. Tonight I got a call at 10pm from a very intriguing, exciting man telling me i’ve passed screening and have won this FANTASTIC trip consisting of 3 days, 2 night in Orlando, then 3 days, 2 nights in Ft. Lauderdale, then 2 days and 2 nights on a cruise to Bahama’s. Also, I would recieve a free rental car for a week and meals and accomindations would be accounted for. This man spoke very quickly then told me to log onto their website. I did and was told to put in an “official claim number”. I did this and it layed out the vacation. I was also told that I would recieve 4 days, 3 nights in Puerto Vallarta Mexico and 3 day and 2 nights in Las Vegas as a “bonus gift vacation getaway”.
This was all great and my brutal day and just seen some light, that is until he started throwing out numbers. I got a pen and paper and started recording everything I could (which was difficult because he spoke SO fast). He told me that I was recieving a vacation at cost of $3,098 for only $149, then mentioned something about $299 but all he would need today was $598 so he could send me my package and tickets. He also told me after I sent the money and recieved the package, I would be able to allow a 3 or 4 guest for no cost. “Chris McCoy” told me that I would have 18 months to decided when me and my girlfriend would want to go on this vacation.
I told Chris I was uncertain of this, and that I would not give him any credit card information until I seen a package or something in writing stating that this trip was indeed for real. Chris said he totally understood my concerns but promised that they were a legit business and that this was indeed NOT a scam. Chris told me all about how they were connected with CC companies and everything would be recorded. Chris than gave me his employment number and began asking once again for my CC information. I than asked him for a confirmation number. He stumbled his words a little bit then said, “all you want is a confirmation number, ok . . here it is . .” and proceed to give me some numbers and letters.
Chris kept going back to asking me about my mastercard and the name on the card and giving him my numbers. I told him once again that I was very skeptical about providing my CC information to a total stranger without having something in writing. I also said I didnt have enough to cover the $598 on my CC. He told me this would not be a problem. All they would do is take as much as they can off my credit card and send me the package and tickets. He then said that the remaining balance would have to be paid before I went on my vacation.
I knew right there that this was indeed sketchty. I told Chris that I wouldnt give him any of my info until something was mailed and I knew this trip was for real. I told him if he could not provide me with that then he could just call the next person in line and forget about me. Chris then said, “I can tell your nervous about this, I’ll put you on the hold list and give you a call at a later date.
It was the first time I’ve ever spoke to someone with a name like “Chris McCoy” who was obviously of non-american descent and had a very strong accent.
I hope this helps prevent from other people falling into this trap !! what a scam !!! i’m going to be seeing if i can also take legal action as well.
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I entered this contsest at the Motorcycle show a few weeks back. I had the exact conversation as “Brandon on March 15, 2011 at 12:49 AM” except I spoke to a “Mark Cahone”. I was busy and on my way to work. I was not willing to give any CC info over the phone without and e-mail or something confirming the deal. Told him to contact me tomorrow. Will see if he calls and when he does I will make sure not to hand over any personal info!
Thanks for posting
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I submitted my name etc for a chance to win a trip on a Florida/Bahama vacation at the Barrie, ON waterfront fair about a month ago.
BIG MISTAKE! I have received so many phonecalls from different people…different phone numbers but all from the same area code…Florida…proclaiming how lucky I was to satisfy the demographics and winning a trip for a Bahama/Florida holiday. I was prepared for this phonecall because…silly me had filled out for a chance to win another draw and have received over 54 phonecalls in the month of June so far….and have been challenging each and every representative with the bogus crap on the internet….it’s hilarious…but also is very very annoying now.
I have done some research and apparently to get these blood sucking douche-bags off our backs is to report them to the Florida State Attorney’s Office.
CALL FLORIDA STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE TO GET THESE BLOOD SUCKERS TO STOP…
850-414-3300
Good luck everyone!!!
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I just got the call 20 minutes ago.
My experience was most similar to Brandon (who posted above).
I went to Toronto, Ontario, Canada and saw the booths at the Exhibition Place, a legit event/location. I entered the contest, etc. like what everyone else here did.
The employee who called me was Daniel Martin. He listed everything for me, the days/nights/locations; ship’s names; number of tickets; the whole shibang.
He was very reassuring. He said if I had any questions, I should go ahead and ask because it’s “[his] job” to make sure that I’m “well informed of [my] trip”
He asked for my credit card info for the $590 USD charge. I only went as far as giving my name, credit card company, and expiration date. When he asked for my credit card number, I hesitated. I asked him if we could keep off the credit card info until after I talked it over with my family.
He said that he could call each household only once. So I asked him to hold
I used my cellphone to call my brother (while the Daniel Martin was on hold with my home phone). My brother said it wasn’t a good idea.
So I rejected the whole vacation package.
I give credit to Daniel Martin, though. He sounded…like his first language is Spanish. He spoke a little fast and with an accent, so it was somewhat difficult to understand him completely, but he assured me that I can ask anything.
When I refused to give him my card number, he said all the reassuring things as everyone above had said…that the conversation is recorded for an audio receipt…I’d be transferred to the billing department afterward… etc
I still rejected patiently, and he eventually let me off.
…they just called my cellphone. My brother also entered the contest, but he used my cellphone number instead of our home number (in case we couldn’t enter the same phone number twice). They were asking for him. It seems as long as you’re around 21 years old (I’m 23 and my brother is 24), you can “win”
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Is there anyway that I can get back my 598 as I was a sucker and paid it and I also I have kidney problems and the docs wrote a note saying I wouldnt be able to go on any trips until it is delt with. I told the florida cruise lines and they dont care they just told me that they already sent my money to the vendors and it is not refundable. Please let me know because I am also on disability and would like it back. Thanks and have a nice day.
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It seems like they’re making their rounds in SW Ontario right now – I was at Pride last weekend in Toronto and entered the contest booth.. filled out a ballot (I’m 23 btw) and just my call today from “Chris McCoy”
Like everyone else says, they talk fast and they talk assuredly so you don’t feel like you’re being scammed… Except I knew about the scam, well I had had someone in my family get a similar call before. Much like the above posters listed I said I carried a max balance on my card – to which “Chris” responded they would take what was available and send me the information in the mail.
I’m not an idiot though, LEGALLY in Canada – you cannot charge for contests and you cannot charge to pick up prizes. Maybe that’s different in the states but I’m not a fool and I’m not going to give my credit info to some fast talking guy just because he’s all “CONGRATS! YOU’RE GOING TO THE BAHAMAS”
His employee number is 3025
Again like everyone else he said the 299.00/US/Person, 598/4 people, blah blah blah. Don’t get lured in. As well, not sure if it works in regards to telemarketers like this – but I myself worked in a call centre dealing with medical bills in the US. When we called each state they had certain specific rules per place, and I’m almost positive they can continue to call.. Well, we continued to call unless the person used the exact phrase “I want you to remove my number from your system” OR “this is a work number” OR “this is a cell phone number” As well, they aren’t allowed to continue to make harassing calls everyday – FLA has a rule I believe with a 3 call max in a 7 day span.
Just watch your back and get all the facts before you go booking a bogus cruise!
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Man did I get duped!! I must have been their biggest fish. Just like Aaron Baynton, I was at the gay pride in Toronto last week and fill up a ballot for a contest but the contest was just about winning a car no mention about any cruises; that should have been my first hint that it’s some sort of scam.
I got the call yesterday and I fell for everything they said; that I just won a vacation in Florida, Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale and cruise in the Bahamas. But unlike Aaron, I am an idiot; I gave out all my info with a smile thinking I was such a lucky guy lol. Not even 40 minutes have passed since I hung up, they charged my CC with an amount close to 600$. Then I searched on the internet and found these forums of people getting scam by these folks. Man did I feel like idiot…
This morning I called Consumer Protections and my CC company to see if there’s anything that can be done for me. Consumer protection told me that there’s a law that might help me. It’s under the “Consumer Protection Act” section 54.1 to 54.16 which covers contract from a distance (like verbal phone contracts). Under 54.4, there’s a list of thing the seller has to mention on the phone for the contract to be valid, and the guy who called me missed some of them, like the full address of where his company is located. Because of this, if I chose to cancel I’m allowed to a full refund from my CC company. But of course there’s a bunch of paper work to be done and a lot of deadlines to follow, and the refund might take months. But at least I had something in case the scammers refused to refund me. I live in Quebec so I don’t know if this law also exist for other Canadians.
So I called to cancel my vacation, the call lasted a good 35-40 minutes and the agent tried everything possible to change my mind and make me keep the package, he even gave me a 50% off. But finally, he accepted and gave me my refund and sent me a confirmation email. I took down his name and a confirmation number just in case. So I got the email, it says very clearly that their giving me a refund on my CC for the full amount. Now I just need to wait and check my CC statement every day until the refund has passed. Hopefully this will conclude my interactions with them and there’s no more shady business that I need to worry about.
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