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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Any Problems as of late (Reply to this comment)
by phoenix8585
I have recently recieved the same information regarding collections and credit bureau. I have lost so much interet in this company and just refuse to pay them that I have forgotten WHY i am not paying them in the first place. This has been an ongoing issue for the last 4 years. They stopped sending me correspondences well over a year ago, now they are looking for payment ... screw that! So the collection agency's are not backing there claims? What is this letter that everyone is talkig about? can someone send it to me? chadmadill@hotmail.com, I moved and they havn't found my new address yet and I have recieved nothing. I am IN on any action against these scam artists.
Mary Chandler is the one that is in charge of collections and becoming a pain in my a**. These guys dont have a hope in hell of getting any money out of me. Good Luck with the collections! Ridiculous that companies like this are allowed to operate. I will check back soon.
Cheers
Chad
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Oct 11 '09
7:47 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Any Problems as of late (Reply to this comment)
by va241262
We are located in Toronto. VB breached our original contract unilaterally and we stopped paying them advising we'll resume when they start honouring the contract again. The fee-over-fee charges and interest are illegal, the collection agencies are reluctant to collect on their behalf. Keep us posted, we'll join any legal action you undertake.
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Aug 09 '09
10:32 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Any Problems as of late (Reply to this comment)
by smarter369
wow, We paid our $1,700.00 for the trial membership - were told we would "never" have maintenance fees. Paid $600.oo or maybe a bit less for admin fees to begin with and was told there would "never" be more and that we were paid up since we were only trial members. We used the services (went to Orlando area) once and it was not convenient to Disney so that was a waste. And then went to Ontario once, but that was due to having a dieing relative and wanted to take that person on a trip, and it was fine - but after that there was no where that V.B. had to offer us that interested us. They said we would be able to go on cruises pay for one and the other go free but that was a lie. Anyway, you have more invested and more to loose.
Plus yes, the interest charges are insane. We went to BBB and V.B charged us on their statement to us for letters they had to write BBB. Unbelieveable, and BBB never heard of such a practice so slapped them on the hand and told them to delete the charges, but next statement there were more. Yeah, I think whatever you feel best for you to do, do it! Keep us posted. There are a slew of us connected now.
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Aug 08 '09
8:26 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Any Problems as of late (Reply to this comment)
by berta1066
What about being able to use the services that we paid for? I don't know about you, but I have paid $5,000 plus tons of wasted interest over the years and now, with my account in arrears, I can't even use the services anymore. If I continue to fight them though, even if I win, could I ever trust them to send me somewhere again?Probably would be to my demise anyway....The places we can go for the amounts that they are charging me vs. the places that they send me for the amounts I end up paying.... no comparison. It's too bad to lose all of that money. You may be right but I intend to look into the legal alternative to see if I could perhaps get the ball rolling for the rest. I will keep you updated since I already have things in motion.As I said, the interest that they are charging on the accounts is actually a crime....I'd like to stop that for myself and everyone else. I also have a good credit rating...the credit bureaus do listen and I am sure they have heard lots about these scam companies.
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Aug 07 '09
4:54 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Any Problems as of late (Reply to this comment)
by smarter369
For us, this is the third collection agency trying to collect. Each agency seems to get fed up with V.B. and then we don't hear again till the account is sent to another agency and then another. Meanwhile our credit rating, which is way up there as great, hasn't been affected at all. Paying a lawyer to fight something that shouldn't have been created by V.B. in the first place is a waste of money since US lawyers don't know canadian law or since V.B. is interpreting the contract the way they want. No one is paying V.B. that I know of and I am not sure what one of the commenters meant when they said that V.B. is its own collection agency. hmmmmmmm
but they are sending the accounts to agencies. We have gotten telephone messages lately and now it will turn into a letter I am sure. Wasting their time. Let them pay fees to take us to court. I am not sure that they can get us over the border. Our Attorney General is so fed up with them. Amazingly, idiotic. Takes all kinds to make up society. Paying them a penny just acknowledges that they are in the right.
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Aug 06 '09
2:53 pm PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Any Problems as of late (Reply to this comment)
by va241262
Vacation Brokers gave my file to a collection agency without any warning. All fee-over-fee charges are illegal, especially when they have breached the contract with us and we are not using their services because of this. I explained everything to the agency and backed up my case with all the correspondence with VB. The agency is currently reviewing VB, will get back to me with next steps.
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Aug 06 '09
7:26 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Any Problems as of late (Reply to this comment)
by berta1066
So you got the letter too? I received a letter telling me that they are going to send my account to the credit bureau for collection if i don't make a payment soon. A payment for what? The bill is for over $1,000 and most of it is for a fee I don't owe them and a pile of interest on top of that. I am sick and tired of paying them just because they are threatening and bullying me. It has been years and enough is enough. I am seeing my lawyer soon and am going to fight it this time. The police (who I called about the interest charges they have imposed on my account-they are criminal, no pun intended) told me that I have to pursue it in civil court first, then they can begin to look into their interest charges. It's funny, the cop I spoke to actually owned a timeshare and told me he had never heard of a biennial client being charged every year for maintenance fees and thought it was ridiculous as well. He told me to fight it and I am going to. I will post what I can when I can. Maybe vacation brokers thinks that it's not worth it for me to fight $300 every other year. It is now. No more bullying. Anyone know of anyone wanting to buy a timeshare.....real cheap......
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Aug 05 '09
7:09 am PDT
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Re: Re: Any Problems as of late (Reply to this comment)
by smarter369
It has been over a year and a collection agency is now calling again. They will get the same letter we have been sending all the rest. Just a bunch of bull dust. Vacation Brokers should be taken to court once in for all. All of those vacation high pressure scam artists should be put out of business. People are better off doing their own thing. Our contractual responsibilities were taken care of when we paid in full and no additional fees were to be charged ever, since we were only trial members. So to interpret the contract the way they want to get extra money is what they did and they can interpret in whatever way they want. In this day of down economy - they all should be ashamed of themselves. What a bunch of jerks, and we don't have any money to throw away to them.
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Aug 04 '09
11:03 am PDT
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Re: Any Problems as of late? (Reply to this comment)
by foyutoo
John Teskey should be held accountable for unethical practices as Vacation Brokers is only a front for feeding business to his Ridings Financial and Kymbro collection agency interests. We’re also receiving letters from a Michigan-based collection outfit, and yes, it will not end until someone is able to teach Tesky a lesson. They are nothing short of border-runners using Canadian law to shield their dirty work. REMEMBER – John Teskey is not VB… HE IS THE COLLECTION AGENCY!
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Jul 29 '09
11:19 am PDT
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Any Problems as of late? (Reply to this comment)
by angry2
Anything happening with Vacation Brokers lately? Seems Tesky is laying low for a while eh?
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Jan 05 '09
5:39 am PST
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What about trendsetters? (Reply to this comment)
by berta1066
WOW! for years I have been suffering alone. I am in the same sort of situation as you guys are, but not with Kymbo, with a membership that was "tranferred" from trendsetters int.I bought my timeshare 20 years ago, then it was bought out by vacation brokers. I have been fighting them for years about firstly, the promissory note, then the maintenance fees. I "own" a biennial, every other year, and was to pay maintenance fees every other year. Vacation brokers came along and started billing me every year, that's double the payments, then began increasing the amounts every year. I was young and stupid, and after a small resistance each and every year, and with an annual call to the company reminding them that I was only to pay every other year, I would receive an annual invoice for fees. I have been sent to a collection agency last year, and even though I have used the services (only 4 times in 20 years) none of the harassment has ever ceased. They have never produced any document that states that I am required to pay every year-they just say that I have to. When I told them that I was only to pay every other year under the trendsetters arrangement they stated that was why they went out of business.???When they finally received nothing from me but nasty e-mails and no payment, they sent me my original contract with them, wherein it states that i am only obligated to pay "anually or as required". I was only required every other year. Apparently, they read the contract differently than I.It is not only the US citizens that have problems and I have contacted the better business bureau as well.We all fell victim to a fast sales pitch. No doubt about that. There are laws and we must fight using whatever we have available to us. I have never seen a lawyer because the fee exceeded the amount that I actually owed VBII. They have recently taken to adding a new fee for late payments on to the already generous charges that they have-2% per month- which is 24% per annum, and their 5% outstanding per month, which is 60% per annum, then $25 per month is now levied as well. That is illegal.ALL ON MONEY i DON'T REALLY OWE THEM. How about that. Trying to sell now, but that is dangerous too. Lots of ripoffs out there with that too. Everybody go to the BBB to revoke their accreditation. They'll have to do something with us then. I have to go and see a lawyer now. I am not going to give up until they refund every cent of late payment charges. i will pay EVERY OTHER YEAR. I am an honest person and will pay what I agreeed to. They should try it, less headaches in the long run for them.
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Sep 30 '08
8:33 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: GROUP OF KYMBO HATERS (Reply to this comment)
by jms440809
I wrote several responses over 2 to 3 years ago when Citibank refunded every penny of my money to the tune of $5,900.00 review my previous responses at jms440809. Good luck, our original group contacted CH 7, never heard from anyone believe it was Ruth to the Rescue may have been CH 4 I was duped by Roark Vacation in Branson, MO has anyone had contact with these rip off artist I believe they may also be linked to Kymbo & all the others. They agreed only give me half of my $4,700, even though like Kymbo we never got the free trip or any other trip or any benefits. So I am still dealing with Sears & Citibank who are now in cahoots on all these scams. Good luck to all of you & God bless. Hope this was helpful. Oh I got my justice with Kymbo through the help of Planet Feedback.com a very good "free complaint" site. They also have free tel. #1-888-333-3222 8-5 est. Last time I called so ck this out. Again, good luck
jms440809
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Aug 23 '08
8:00 pm PDT
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Re: Re: Also scammed by Vacation Brokers / Kymbo (Reply to this comment)
by milo1gus
CHARKAR88 AND DRACR1124
Our group will be filing a lawsuit against Vacation Brokers and John Teskey. The more people that get involved the less it will cost each of us. Contact me for more information.
SSCIANDRA@HEIGHTSINC.COM
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Aug 22 '08
4:29 am PDT
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Re: Re: Also scammed by Vacation Brokers / Kymbo (Reply to this comment)
by milo1gus
for more information contact Sal at ssciandra@heightsinc.com. would like to talk to you
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Aug 21 '08
6:07 pm PDT
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Re: Also scammed by Vacation Brokers / Kymbo (Reply to this comment)
by charkar88
We were scammed too!
My husband and I were scammed by this company in 2001. We had no idea what we were getting into and have not received any service from the company. We tried to cancel quickly but were told that we could not because the transaction took place in Canada. At first, we tried to make payments to fulfill our obligation, but then, we began hearing about Kymbo, Vacation Brokers and lawsuits. We were even sent letters and told not to pay Vacation Brokers. Now it is 2008 and we are receiving collection notices from an agency in Michigan. Does anyone know where this will end? We have recently moved out of Michigan and missed the WXYZ report. What was the outcome of the investigation? We would love to know.
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Aug 11 '08
3:23 am PDT
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Also scammed by Vacation Brokers / Kymbo (Reply to this comment)
by dracr1124
I am also being hounded by Vacation Brokers after being scammed by Kymbo International into purchasing a "trial membership" that I was supposedly able to cancel anytime within the first year. Almost immediately, I began receiving accusatory letters from both VB and KI -- each saying that the other company was crooked. Since these letters were frightening and there had been news stories at that time about groups being stranded in foreign countries by vacation companies and about travel agents taking money and then disappearing, I decided to cut my losses and cancelled the TRIAL membership immediately. I even paid the first year's "dues" -- thinking they wouldn't be able to say I owed them anything. I NEVER went anywhere or used any of the vouchers for a free cruise or hotels, etc. Several years later, I began getting threatening notices that I owed Vacation Brokers dues for the years after I cancelled and now I have been contacted by a collection agency saying I owe thousands of dollars.
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Aug 07 '08
7:57 pm PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Channel7/WXYZ wants to hear from you about Vacation Brokers (Reply to this comment)
by angiebru
My meeting with my lawyer went o.k.
She is writing a letter to the collection agency.
She said not to worry about it but I am still concerned. I'm kind of thinking a letter isn't going to clear it up just by the crazy things I've been hearing vacation brokers do. I'll definetly let you know what happens.
Good luck!
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Jul 28 '08
2:39 pm PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Channel7/WXYZ wants to hear from you about Vacation Brokers (Reply to this comment)
by milo1gus
Angiebru: Contact me. I'm part of the group that helped to expose Vacation Brokers on TV-7 Detroit. There is something you can do about the collection agency without going to an attorney. In addtion, the VB contracts are based on Canadian law which makes a U.S. attorney useless unless he/she is licensed to pratice in Canada. We however have a Canadian attorney ready to file for us and the more the merrier as regards reducing the legal fee's we each have to pay. Can't say anymore without tipping our hand to "the enemy". Respond to
milo1gus@yahoo.com for more information
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Jul 25 '08
4:39 pm PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Channel7/WXYZ wants to hear from you about Vacation Brokers (Reply to this comment)
by nileshw1
Angiebru,
How was your meeting with your lawyer?
We are in the same situation and will be meeting with a lawyer next week?
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Jul 25 '08
3:04 pm PDT
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TV interview (Reply to this comment)
by smarter369
So Teskey says he will deal with us on an individual basis, ha ha.... The Canadian collection agency must have received our letter saying that we are not paying a cent since we don't owe a cent in real life - and so that agency has sent the account to another agency. They will get a letter also from us. Not sure why they continue to be idiots about all of it, except for the fact that there will be that unique individual who feels threatened and will pay. Free money for Teskey/collection agency. I can't see the sense in paying anyone for anything that has to do with these crooks. Even the lawyer who says he will help us all, he wants big bucks. If he were so concerned he would donate his time, knowing that we have all already been taken advantage. The advice is not to pay. Stay connected. United we stand and divided we fall. Know that we are right.
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Jul 25 '08
10:10 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Channel7/WXYZ wants to hear from you about Vacation Brokers (Reply to this comment)
by angiebru
I too was sucked into a trial membership for 5 years and paid a $2000 deposit, never received a free cruise, never used our membership. I believe in 2003 when Kymbo went under and vacation brokers took over ,we then started receiving bills for maintenance fees. I refused to pay because we never used the membership. It's now 7 seven years later and I have a collection agency from Michigan coming after me and my husband for 2100.00 dollars in late and collection fees. I am meeting with a lawyer tomorrow. Can someone let me know if their was a class action lawsuit filed or what happened when they received a collection letter. I hate to even put any more money into them by hiring a lawyer but do not know what to do
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Jul 23 '08
7:05 pm PDT
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Be part of the solution (Reply to this comment)
by lindy143
If you believe Vacation Brokers is guilty of unethical practices contact Mary Lou Paratore of the American Resort Development Association MParatore@arda.org
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Jun 18 '08
2:19 pm PDT
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Stand up and voice it!! (Reply to this comment)
by lindy143
If you believe Vacation Brokers Inc. is guilty of
unethical practices contact Ross Perlmutter at
the Canadian Resort Development Association
crda@rogers.com
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Jun 18 '08
2:17 pm PDT
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Re: are you still happy with Kymbo???? (Reply to this comment)
by crro37
I am wondering if you are still happy with your membership???
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Jun 16 '08
9:45 am PDT
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Re: Kymbo/Resort Villa/Vacation Brokers (Reply to this comment)
by wildwalt13
If you look below at one of my posts I list all the companys that we found with connections to Kymbo Tours...most have some connection to the Gura family...or former employees of theirs...some splintered off from the original..and some claim to have bought the contracts of Kymbo Tours...THE THING THEY ALL HAVE IN COMMON.....THEY ARE SCAMMERS.
I HAVE SAID TIME AND TIME AGAIN ...
STOP PAYING....TAKE ANY THREATENING LETTERS TO A LAWYER...PLEASE...PLEASE...PLEASE...
STOP PAYING...
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Jun 15 '08
5:01 am PDT
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Kymbo/Resort Villa/Vacation Brokers (Reply to this comment)
by lindy143
Does anyone know if there's a relationship between
Kymbo / Resort Villa / Vacation Brokers? Please send answers to: ssciandra@heightsinc.com
Thanks all*
ps. we do know the relationship between Kymbo/Vacation Brokers but where does Resort Villa fit in?
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Jun 12 '08
1:41 pm PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Channel7/WXYZ wants to hear from you about Vacation Brokers (Reply to this comment)
by lindy143
Currently, we are in contact with Detroit's Channel 7 news. If you are interested in a lawsuit please attend a meeting at Channel 7 studios, Southfield MI. Legal proceedings may begin thereafter. We need your help. We will be posting info on Epinions.com soon.
http://www.epinions.com/content_1140105348/show_~allcom
What is your situation? Please explain your experience with Kymbo.
Thank you,
Debbie
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Jun 05 '08
12:12 pm PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Channel7/WXYZ wants to hear from you about Vacation Brokers (Reply to this comment)
by annchannel7
This is Ann Mullen at Channel 7. My email is amullen@wxyz.com ----NOT amullen@wxyx.com
Please correct that. Feel free to contact me.
Thanks, Ann Mullen 248-827-9467
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Jun 03 '08
6:49 am PDT
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Re: Re: Channel7/WXYZ wants to hear from you about Vacation Brokers (Reply to this comment)
by smarter369
Hoping Channel 7 can make some sense of what Vacation Brokers is all about. Send email to Ann at Channel 7. amullen@wxyx.com
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Jun 02 '08
4:08 pm PDT
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Re: Channel7/WXYZ wants to hear from you about Vacation Brokers (Reply to this comment)
by rippedoffcust
Please provide an eMail where you can be contacted.
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Jun 01 '08
3:50 pm PDT
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Channel7/WXYZ wants to hear from you about Vacation Brokers (Reply to this comment)
by annchannel7
I am a producer for Channel 7/WXYZ. We plan to do a report on Vacation Brokers and the many complaints lodged against the company.
We would love to hear from you. Please contact me by email or phone.
Thanks so much, Ann Mullen 248-827-9467
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May 29 '08
2:08 pm PDT
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Channel 7/WXYZ want to hear from you on Vacation Brokers (Reply to this comment)
by annchannel7
I am a producer for Channel 7/WXYZ. We want to do a report on Vacation Brokers and want to hear from you. Please share your stories and experiences with us about Vacation Brokers.
I can be reached by phone or email.
THanks, Ann Mullen 248-827-9467
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May 29 '08
2:03 pm PDT
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Re: Help may be on the horizon all (Reply to this comment)
by wildwalt13
I want to wish you LUCK with any action you are thinking of takeing.
As one of the frist people to write on this site about these companys...my wife and I..Canadians..
have just writen off or losses as a learning experience...$3000.00 ...
After talking to a local lawyer..and becomeing a member of a local...Windsor/Detroit...group..looking into the companys involved in one way or another..with Kymbo....my wife and I have just done the typical Canadain thing and rolled over and stopped trying to fight ..we figure our money is long gone.
If you check my remarks on this site you will find a list of companys we found that where connectted in some way to this scam...
We stopped playing the game and have never in 6 years recieved a bill ...and our trial membership ..good for 5 years..has expired..
If i do get a bill from ANYONE..claiming to be from ANY COMPANY..having to do with this scam..they will be very sorry cause I will chace them down and close them down ..one way or another...
Please read my comments below with the list of companys that have been connected to this scam.
and...
GOOD LUCK...BUT..MOST OF ALL..
STOP PAYING ANY AND ALL BILLS...PLEASE.
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Apr 13 '08
4:11 am PDT
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Help may be on the horizon all (Reply to this comment)
by lindy143
I've received many notes from others who have been duped by Kymbo/Vacation Brokers/Ridings Financial. We now may have a "Do er" among us that will try to blaze a path to justice. If you have interest in joining a possible class action suit please send your information to: debbie3499@gmail.com
Thank you all for contacting me. I'm very sorry you've all been preyed upon this company as I was. Good Luck!!
Sincerely,
Melinda
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Apr 12 '08
8:19 pm PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Let's Work Together to Beat this Scam! (Reply to this comment)
by angry2
I would like to beat this together. Please contact me at Debbie3499@gmail.com
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Apr 11 '08
1:21 pm PDT
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Interested in Lawsuit? (Reply to this comment)
by angry2
I signed up in 2002, I paid my membership in full to VBX. I didn't receive the free vacation either even after jumping thru all their hoops. Vacation Broker's sent Collection agency after me. I've contacted the BBB, the CRDA and Mr. Tesky himself. I have supporting documentation, do you? Even after attempting to use the service, Vacation Broker's (Marilyn) said if I felt apprehensive I shouldn't rent the property! I am in contact with a couple attorneys. Please contact me at Debbie3499@gmail to coordinate a plan of action.
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Apr 11 '08
1:18 pm PDT
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Re: Re: I HOPE THIS HELPED SOME OF YOU (Reply to this comment)
by angry2
Please contact me at Debbie3499@gmail.com to discuss some of your experiences. In answer to your question on epinions. Yes, I have received a letter from the Credit Bureau of Canada Collections. I have 10 days to pay the bill.
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Apr 11 '08
1:09 pm PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: GROUP OF KYMBO HATERS (Reply to this comment)
by angry2
I have had similar problems, please contact me at Debbie3499@gmail.com if interested in a class action lawsuit.
Thank you!
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Apr 11 '08
7:52 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: STOP ALL PAYMENTS...NOW. (Reply to this comment)
by angry2
Hi,
My name is Debbie and I just received a letter from a collection agency in regard to problems with Vacation Brokers and Kymbo, can you please contact me at Debbie3499@gmail.com?
Thank you,
Debbie
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Apr 11 '08
7:51 am PDT
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Re: Kymbo International Vacations (Reply to this comment)
by angry2
Please contact me regarding Vacation Brokers and Kymbo Int'l. I have had similar experiences. I would like to begin a class action lawsuit and find out your experiences.
Please contact me at Debbie3499@gmail.com
Thank you!
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Apr 11 '08
7:49 am PDT
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Re: Re: $2,500.00 trial membership now $11,003.64 (Reply to this comment)
by angry2
My name is Debbie, please contact me if interested in a class action lawsuit. Debbie3499@gmail.com.
Thank you,
Debbie
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Apr 11 '08
7:46 am PDT
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Re: Another Duped by Kymbo/VBX (Reply to this comment)
by angry2
My name is Debbie, please contact me at Debbie3499@gmail.com to discuss the problems with Vacation Brokers and Kymbo. I am trying to contact people that are interested in a lawsuit.
Thank you!
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Apr 11 '08
7:43 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: I HOPE THIS HELPED SOME OF YOU (Reply to this comment)
by angry2
My name is Debra and I have had similar problems, please contact me at Debbie3499@gmail.com if interested in a lawsuit or what you are doing for this problem.
Thank you ,
Debra
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Apr 11 '08
7:41 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: I HOPE THIS HELPED SOME OF YOU (Reply to this comment)
by angry2
My name is Debra and I have similar problems with Vacation Brokers and Kymbo. Please contact me at debbie3499@gmail.com if you would like to join us in a lawsuit.
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Apr 11 '08
7:38 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: I HOPE THIS HELPED SOME OF YOU (Reply to this comment)
by va241262
Can someone please provide an update on their situation with Vacation Brokers. They keep charging exorbitant fees and penalties, not to mention the $75.00 per letter when you require information! Is that their idea of Customer service and open communications?
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Mar 11 '08
2:54 pm PDT
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Re: Re: Re: Re: I HOPE THIS HELPED SOME OF YOU (Reply to this comment)
by smarter369
Still getting statements with increased fees each time. Unwarranted fees, not paying.
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Jan 24 '08
1:59 pm PST
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Re: Re: Re: I HOPE THIS HELPED SOME OF YOU (Reply to this comment)
by unfair2me
I was wondering whatever happened with your issue with Vacation Brokers? I have the same story as you and haven't paid them either. Did they ever do anything? They asked members to pay if they wanted to remain an "active" member and since I didn't want to be, I didn't pay. It did not say that all members were required to pay. Please let me know any updates you have with this company! I have filed complaints with the Attorney General's office and am filing with the BBB and anywhere else that I can. They made all kinds of threats with me too. They think that because they are in Canada they are able to get away with bullying us. They have approx. 80 complaints against them with the AG's office between their problems with Kymbo and some other issues with not fulfilling commitments, etc.
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Jan 23 '08
1:36 pm PST
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Re: Re: Re: Re: I HOPE THIS HELPED SOME OF YOU (Reply to this comment)
by smarter369
No luck from Attorney General or Ministry in Ontario, but they appreciated our position. Vacation Brokers charged us for the letters they had to write to the different organizations. $75.00 each for about 6 letters, and these charges were taken off the so called money we owe them. Crooks is what they are and we are not going to pay them a cent. We paid upon signing the contract and that is all they will get. So we shouldn't hear from them again, huh!
If they are smart they will move on to another victim.
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Dec 01 '07
2:19 pm PST
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Re: Re: Re: I HOPE THIS HELPED SOME OF YOU (Reply to this comment)
by unfair2me
I was wondering what you ever did about their collection attempts. Did you know that there is a two-year statute of limitation if you defaulted after 1-1-2004? They cannot sue you if the statute has expired. Did they send your file to a collection agency? Just wondering, since I am in a similar situation.
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Nov 30 '07
7:30 am PST
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Re: Another Duped by Kymbo/VBX (Reply to this comment)
by smarter369
Beware of things that seem to be too good to be true! Even when we read and understand the contract, it is interpreted by this Canadian company to meet their needs. Our hard earned money is too precious to be stolen with unethical practices.
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Sep 16 '07
3:53 pm PDT
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Re: Another Duped by Kymbo/VBX (Reply to this comment)
by smarter369
I wonder what attorneys are saying about this stuff. Are there any who will give free advice?
We are so tired of VB's unethical practices. We are not sending them any money. They don't even honor the writing that is in their contracts. That is a big problem. Beware and don't use vacation brokers for your travel arrangements. If it seems to good to be true, it isn't true!
Send those letters to agencies. Get the word out.
Don't be intimidated.
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Sep 15 '07
8:47 pm PDT
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Education is the Best Policy (Reply to this comment)
by smarter369
Make smart choices. Make your own travel arrangements - don't use a vacation broker like this one. If it sounds to good to be true, it ain't true! Write letters to the Attorney General, and Ontario agencies such as the Better Business Bureau and the Ontario Ministry of Consumer Protection. They need lots of letters before action will be taken. It is not suggested to pay Vacation Brokers anything. They need to take responsibility for their unethical practices. If Vacation Brokers wants to be respected as a reputable company, they need to pretend that today is the first day of the rest of their lives and leave dissatisfied customers alone. It would be nice to get back the lost money from them, but it would be just as nice for them to just stop hassling us and pay attention to improving their business tactics. I've heard that we all should not be intimidated by this company. In a court of law, we all have excellent cases, but some of us personally don't want to waste dollars or time. Letters to agencys would at least publicize our claims. It is very difficult to work so hard for our money and then have a company turn around and say we owe them more for nothing. Beware of this company and the contract you sign.
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Sep 15 '07
8:34 pm PDT
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Another Duped by Kymbo/VBX (Reply to this comment)
by lindy143
I stopped paying them when I began receiving all of that unprofessional slanderous mail they were sending us when they parted their companies. I still get calls and letters with threats to report to the credit bureau on me. I don't think they've kept that promise either. Ha. I tried reporting them to the Canadian BBB a couple of times but they were no help at all. Has a class action been started to get our money back? If so, "I'm IN"! Please let me know...MStine5785@aol.com. I am so very sick of working so hard for my money and having to be so leary not to get scammed out of it. What has happened to morals and integrity?? I was even naive in thinking that maybe the Canadian people or should I say companies would be more honest. I know it's not the people...just a few bad apples. Melinda Duped in MI
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Aug 16 '07
7:29 am PDT
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Re: Re: Re: I HOPE THIS HELPED SOME OF YOU (Reply to this comment)
by nozkcb
We have almost the exact same story. We are currently consulting with our attorney and hope to have this resolved soon. It is ridiculous that a con like this can run unchecked for this long. I wonder what a group (class action) lawsuit would do?
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Jul 06 '07
3:20 pm PDT
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Re: Re: I HOPE THIS HELPED SOME OF YOU (Reply to this comment)
by jacksob
My husband and I just received a collection agent's bill from Vacation Brokers. We haven't heard from this outfit since 2005. Joined as a trial member in 2001, paid in full they said until Kymbo was booted out and Vacation Brokers took over contracts and added an amendment to cover even trial members. Billed $47.00 a year for nothing after we were suppose to not ever pay another penny unless we used their services, and then we get a whopping $280.00 for collection fees and interest on that. Thought this was crazy so ignored it. Now we get a bill for over 500.00 and our membership has been over since Jan 2006. They threaten garnishment of wages and lien on our home. How confusing is this. Not sure what to do.
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May 07 '07
9:28 pm PDT
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Re: $2,500.00 trial membership now $11,003.64 (Reply to this comment)
by byerazz
My husband and I also have went through the same thing. What did you end of doing about it? I heard they were working out of Michigan now. I am goign to do some more research and then call Ruth to the Rescue which invest. companies that people have problems with.
Sarah
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Dec 30 '06
6:31 pm PST
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Re: STOP ALL PAYMENTS...NOW. (Reply to this comment)
by byerazz
I am tryig to find a gentlement which I was in comm. with over this Vacation Broker who lives in Michigan. May I ask if that is you.
Sarah
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Dec 30 '06
6:12 pm PST
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Re: Kymbo International Vacations (Reply to this comment)
by wildwalt13
i am one of the original writers to this colum on this subject...if you are getting threatening letters from anyone claiming to represent Kymbo Tours or Vacation Brokers or anyone else connected to those companys...telll them you are going to let your lawyer handle any and all coresspondance with them....they are all theaves..you will not hear back ...
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Jul 15 '06
6:54 pm PDT
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Kymbo International Vacations (Reply to this comment)
by etihwd
Shortly after I got involved with Kymbo (2003), they split with Vacation Brokers International, Inc. This group has the resorts in various areas of the country. Vacation Brokers International is the group that threatened me. Although no one from their group signed my contract, they are sending out billings for past due membership fees with penalties. They also threaten turning over the account to the Credit Bureau for collection. I was booking with Kymbo for some time since 2003. I payed the fees but still got good rates. I never bothered with their home billings. I went to Hawaii, Las Vegas, etc. Especially last minute vacations. Kymbo has never come back at me for past due fees. Vacation Brokers.com are doing that now.
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Jul 01 '06
2:30 pm PDT
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Re: I HOPE THIS HELPED SOME OF YOU (Reply to this comment)
by vacabrokrhater
Just as most of you I was duped by this wretched company. I signed up for this "service" in Nov 2002. After jumping through all the hoops to pick dates for my free "cruise" and my free "trip to Florida" I waited, only to hear nothing about when I could go. After that I decided that that sinking feeling I had in my stomache after I left Kymbo was warranted and I stopped paying into my "club." That was 3 years ago and between then and now I have heard little from vacation brokers. I used to get the token, very unprofessional looking, "bills" and for a while they stopped. Now all of a sudden, three years later, I am getting collections notices for this account. So I was wondering if anyone else who stopped paying has received anything in the way of collections.
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May 12 '06
1:16 pm PDT
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I HOPE THIS HELPED SOME OF YOU (Reply to this comment)
by crro37
I am happy that my original epinion on this company helped some of you. I did receive several threatening letters from the company warning to remove my comments as it was hurting their business.
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Apr 22 '06
11:50 am PDT
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Re: STOP ALL PAYMENTS...NOW. (Reply to this comment)
by informconsumer
Dear SCAMMED Vacation Club Members,
Please visit the new website of www.kymbochasers.blogspot.com
This website has the answers and advice for most of your concerns.
You can also address your concern, confidentially, by email to kymbochasers@yahoo.com
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Mar 31 '06
10:33 am PST
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Re: Re: STOP ALL PAYMENTS...NOW. (Reply to this comment)
by sassafras1966
YES,YES,YES........STOP PAYMENTS....
WE "JOINED IN 2003" AND HAVE NOT MADE 1 PAYMENT,NOR HAVE WE HEARD FROM ANY OF THERE COMPANIES....
DON'T BE A SUCKER AGAIN.....STOP.STOP,STOP PAYING NOW!!!
NOTHING IS ON OUR CREDIT REPORT'S EITHER....
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Mar 27 '06
6:57 am PST
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Re: STOP ALL PAYMENTS...NOW. (Reply to this comment)
by tiger926
It's amazing to me how our city (Windsor, ON) and the OPP/RCMP is making a big deal about Magic Carpet Travel (who I have had bad dealings with, I might add) and the wholesale company from New York about the missed vacations, yet they can't seem to make connections between Kymbo, Sterling Crown, etc., yet we all did. Hmmm? Doesn't make sense to me since all of these companies are related - not hard to figure it out as many of us did, yet they say their hands are tied with what they can do. Pull their license or pull them in for questioning - makes me angry every time I read stories this past week about the Magic Carpet Travel situation, yet no one seems to care about all of us who had to deal with these crooks. Something doesn't sound right to me! Tiger
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Mar 27 '06
4:00 am PST
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STOP ALL PAYMENTS...NOW. (Reply to this comment)
by wildwalt13
If you are still making payments to any of the companys listed below....STOP ...NOW.
Go to your bank...get a lawyer...or atleast let one know what you are doing...but for gods sake ...STOP MAKING THE PAYMENTS.
Leisure Escapes..Resort Villa..Vacation manor..Kymbo ..Kymbo international..K Tours..Klub Tours..KTI..Christlea Marketing..Zephyr Cove Management..XVB Financial..Triad International..Remington Travel..The Vacation Store..Bona Vista Travel.Bon Voyage holidays..Holiday Vacations International..Sterling Crown..Kymbo Tours inc...
These companys are all related ...if they tell you they will go to a lawyer...laugh..if they send you to collection ..get your lawyer..please...please ...please..STOP WHINEING AND STOP PAYING...
I DID ..2 YEARS AGO..AND HAVE RECIEVED NO BILLS..THREATS..OR COLLECTION NOTICES..
THEY ARE CROOKS...STOP PLAYING THEIR GAME.
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Mar 26 '06
6:53 am PST
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Re: Re: Re: GROUP OF KYMBO HATERS (Reply to this comment)
by mnb70
I also was scammed by Kymbo tours and called them to cancel my membership after never getting a membership card or any catalogs after many requests for them. I never heard anything at all from them since informing them that I wanted to cancel my membership and they never got another penny since I used a debit card to have the money taken out each month but then had the card reissued with other numbers so they couldnt draw anymore money from me. Now I'm getting phone calls and letters from some collection agency called Conserve telling me that I owe them the full amount plus interest to a new company called Great Orlando Vacations. I explained to them that I canceled my account with Kymbo and never heard anything else until now and wanted contact information for Great Orlando Vacations so I could talk to them and find out what was going on. I was told that they were not allowed to give any contact information for them and I would have to write a letter that they would then send it on to the vacation company. This all sounds strange to me also could it be another scam? I think that we all who have been scammed need to come together and sign a class action lawsuit against them and get all of our money back. I'm planning on contacting a lawyer for advice on this. For all of those in Michigan how does Feiger sound? I would love to hear any advice on how to resolve these problems.
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Mar 22 '06
1:46 pm PST
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Re: Re: GROUP OF KYMBO HATERS (Reply to this comment)
by erlamo58
Could I please get information from anyone who has tried to get a refund from their credit card companies for monies issued to Kymbo/Vacation Manor/XZB or Triad International? I'm particularly interested in Citibank and anything you can share about your experience with them when trying to get them to credit your account.
Thank you.
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Feb 09 '06
7:38 am PST
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Re: Re: Re: KYMBO/VACATION BROKERS UNETHICAL TACTICS (Reply to this comment)
by jms440809
If you canceled your auto-deduct or payment to Kymbo how did your bank have the nerve to pay anyone else. They need to be reported to the Federal Government who controls their behavior. Just had to report my CU for excessive fees & holding my money when bills came in so they could charge outrageous fees. I got all fees refunded & no more holding my money when bills came in, they pay them because they have my money. I got all my money back from Kymbo. No one should ever use cash or checks to deal with anyone unless you are purchasing things from a store & that's not too safe either if you're spending a lot of money. At least if you use a credit card you have someone else to help fight the battle. I wish all of you luck. Contact your bank immediately & demand an explanation & your money back. Let me know the results.
Jennie
selimkel@aol.com
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Feb 05 '06
3:39 am PST
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Re: stopped making payments (Reply to this comment)
by jms440809
Hi
Why are you even still making payments when the company has been dissolved. It seems obvious that none of you read or got the last letter from the Michigan AG's office. My contract was with Kymbo therefore, if I had intended to do anything it would have been iwth them, however, I was fortunate enough to get every dime of my money back by complaining to my credit card company 15 times until they got tired of me saying "I don't understand NO" especially when you paid the money out on my behalf for a service that I never got & the company fell off the face of the earth. So I am delighted to say I spent all my money almost a year ago when I got the full refund. How can they do anything against you after the scams they have pulled, you can always write your rebuttal to the credit reporting agencies. Good luck, hope this has been helpful.
Jennie
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Feb 05 '06
3:23 am PST
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Re: GROUP OF KYMBO HATERS (Reply to this comment)
by jms440809
wondered what happened to you? Did you follow-up from our last conversation? I got 100% refund from CITICARDS, even the $171.00 I paid to Zephyr. So go for it. I have fought & won 3 out of 4 battles in this area. I now have 3 more different battles added to my plate with the death of my husband. I want to say "stop world & let me off". But I have to keep up the battles to right the wrongs that I feel have been dealt to me. Good luck to you & all of the others who hasn't gotten their money back. How's the building coming? Finished yet?
jennie
selimkel@aol.com
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Feb 05 '06
3:07 am PST
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Kymbo Tours Group (Reply to this comment)
by jms440809
This is to all of you who got scammed, I told you almost a year ago how to get your money back. why is anyone still paying them when you know yo will never see a trip from them unless you are willing to hook up with their better halves who will also scam you. I have spent every dime of my 100% refund. Review the earlier suggestions by me sent to all of you by several of the few active members. Good luck from Jennie.
selimkel@aol.com
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Feb 05 '06
2:58 am PST
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GROUP OF KYMBO HATERS (Reply to this comment)
by duckster2
There is a large group of people which all have been scammed, and we are continuing to put pressure on these crooks. I have been out of the loop lately, but I will try to help anyone who wants to join our group. I WAS PREVIOUSLY LISTED UNDER DUCKSTER2, but my NEW CONTACT IS duckster3@comcast.net the previous tel#'s are still valid.
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Jan 30 '06
9:29 pm PST
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stopped making payments (Reply to this comment)
by snucher
I posted last year about my dissatifaction with Kymbo and xvb. I stopped making payments about 8 months ago and haven't gotten another statement or phone call since. the last few times I called XVB to make a payment over the phone I talked to three different people. they were very helpful and nice about taking my payment. The last one was a bit strange though. I talked to a man (don't remember his name) and told him I wanted to make a payment, I could hear kids in the background, he told me he had to look up my file so I waited, and I swear it sounded like he was at his own home. I made the payment, got one more statement and nothing since. I just pull the money aside in my checkbook but don't send it. We refinanced our house to help pay off some credit card debt that we had and my husband insists we pay them off,(even though after so many months of non payments nothing was listed on our credit reports) I have a check in front of me to pay it off and I just can't bring myself to send it. With the added Interest I'm sure the balance is higher than the last statement I received. So I'm wondering if maybe they just don't follow up? or like someone posted earlier, they won't go to court because of their scamming ways? Has anyone had experience with not paying their loan payments? Do they eventually come after you? or do they just write it off?
PS-The email I used before had been shut down ,so if anyone tried to contact me, I apologize.
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Jan 08 '06
8:08 am PST
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A place to work together (Reply to this comment)
by shiza
Looks like we all have the same tales of woe but no central location to unite and work from. If you want I will volunteer to be that spot. I will post my real E-mail address for this purpose. I am tired of being ripped of at every turn. I need knowledge on what to do and how to do it. Contact me at:
wastematerial@comcast.net
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Nov 20 '05
2:29 pm PST
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Re: Re: KYMBO/VACATION BROKERS UNETHICAL TACTICS (Reply to this comment)
by shiza
I too was taken in by Kymbo. Upon finding out about how crooked they are we stopped the auto-deduct from our checking account. We just found out the they are still getting our money. This time under the name of "The Great Orlando" out of Bradenton,FL. Please E-mail me so we can ALL get this scum!!
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Nov 20 '05
2:17 pm PST
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Re: Re: KYMBO/VACATION BROKERS UNETHICAL TACTICS (Reply to this comment)
by jacksob
Hi time out 2
How do we all connect when we don't have one another's email. I have big issues with this travel outfit.
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Sep 29 '05
3:05 pm PDT
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Vacation Brokers, Inc. is unethical (Reply to this comment)
by jacksob
I wonder if anyone else out there has experienced this travel club's strategy to get members to travel by implementing an administrative fee in 2004, without a letter explaining what the fee was all about. They just expected people to pay it or go on a trip so it would be deducted from the travel bill. They state that the amendment in the contract says they can do whatever they want if it is for the good of its members. Doesn't sound right to me.
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Sep 29 '05
3:01 pm PDT
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Re: Umm? (Reply to this comment)
by crro37
Music was VERY LOUD
Teenagers did ask if I was ready to sign--they would call their advisor to the table if I was
Prices are not reasonable!
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Jun 14 '05
5:19 am PDT
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Re: VACATION BROKERS ARE NOT A SCAM!!! (Reply to this comment)
by jms440809
HI
WHAT HAPPENED I WAS GOING TO E-MAIL YOU ABOUT YOUR GROUP DIDN'T SEE ANY PERSONAL E-MAILTO SEND MY INFORMATION TO YOU TO COMPARE NOTES. HOPES DISGRUNTLED MEMBERS AREN'T ATTACKING EACH OTHER. HEY MOST OF US I ASSUME JUST WANT WHAT WE PAID FOR OR OUR MONEY BACK.HOPEFULLY, THINGS WILL ALL WORK OUT FOR ALL OF US.
GOOD LUCK.
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May 21 '05
5:15 am PDT
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Re: Re: Let's Work Together to Beat this Scam! (Reply to this comment)
by jms440809
On what day and date did you attend the tour, scam, presentation etc? We attended Saturday 2/7/2004 for an evening dinner. Yes we purchased nothing in return so far and no answers from Kymbo. Have talked to Billie @ Vacations of the Future, Pat Freda @ the cruise division, Chris @ Sundream Vacation Holidays , Leah Cornell & Aula (Ola) Kamaliddina both @Family vacations. We are willing to sign a group letter and or lawsuit or do whatever we can to recoup our money. You may respond to selimkel@aol.com Have a good.
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May 15 '05
8:12 pm PDT
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Re: KYMBO/VACATION BROKERS UNETHICAL TACTICS (Reply to this comment)
by timeout2
I would like to encourage anyone in Michigan that have had problems with Kymbo and/or Vacation Brokers to file a complaint with Mich. Attorney General Mike Cox's Office- Consumer Protection Division, as they had responded to me, last yr.in regards to my complaint with Vaction Brokers, that they had not had an efficient amount of complaints to do an investigation (I couldn't believe I was the only one in Michigan---I see from this web site, I am not alone). I have wrote letters to every imaginable agency in Canada and in US to expose these companies for their unethical business tactics---Canada's agencies are weak. I can't believe that their BBB agency is still giving Vacation Brokers a satisfactory rating (see below). So maybe if enough of us contact our Atty. General's office, they will help their constituents against these Candian companies. If you like to do a group thing, like all sign a complaint letter or send in complaints all together, let me know---I will be happy to participate.
BBB Reliability Report
The Better Business Bureau
Serving Mid-Western & Central Ontario
354 Charles Street East
Kitchener, ON N2G 4L5
Vacation Brokers Inc
15 McCulloch Ave
Unit #1A
Etobicoke, ON M9W 4M5
Telephone: (416) 247-2004
Fax: (416) 247-4613
www.vacationbrokers.com
The BBB reports on members and non-members.
Original Business Start Date: January 1986 Employees: 7
Principal: Mr. John Teskey, Principal File Open Date: December 1996
Email Address: vbisupport@ica.net
TOB Classification: Vacation Time Share, Vacation Certificates & Vouchers
BBB Membership: This company is a member.
Additional DBA Names
Vacation Brokers International Inc.
Ridings Financial Services Inc.
Sun Seekers
BBB Membership Status
This company has been a member of this Better Business Bureau since September 1986. This means it supports the Bureau's services to the public and meets our membership standards.
Program Participation
This company participates in the Membership Identification Program and agrees to use mediation and/or arbitration if necessary to resolve disputes.
Customer Experience
Based on BBB files, this company has a satisfactory record with the Bureau. The Bureau has processed customer complaints on this company in its three-year reporting period. Although the customers disputed the company's responses, based on BBB experience the company properly addressed all the issues of the complaints. In addition, other complaints processed by the bureau, the company addressed the disputed issues of the complaints, and the customers verified that the complaints have been resolved satisfactorily. To have a Satisfactory Record with the Bureau, a company must be in business for at least 12 months, properly and promptly address matters referred to it by the Bureau, and be free from an unusual volume or pattern of complaints and law enforcement action involving its marketplace conduct. In addition, the Bureau must have a clear understanding of the company's business and no concerns about its industry
When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.
The Bureau processed a total of 14 complaints about this company in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period. Of the total of 14 complaints closed in 36 months, 4 were closed in the last year.
These complaints concerned:
2 Selling Issues,
1 Product Quality Issues,
1 Refund/Exchange Issues,
7 Contract Issues,
2 Customer Service Issues, and
1 Credit or Billing Issues.
They were closed as:
1 Resolved,
3 Assumed Resolved, and
10 Administratively Judged Resolved.
Company Management
Additional company management personnel include:
Ms. Marilyn Kunjah - Customer Service
Ms. Nancy Hurley
Additional DBAs, Addresses and Telephone Numbers
Additional Addresses
555 Burnhamthorpe Rd
Suite 500
Toronto, ON M9C 2Y3
15 McCulloch Avenue
Etobicoke, ON M9W 4M5
Additional Phone Numbers
(416) 247-2004
(800) 823-8220
(416) 620-1770
(416) 620-1610
Additional Fax Numbers
(416) 620-1710
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Report as of May 10, 2005
Copyright© 2005 Better Business Bureau®, Inc.
As a matter of policy, the Better Business Bureau does not endorse any product, service or company. BBB reports generally cover a three-year reporting period, and are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information contained in this report is believed reliable but not guaranteed as to accuracy. Reports are subject to change at any time.
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May 10 '05
6:16 pm PDT
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Re: Re: Let's Work Together to Beat this Scam! (Reply to this comment)
by tiger926
Unfortunately, you should have kept the reservation that they made for you that you didn't want because 1) You could have dealt with the property yourselves (I don't use the word resort as they do because the places they send you to are jokes!) 2) At least you would have had somewhere to go. You now have no choice if you want to vacation within the next month to book somewhere yourself. Have you paid the booking deposit already? If not, I would just book myself. You already know that this company are scammers, so I would part with your vacation dreams through them immediately:
1) Book your own vacations from now on or with a reputable travel agency
2) Stop payments on your account with them
By the way if you have paid the booking fee, then you are out of luck, but I would contact the bank, or credit card that is debiting your account and set up a meeting to stop payment on your montly fees. Although I know that with a reputable company this can get you into trouble in that you just can't cancel a contract for no reason, but this isn't a reputable company. Do you really think they are going to take you to court? I don't think so!! They may very well call you in the next week with your hotel information - by the way, if it's in Orlando, I'd be careful as there are lots of nasty places in Orlando - do your research immediately upon finding out what the name of the place is, and make your decision based on that. Basically these people are set up with some nasty timeshare places around the world (they actually own units at most of them, but they pretend that they don't so that way you'll be angry with the hotels that they send you to).
I wish you luck, and wish that everyone who continues to go to their 'shows' would read these messages and the newspaper so that no one will sign up with these people as they are total scammers! If it looks too good to be true, it usually is. There are a handful of excellent vacation club and timeshare resorts out there namely: Disney, Marriott and Hilton - guess what? This company doesn't deal with any of them and for good reason - very high expectations of which this company doesn't even come close!
Good luck with your vacation - you'd be better off booking it on your own by the way.
Tiger
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Apr 29 '05
4:00 am PDT
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Re: Let's Work Together to Beat this Scam! (Reply to this comment)
by frankbean
Your story sounds a lot like mine. In October of 2003 we attended a dinner for Kymbo. We signed for the exact same package. We make monthly payments to XVB Financial. Last year in March we called to book our two week vacation at a specific resort. Within days the vacation was booked. When I got the confirmation papers, I noticed an error that they had booked a unit that was too small for one of the weeks. Since it was their error, they took care of it by renting a larger unit for the week. They payed for it out of their own pockets. I couldn't have been happier and our vacation was fabulous. This year...a whole different story. We have been trying for months to book the same vacation. After weeks of phone calls and no answers we were put throught to an Orlando Office. They also didn't return our phone calls. After a few more weeks they finally called and said they found us some other resort. We did not want that. So again, more phone calls, no answer. Out of no where we receive a phone call from Steve Speakman, a manger at Kymbo. He gives a new office number and his home number. Says he will call back after the weekend with our vacation. Well you guessed it...no phone call. We start calling again, and keep getting some girl who just keeps putting us off saying she will call when she gets a response to our vacation request. Our vacation is suppose to be in May and it is April 28th!!! We don't know where to go from here...any suggestions????
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Apr 28 '05
1:30 pm PDT
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I assure you they are all the same people - Dave Ouelett!! (Reply to this comment)
by tiger926
It was definitely sad to read this latest scam story, but everyone's stories are all so similar. I always tell people, if you have a bad feeling about something, trust your instinct and get out - why would you listen to a slick loser over your own conscience? It's sad that people like this are going to remain in business, but sadly, they are. Number 1) In Ontario we are allowed by law, to cancel any contract within a specified amount of days - this is backed by the government, but has just been changed, so that is why I don't have access to the actual # of days. These scammers make themselves unavailable for approx. 10 days afterward because everyone is calling to cancel - that is why they then tell you when they call you within the 1st month to book, that you can't. Technically they are right - but of course, we all know that they have bent this law in order to protect their little scam!
2) Mr. Dave Ouellett and the Gura Family who have owned Sterling Crown, Worldwide Resorts, Kymbo, Zephyr Cove and now, Vacation Manor, are all the same people! Our country, unfortunately makes it very easy for scammers like this to do business. They reopen under different Ont. #s, or put the business in someone else's name, plain and simple. It will be very hard to stop them - at this point, they are very guilty of terrible customer service, buying people's names to get them in the door, and offering nasty accommodations for booking - these things are all tangible things that we can see. The other stuff, is harder because these people have covered themselves in such a way that it's going to be hard to trace back who actually owns which company. After speaking with many different people, I have come to the conclusion that these people are going to remain in business because they prey on honest and hardworking people who need vacations - that is there in! It has already started to hurt their business though as they are no longer in their nice, Ouellette Ave. office, but a nasty older office. Hopefully it won't be long before they are all put out of business for good!
Good luck to all of you who have been wronged by these people.
Tiger
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Apr 28 '05
4:19 am PDT
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Same scam - different name (Reply to this comment)
by erlamo58
The names of the companies in my scam are: Vacation Manor, Resort Villa Vacations, and Triad International. The names are different, but the details are identical to what I've been reading and hearing from this site.
In mid-January I also received a phone call on a Saturday night inviting me to a presentation at Vacation Manor the next day. Although I could not remember entering any contest that might result in my being invited, I agreed to go for the same reason many of you did - the promise of at least one wonderful prize just for attending. I asked the woman on the phone many questions, including why a company would give away free prizes worth the amount of money she had stated, with no obligation. She said that Carnival Cruise Lines has an advertising budget, and that this is how they chose to spend part of it. Knowing that Carnival was a reputable company, I agreed that my fiance and I would attend the no-obligation presentation. Once in the parking lot of Vacation Manor, I was dismayed at the dingy setup - the building was very small and old. We sat in our car before entering, debating whether or not to still go in since the looks of the building was less than professional. We decided to continue since we'd already driven across the border and were in the lot. The 'receptionist' area was not a permanent setup, but a simple desk thrown at the front door to greet people, the personnel were cheesy-looking, their clothing wrinkled and cheap, and other than the people who appeared to run the thing, the staff consisted of teenagers who didn't appear to know what to do unless they were directed to do something. The "breakfast" consisted of small amounts of cold eggs and potatoes and limp toast. We sat through the presentation, which was actually entertaining, was a long presentation, but was spoken in a very fast manner with a chalkboard. No papers were ever handed out. Afterward the spoken presentation, there was a video that I expected to explain more detail. When I asked her to explain the cost in greater detail, she said my representative would explain in the next room. The video was very loud and was nothing more than flashes of people enjoying beautiful cruises and vacations. There were no words to the video at all. It was all pictures and music.
We were then herded into another room, where our "representative" sat and began with asking one-answer questions: "Do you like to vacation?", "How many times a year do you go on vacation?, "Where do you go on vacation?", "How would you like to have those vacations and more for less than one vacation you take now?" Once I answered those questions in the way she wanted to hear, she offered me a 'membership' that would allow us to take cruises and vacations at 50% off regular prices, because they had made and agreement with Carnival Cruise Lines for special rates. When she quoted me a price of $30,000, I asked if there were smaller packages available. She was no longer to help me, but brought a man who called himself Ron Brar to help. Ron was a large man with dark hair and glasses. He was animated and spoke with confidence - a definite salesman. Ron talked rapidly and when I told him the second package he offered was also too expensive ($20,000), he threw in a free initial vacation to any one of their destinations and called another person over to tell them to make sure we won the prize we wanted. The other guy laughed and Ron winked at us and said, "We'll take care of you." He would need $1,800 deposit to begin the membership and if I was unable to get financing in five days they would automatically finance for us. It's important to note that at this point we had already been in the building for three hours instead of the promised 45-minutes on the phone the night before. I was getting very anxious about leaving my children alone at home for that long, as I had never left them before. They were old enough, but I was getting very nervous just the same and just wanted to get out of Canada and back to my house. My fiance and I went back and forth about whether or not this was a good idea. I finally told him that if I found it wasn't a good idea I would simply cancel within three days. After all, any reputable (like Carnival Cruise Lines) would be understanding. I finally told Ron Brar "Look, I just want to get the hell out of here. Where do I sign?" They charged the $1,800 deposit to my credit card and had many papers for us to sign - not very different from the number of papers I signed to buy my house! Once signed, we were made to stand up and were presented to the rest of the potential customers that we were now the proud owners of a Resort Villa membership and that our free vacation was going to be to Porta Vallarta. Much clapping and cheering from the staff members added to my embarassment and to the energy in the room. I was not in such a hurry to leave that I almost did not pull a prize ticket. When I did, it was for a three-day vacation to Boyne Mountain. The paperwork given to me about the place was a black-and-white xeroxed pamphlet on plain white paper and folded (sloppily) as the original pamphlet would have been. We were escorted out the back door where I was so glad to be in my car and on my way home. I felt nauseaus the rest of the day and told my fiance that something just didn't feel right. That evening, I checked out their 'deals' and found out they were at least as expensive as what I might book myself. In some cases, the 'deals' were even more expensive. I tried for the next week to contact Ron Brar. I was met with: "I'm sorry, Ron is with a client right now. I'll have him phone you in the next couple of hours". Of course, he never phoned back and further calls to that number were met with 'mailbox full'. One day, while trying to call around and get a person on the line to cancel my membership with, a call came in from Resort Villa Vacations for the purpose of booking my first vacation. I told her I was so happy she called, because I was trying to get anyone to answer any of the phone numbers I had. I told her I needed to cancel my membership, to which she said she could not help me. They were simply the reservations people and could not help with membership details. When I asked her what the 'free trip' to Porta Vallarta would consist of, she told me that that trip could not be booked until I paid a fee of $325 plus had booked, paid for, and taken, another vacation within a year from now. The free trip would be void by January of 2006 if I didn't meet this criteria. I knew I was going to cancel, but wanted to know what the details were of the free trip, since I knew it was too good to be true.
I sent a letter of cancellation to all three companies listed at the top of this e-mail. I received a letter back saying, in a nutshell, "nice try, but your contract is non-cancellable". I was unable to stop the payment of $1,800 from my credit card, but will not pay another dime. Triad Int'l sent me what made up coupons from which to make my monthly payments, but I won't be using them. They have tried to call me three times, claiming they've tried five, but I've never been home to talk to them directly, and I won't call them back, though they say they're in the office from 4:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. What kind of business hours are those, anyway?
Withing days of signing, I gotin touch with the Windsor BBB, The Windsor Police Fraud department, the Windsor Chamber of Commerce. The BBB said they had other complaints about Vacation Manor, but that it was in reference to Kymbo, not Resort Villa Vacations.
Based on the details of operation, I'm sure they're one and the same group of people running it.
I would love to be in touch with the group I understand is trying to fight Vacation Manor. Please let me know how I might help.
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Apr 26 '05
9:07 am PDT
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Re: Let's Work Together to Beat this Scam! (Reply to this comment)
by lapdog76b
We will work together on this as well. If we could only get the other people that were at "Kymbo Tours" the day we were we would love it. There was a retired couple that bought into it as well. Please contact me and let me know what you want us to do.
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Apr 09 '05
11:37 am PDT
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Re: Re: $2,500.00 trial membership now $11,003.64 (Reply to this comment)
by lapdog76b
Just curious if you have quit paying. We are going to stop paying. Do you have any advice? Did you ever get contacted? Did it show on a credit report? How did it turn into the 11 thousand. Please assist us. We just want to get rid of this and never pay this scam again. We feel that we have been robbed as well. I have posted a complaint through the FTC. Just curious if we should call FOX 2 problem solvers as well. Thanks for your assistance.
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Apr 09 '05
11:32 am PDT
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Re: $2,500.00 trial membership now $11,003.64 (Reply to this comment)
by shawnlee3
my wife and i also went to kimbos little buffet dinner heard there little schpeel and i have to admit they are smooth talkers anyway they convinced us to join we scratched out a check on the spot and went off home happy to have joined this club and won our orlando vacation while sitting there at home i started to wonder about this company so i got on the net and looked them up you guys had so many bad remarks i decided to do something to get out of it i called first thing monday morning and closed my bank account and re opened a new one and havent heard a thing from kymbo since that was 2 years ago
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Feb 27 '05
5:41 am PST
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$2,500.00 trial membership now $11,003.64 (Reply to this comment)
by rickrobinson
When we received our February 2005 statement from XVB our trial membership of $2,500.00 had turned into our owing $11,003.64. It also shows interest charges of $9,155.70 on Jan. 21, 2005.
WHAT'S UP WITH THAT??
Up until this point we didn't know of any problems. Does anyone have any advice for us?? We're wondering if we should close our bank account to keep them from getting anymore money from us. Has anyone ever booked a trip with these people with success?
Is there a number that actually works to get a hold of these people. When I call the number on their financial statement (866)515-9399 a recording states that I have dialed a number which cannot be reached from my calling area.
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Feb 16 '05
6:55 am PST
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Let's Work Together to Beat this Scam! (Reply to this comment)
by miss_mcfall
Hello All!
Here's my story. Before you get into it... I am forming a group to work together to get this company out of business FOR GOOD. If interested please e-mail me at aka_qt@sbcglobal.net.
I am a victim of a scam after attending the Arts, Beats, and Eats in Pontiac, Michigan back in 2003. The scam was in no part the fault of the Arts, Beats and Eats committee. I, like a lot of customers that see that companies raffle things off completed an entry form at the fair. Approximately, 1 month later, I received a call from a marketing firm in Ontario, Canada. The firm informed me that my entry had been selected and I won a free 7 day trip. To redeem my prize, I had to select a slot of time to come to Windsor and claim my prize. I was suspicious but decided oh what the heck. I asked why I had to travel to Canada to claim the prize and I was informed that it was because there's no tax on prizes in Canada. My mom and I went to the location on 1567 Oullette in Windsor and sat through a presentation on a vacation club. I later learned that this was a presentation to get me to purchase a membership with the club. They bring you in and provide you with a buffet style dinner. There were so many people there... like myself that had completed the entry form for this drawing. After sitting through the presentation, the presenter leads all of the guests into another room and everyone sits down with a agent and they attempt to sell the guests a package. The prices at first are ridiculous. But you are still guaranteed a free 7 day trip, even if you don't buy a package. My mom and I decided that the packages being offered were too high and declined the offers. Then we were presented with a package that would allow us to travel two weeks per year for the next five years, a 4 day 3 night cruise on Royal Caribbean, a free 7 day trip to any North American resort and the free 7 day trip for just coming to the presentation. This package was renewal after five years and could be transferred to a life membership with the club. The package was priced at 2500.00 U.S. dollars. My mom and I decided that the package was great and we were in no obligation after 5 years.
I have experienced nothing but problems with this company and they have in a sense taken my money with little to no return. The company at the time that we signed the contract was Kymbo Tours/Kymbo International. They've now changed there name to Zephyr Cove Management. Most recently, they now sent their reservations area to Florida with another company called Great Orland Vacations. There is so much more to this story. I have been trying to book a trip to the Bahamas since October 2004 to no avail. I had a reserva! tion in Hilton head South Carolina the week of Christmas 2004 only to get there and find out that my vacation was reserved under someone else's name, address and phone number. Two days and prior to my trip and to date I never received a written confirmation of my vacation after paying $533.00 for the reservation. No one will return my phone call with the company. The manager that I have been dealing with since October is no longer there. I did receive one phone call from someone claiming to be a manager by the name of Linda Johnson. I still have her voicemail message. I've recently called the company twice this month and the same persons name has gone from Linda Johnson to Susan to Isabelle Jackson. She never changes her voice as she changes her name. I have no idea who she will be next week. The Owner J.R. Gura has not returned any of my phone calls nor has the new manager Lydia Liu. I want to tell you all about the trip I made to their office in Windsor only to find out that the company was no longer at the address. However, as I stood in the office, and dialed the company's phone number, a girl sitting right in front of me answered the phone. Explain that.
I ask you to air this story because I was taken and have received a message from one other club member that has similar complaints. I'm soliciting for more via the Internet... but need your help to get the story out there. I don't want another Michigander to go to another fair and fill out an entry form like I did and be taken by this company like I was. Please help me."
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Feb 15 '05
5:37 am PST
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Hello again...Fellow Kymbo Fans... (Reply to this comment)
by wildwalt13
I have been a busy little pest...
After accually paying my dues...$47.00
I sent a e-mail to ask about booking my FREE CRUISE....
Their reply was...and I quote..
Thank you for paying your dues for 2005..but you can't book a free trip till you have first booked a paid vacation...
My reply was not very nice...lol...
But i did call the Windsor Star and talked to a reporter..Craig Pearson...
Mr. Pearson stopped by the house yesterday ..wed.feb..9th...and we had a nice chat..i gave him a copy of my contract and all the e-mails i have sent to Kymbo tours....also i gave him this web site...he was most interested in doing a story ...stayed for 1 hour and 1/2...
Today we had a photographer from the Star stop by ...he also got a ear full of just what Kymbo tours is up to...
Should be a interesting story and photos in the Star in the next little while...lol
I will be very interested in seeing how Kymbo tours..Chrislea marketing..Zepher Cove management..and XVB financial...like the story
...
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Feb 10 '05
4:34 pm PST
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Apology to Vacation Brokers, or Whoever you are Today (Reply to this comment)
by kdcrock
Dear Vacation Brokers Management and Staff,
I am sorry that I paid you $8000, paid my dues on time, and voiced my HONEST opinion about your services. I am sorry that you only lost $40,000 due to non-payment as a result of my HONEST opinion. I am sorry I did not express my HONEST opinion even more thoroughly, so all who have been TAKEN by your company get even further satisfaction as a result of your losses. I am truly sorry that you feel you need to take me to court. I am so sorry that I would gladly meet you and your lawyers here in the US, Canada, F****** any where to discuss why you suspended your so called services and would not reimburse my money! I am sorry you and your staff are offended by our governments' allowing us, and I am pretty sure your's too, to voice our opinions about services be them good, bad, or F****** awful!!! You know where your company fits... and I am sorry. I am sorry I don't have a damn thing good to say about your service! In addition, I am sorry that you do not have the guts to have the public meetings that your company KYMBO stated that you would be having periodically to address customer satisfaction! I am sorry that no one in Canada can address the issue that a growing number of people seem to have with your company. Mostly, I am sorry that these messages will continue to hopefully destroy your current and potential customer base until I receive my $8000 back!! I again am sorry that I have to, will make time to, and yell out to all of US and anyone you have access to that I was cheated and so were many others... Check the email!! Windsor Better Business Bureau doesn't even claim your organization... I wonder why???? I am truly indeed sorry. Please refund my money and we all can walk away sorry we ever had to say Sorry!!!!
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Feb 10 '05
4:10 pm PST
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kymbo (Reply to this comment)
by eterniti21
hello everyone who is involved in this...first of all,i don't want to offend anybody or discourage you. However, complaining to fox 2 problem solvers and attorney general will get you nowhere. You agreed to the deal, signed a contract, hopefully read it before you signed. You are under obligation by law to pay, whether it is in Us. or Canada. In case the company did not fullfill their part of the contract, you may have a case. I suggest to get a lawyer.
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Feb 08 '05
7:44 pm PST
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Re: Re: what do i do? (Reply to this comment)
by eterniti21
hello everybody...i dont want to offend anyone jor discourage them...but I doubt that Fox 2 Problem Solvers etc. will be able to do anything considering the company is canadian. there are legal complications...you agreed to the deal, you (hopefully) read the contract, you signed it. you agreed to pay. Canada or US, you are still required to pay. However, if the company did not fullfill their part of the contract, you may have a case. I suggest to get a lawyer, because just complaining to different organizations will get you nowhere. good luck.
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Feb 08 '05
7:37 pm PST
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what do i do? (Reply to this comment)
by nausikia
we have gotten into this "scam" over a year ago..payed a total of 640, and we are still making payments..they stopped sending us bills for a while and we since have moved.
i have called the financial company a few times and left new phone numbers so they can reach me. but there hours are only 4pm-9pm.
now that i have read comments about this company i am unsure about them, especially since i cannot get a hold of anybody, and what kind of company has hours from 4-9pm?
i am unsure if i should continue paying them. i haven't used the package tho i have tried and couldn't get a hold of anyone. i am just wondering what kind of legal issues i might get into if i was to stop paying, and or try to cancel my membership
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Feb 06 '05
8:42 am PST
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Re: SCAMMED BY KYMBO (Reply to this comment)
by wildwalt13
Looks like you can add another to the list of people not happy with Kymbo Tours Inc.
We where sucked in back in June of 2004...yes they got our money also..but not as much as most of the people i have been reading about...
We gave a trail membership a try...$2500.00
plus $445.00... for Club Admin.Fee..
We paid in cash/debit...no finance charges..smart right...yeah i know..lol..
We where given a Free Cruise 3 night 4 day ..Royal Caribbean...impressive...
Thanks good luck trying to book it...
We tried to get some infromation about what was included in the Free Cruise...got a bill insteed..for something called Vacation Club Maintenance and Usage fees...$47.00..american.
When i tried to get ahold of someone to ask about the fees...well the fun started...all the phone numbers i have in my records are changed..
Then i went on-line checked out Kymbo Tours Inc.
Found you guys...talk about a eye opener...
So now the work of tracking down numbers and addresses has started...
And...Yes we paid the $47.00...that way we fullfill our end of the agreement...so if we deciede to go for legal action...we are covered...
I'm thinking of going public..newspapers ..radio..TV...not just here but in all the citys ..Kymbo Tours claim to have accomadations in...
I can be reached at home by e-mail..if you want to continue this conversation...
Thanks for your time...
wwilkinson@cogeco.ca
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Feb 05 '05
11:53 am PST
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SCAMMED BY KYMBO (Reply to this comment)
by aedwards30
Hi my name is Angela and my fiancee and I were taken by Kymbo for $8,000.00. We are trying to plan our honeymoon through Kymbo and have been trying for the past 6 months. We have the airline tickets but unfortunately they (Kymbo Tours) has forgotten to book our Condo in Florida and now they have no available rooms. I have emailed the Problem Solvers and I'm waiting to hear back.
And for the lady (Karen) who has had a great experience with Kymbo I would like to know who you have been talking to because I can't seem to get anyone on the phone. They are probably out spending all of my hard earned money.
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Jan 31 '05
8:24 am PST
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Re: Re: KYMBO HATERS (Reply to this comment)
by jpberanek
We too were taken in by Kymbo and are so frustrated, it has just made us sick. We have disputed the payment on our credit card and are waiting for a response. We have tried contacting Kymbo to cancel our membership and that has been such a joke, we can't get anyone to call us back, we are told the Boss is out of town, we're sure spending "OUR MONEY". We don't know how these people sleep at night, they must not have a conscience.
We would definitely be interested in contacting the Problem Solvers or Hall of Shame. Has anyone thought of spending a few Saturday or Sundays visiting there when they are holding the previews for new "victims". If we can't get anyone to listen at least we could stop them from stealing someone else's hard earned money and smashing their dreams and trust!!! If anyone is interested in banning together and really doing something,picketing, protesting, filing a class action suit, anything or if you have had any luck with getting some action please contact us @ jpberanek@wowway.com. We think they believe we will all just give up and go away and that is NEVER going to happen.
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Sep 22 '04
12:41 pm PDT
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Re: Re: Vacation Brokers Int. AND Kymbo Tours Scams (Reply to this comment)
by snucher
Much to my embarrassment, I was taken in by this company too. They made it all sound so feasable. When they found out that they had to do the loan because we told them we couldn't get one (trying to get out of it) we were told, rather rudely, that we BETTER NOT BE LATE with any of the payments and that we couldn't even use the program until after we had paid 12 consecutive months payments. So the first years "maintenance fees" were paid for nothing, AND the "free" cruise we got couldnt be used because it had to be used in a year and we had to make our payments first. None of this was told to us at the sales meeting. I feel like I was raped. and every time I send in the payment I just can't stand it. Has anyone ever stopped making the payments? I don't want to give these people any more money than I already have. Is there anything I can do? reply to snucher@yahoo.com
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Jul 30 '04
10:42 pm PDT
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Re: KYMBO TOURS IS A SCAM REST ASSURED (Reply to this comment)
by duckster2
TO ALL WHO SAY THAT KYMBO IS NOT A SCAM, I WILL GLADLY BE AVAIL TO ANY AND ALL WHO WISH TO CONTACT ME, I AM NOT A HIDING COMPLAINER. THE SIMPLE FACT IS ONLY A NOT LEGIT. COMPANY, WOULD HAVE TO HIDE BEHIND A CONTRACT AND REFUSE TO RETURN ALL MONEY, WHEN WITHIN HOURS THAT PERSON FOUND MANY LIES HAD OCCURRED DURING THE PRESENTATION. I LOST 13000 DOLLARS FOR NO BENEFIT.
Sorry it has been taking me so long to get out the contacts information which I promised to fight Kymbo tours scammers.
This first contact is probably the highest priority to contact
Ministry of Consumer & Business Services
250 Yonge St., 32nd Floor
Toronto, ON. M5B-2N5
Attn: Joe Kavanagh Complaints Dept.
Tel. 416-326-8611 Fax: 416-326-8665
You can also file a complaint online or find out more info. by visiting the following web site. www.cbs.gov.on.ca
Click on “protecting consumers”, then on “file a complaint online”, which can give you an on line complaint form or click on “print pdf format” then mail or fax it to them. I suggest it be mailed to them with all supporting documentation and a detailed letter explaining how their presentation proceeded and how and what they deceived you on.
(Federal)
Industry Canada-Misleading Advertisements and Deceptive Marketing Practices.
Competition Bureau Information Center
50 Victoria Street
Gatineau, Quebec K1A-0C9
Attn: Dennis Albert
E-Mail: compbureau@cb-bc.gc.ca
Toll Free: 1-800-348-5358
Phone: 819-997-4282
Fax: 819-997-0324
This contact you should send the same info as above. While they will not directly be able to get your money back, they can be instrumental in finding Kymbo guilty of Misleading and Deceptive Marketing Practices. They have the power to penalize them monetarily and up to putting them out of business.
Travel Industry Council of Ontario
Consumer Complaints Department
2700 Matheson Blvd. East
Suite 402,West Tower
Mississauga, Ontario
Canada, L4W-4V9
Problem with above, they are not convinced that Kymbo Tours Inc. is acting as travel agents or sell services, which would fall under their jurisdiction of enforcing the Travel Industry Act. They believe Kymbo is a Club which TICO interprets as a Time-Share arrangement. My charge card was charged to Beaches and Dreams Inc even though the credit slip only shows Beaches and Dreams on it. Even though it is located at the same address as Angie’s All Seasons Travel Inc. who is registered with TICO and who operate under the name Beaches and Dreams Travel. TICO is led to believe that Beaches and Dreams Travel and Beaches and Dreams Inc. are two separate entities.
We need to convince them otherwise, and that they are represented as a travel agency whether registered with TICO or not. Refer them to note the 7th signed part under the Confirmation Interview paperwork from Kymbo, which refers to Beaches and Dreams Inc. as being a 3rd party travel agency.
Other contacts:
Newspaper
Canadian Gazette Corp. Gen. Inquires 613-996-2495
NCR.Gazette@communication.gc.ca
City TV SILVERMAN HELP 416-340-2449 helps@citytv.com
Detail problem and with whom, copy of pertinent info and day time phone no.
Send to Silverman help Fax: 416-591-0292 or
299 Queenstreet West
Toronto, Ontario M5U-2Z5
Ontario Police – financial crimes 519-255-6700 Rick Cote ext. 4331
In Michigan
Mike Cox Attorney General
Consumer Protection Division
P.O. Box 30213-7713
Lansing, MI. 48909
Fax: 517-241-3771
Toll Free: 1-877-765-8388
Phone: 517-373-1140
www.michigan.gov/ag Click on Consumer Protection link.
All complaints to be submitted using Consumer Complaint / Inquiry form. Make sure all documents have identifying info – Attorney General file number or your name and date
Well I hope that together we can make a difference, keep in touch especially if we need to get together for other methods or maybe even a class action suit.
Sincerely,
Donald M. Kummer
Work 313-594-7671
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Jul 21 '04
3:45 pm PDT
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Please read this (Reply to this comment)
by orleykay
It’s very strange to me that the comments written to discredit this company are very strong but no one is taking claim for them. My name is Karen and I am a very happy member of Kymbo International. I am most definitely not an employee but I am a pleased client. This club is getting a bad rap but I honestly would not have found any thing on this site to make me change my mind even before I joined this company. I have read through most of these comments and I urge the previous comments to put down your names. Are you members of this club? I’m just wondering where the problems are and if you are so upset then why haven't you put a e-mail so you can be contacted for annyone else who has been "SCAMED" as you say?
Anyways I would love to talk to anyone who is interested. My last vacation was a 2 week vacation to Palm Springs, Ca. and I have no complaints. My resort was very small, clean and beautiful just like I had asked. I encourage anyone who to e-mail me and ask about my vacations with Kymbo International. My e-mail address is forming_a_part@hotmail. com. Karen Orley
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Apr 23 '04
3:55 pm PDT
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Vacation Brokers Int.??? Don't Do It!!!!! (Reply to this comment)
by kdcrock
I wish I had done some research before visiting Vacation Brokers/Kymbo. I would have never spent my hard earned money for their b******* vacation package. Luckily or unluckily, my wife and I paid directly for the package. However, the service has been less than satisfactory. We have only taken one trip using the Vacation Broker package, mostly due to the fact the personnel, including John Tesky, are so difficult to work with on scheduling of the vacation.
They (vacation brokers/ kymbo) boasted during their presentations of how simple and less costly their package would make our vacation needs. What a f****** joke! After putting in your request for supposedly their 400 locations around the world, they get in touch with you when they get ready!!! Moreover, the four out of five times I have tried to schedule a vacation the answer has been "No... we cannot reserve for those dates" or "we are sorry, but we cannot..." Finally, when dissatisfaction is expressed, John Tesky and his group of "professionals" are very good at letting you know that they do not care about your concerns with their service. My message can be backed up by several unfortunates...just take a look on the web. Canada Better Business Bureau should by all means take a look. They should not let Vacation Brokers represent what doing business with a Canadian supplier is going to be like if Americans cross the border.
Because everything I am reading says I do not have a chance of getting any restitution in Canada...it appears even Canadians cannot get help, I will post this message everywhere I can to keep people from making the same mistake we made! I am not going to be able to give my package away must less sell it!! Vacation Brokers/ Kymbo should be taken down and its customers paid back their money!!!!
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Mar 17 '04
7:58 am PST
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kymo international scam - 10/03 (Reply to this comment)
by kcox2
loud music, bad food, high pressure sales tactics::all true.
Attended presentation in Windsor, Ontario. Called Better Business Bureau at 519/258-7222. Over a dozen complaints against Kymbo for breach of contract, etc.
Kymbo could not produce any written information on any of their supposed 6 resorts. All information was either tourist guides or information printed by other time-share companies not by kymbo.
Do not be fooled. Remember, a legitimate sale today is a legitimate sale 3 days from now. They pressure you to commit and pay right then and there.
Do not purchase or join any membership without first investigating the company and seeing what you are purchasing. Do not take any sales persons word for it, demand written proof. They would not even let me see the contract to have it reviewed before signing.
Definitely a scam.
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Oct 29 '03
11:11 am PST
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KYMBO INTERNATIONAL SCAM-10/03 (Reply to this comment)
by kcox2
I, too, attended a Kymbo presentation in Windsor after so-called winning and being assured one of five "fabulous" prizes. I attended only because I was curious to see what it was all about. Needless to say, Kymbo is definitely a scam. I called the Ontario Business Bureau at 519/258-7222 and they have well over a dozen complaints against this company.
Furthermore, this company could not produce one single piece of material showing any of their supposed 6 resorts. I kept telling them I need to see something in writing showing what the resorts look like, etc. They kept producing one page flyers that talked about the general areas and activities but nothing that gave a name of their resort, any pictures about their resort, etc. Supposedly, they have 6 resorts: costa rico, puerto vallarta, orlando and i forget the other 3. they also produced numerous catalogs from other vacation time share companies (RCI) but again nothing from Kymbo. They made such a big deal about the costa rico resort and yet when i asked to see a brochure on the resort, all they could produce was a "Tourist Guide" for Costa Rico that listed all of the hotels, etc in Costa Rico. Please!!! The video presentation they show is all about Royal Carribean Cruises. Again, nothing on any of their resorts. The cruise portion saves you 50% off of the price on Royal Carribean, however, you don't need to join a vacation club to get those kind of savings, the main product that Kymbo supposedly has are the 6 resort locations future resorts that are being added. Interesting, that they have no sales material on these?????!!!!!
Their high pressured sales techniques could elicit a multi-page response from me. I will make it short and say, the sales manager told me that if i couldn't put my money down right then and there, he didn't need my sale. Really! Let me say something about that. I have a sales background and REMEMBER ONE THING...A LEGITIMATE SALE TODAY IS STILL A LEGITIMATE SALE IN 3 DAYS FROM NOW. Anytime, a sales person says today or forget it, get out of there...it is a sure sign of a scam. I told the guy no way, before i invest with anyone, i will check them out. He said, what does it matter if i am a scam, if you take one cruise and make your money back.
BEWARE before you attend. Most interesting were the people that actually believed this bull and signed contracts right there on the spot.
Everything else that I have read in these other comments such as loud music, horrible food, high pressure sales, etc. are all very true. In addition, the week vacation you are guaranteed to win does not look very legitimate either. You must pay all taxes, service charges, etc up front. You must do everything through the mail, no phone or fax. It also states something about Days Inn. Ok. I happened to stay at the Days Inn in Orlando in January, it was a dump. I wouldn't be surprised if you arrived in Orlando and the hotel wouldn't even have your reservation.
Proceed with caution. In theory, it may sound like a good idea, but before you invest in any time share property or vacation club, research it. There are plenty of legitimate companies out there, but also plenty of scam artists looking to make a quick buck.
Dollar amounts ranged from 22,000 to 4,900.00 Way too much to give to someone on their word alone.
Save your time and your money. When they call, say NO THANKS!
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Oct 29 '03
10:53 am PST
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Thanks !!!!!!1 (Reply to this comment)
by justme101
just returned from a presentation from Vacation Brokers. Same hoopla as the other comments....2 days notice big winner.....free dinner....guaranteed prize etc.... well after a not so great dinner [cold and served on stryofoam plates]..the music stopped and a representative began to speak admitting that it was all a come on for a membership presentation...We were guaranteeed over the phone that it would take no more than 90 minutes, of course we were informed once into the meal that it could take up to 3 hours to complete. having other commitments we informed them that could not stay and telling them that by no way could we afford to join we told to wait in the hall [probably so no one else in the group would leave with us].. within minutes we were asked to draw a ticket and of course won the so called free trip to Florida... just a word of caution folks BEWARE
Remember, nothing in life is free!
Thank Goodness we checked this board before we attended. thank you folks....your warnings did not go unheeded. keep up the good work.
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Oct 08 '03
7:19 pm PDT
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Umm? (Reply to this comment)
by quick666
Despite the fact that SOME of you accusations may be true, your not really telling it like it is. 1) you got the prices wrong, and for the wrong reason. 2) the "teenagers" as you call them, are trained to be polite and friendly, as well as being told to constently reasure you that there is no obligation. which there isnt. As well as they never ask you DO YOU WANT TO BUY IT NOW. The only questions that are even near this that they ask, are Do u like the idea? Would you use this if you had it? Do u think it is affordable? and would you join if money wasnt an issue. Also, the teenagers are not traied to do anything regarding money, so that is when the other people take over. The prices also seem pretty reasonable, if you fully understand the program. As for some of the comments posted, Telephones are answerd, most of the time unless the office is empty. You do get a free meal, and its pretty darn good food. The prizes are the only thing im not to sure about. I do know that they try to explaine it to you when you draw a prize, but what actually happens after, Im not sure. The loud music, isnt very loud at all, and its simply there to drownd out other peoples conversations because it is very distracting. Dont bash what you dont know.
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Aug 22 '03
6:13 pm PDT
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Kymbo Tours (Reply to this comment)
by lisamig
I was also contacted for this free trip giveaway. I was called Friday night at 6:30p.m. I was asked to attend the 90 minute presentation in Canada. I asked the lady on the phone a ton of questions!! She had a hard time answering any of them. I told her that I would like to attend, obviously because I won a drawing! I also told her that I would not be spending a dime at this meeting, and she stated that they were not at all asking me to. She said, you won a sit down dinner and you have the chance to win one of the 5 prizes she told me about. I was really leary of this too! So, I went. The nice sit down dinner, was a buffet with food that looked like it had been sitting there for days. I listened to the 90 minute presentation they had. Then we had to go into another room, where the salesperson was trying to talk me into a vacation package that I would have to shell $16,000.00 dollars out of my pocket. I am 33 years old and single. I explained to the salesman that I would not be in the market to purchase a vacation package. He continued to add pressure and finally I told him I wasn't interested and left. On my way out, I was told to draw for my prize. Of course I received the 7 nights and 8 days in Florida! Kymbo had a desk with about a thousand of these pre-printed certificates for the Florida Trip! The lady stamped it with a date and said goodbye. I try to ask her questions about the certificate and she told me to contact the name and number of the company on the back of the certificate! She wanted nothing to do with me, obviously because I didn't buy a vacation Package.
The contact name on the certificate is Ameriholdings. I tried to email them, with the email adress on the certificate, and my email came back to me with no such address!!! This is such a scam!!!
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Aug 06 '03
1:15 pm PDT
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Kymbo International. Raffle Scam? Free is not Free! (Reply to this comment)
by motzy
Hello,
I received a call about 9:30 p.m. on Friday, August 1st. I had entered myself in a raffle for a free car down at the 2003 Wyandotte Street Fair. "Jeff" had said that I had won one of five prizes, including a Sony TV, $1000, a golfing trip to South Carolina, a stay for 5 people at an Orlando Resort, or a Royal Caribbean Cruise for 2 people. I would be allowed to pick from one of the above from a basket. This drawing was to be held on Sunday, August 3rd. Either at 11:30am or 1:30 p.m. I was then asked to pick a time to join 7 to 10 other "winning" couples for 90 minutes. I was then told that this event would take place in a banquet hall in Windsor, Canada. That is the KYMBO Banquet Hall, 1567 Ouellette. When I asked why this was to take place in Canada, Jeff began to tell me that items won are not taxable. He continued about how their sponsors paid for the “gifts” and the banquet lunch.
I was interested, at first, I figured that since I had put my name in a raffle, I really did win. Jeff asked me a few questions: "Did you have access to the Internet?" and "Are you interested in taking a cruise sometime in the future?" I replied, "Yes" to both questions. Jeff began going on about a great offer that Royal Caribbean was providing to us, the special guests. If we were to purchase this package in Canada, we would get a great deal. In his words, "The American dollar goes further in Canada". He stated that a Royal Caribbean Cruise would be almost half price.
He then confirmed that my husband and I would be there at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. If I had any questions, Jeff said that I could call him at 1-877-807-2345.
After some Internet research, I found the following posts:
http://www.epinions.com/content_1140105348
http://www.epinions.com/content_1140105348/show_~allcom
I began to feel uncomfortable with my decision in going. I needed more information. I felt that something was not quite right.
I tried to contact Jeff to let him know that we would not be attending. I only received an answering machine. I tried a couple of times the next day, as Jeff said that I could contact him between 9:00 am and 11:00 am. To my expectation, I listened to nothing but an answering machine.
I found the Royal Caribbean website and put in call in. I was assisted by a friendly gentleman stated that a matter such as this would most likely be handled by the sales department. They could be reached at 1-800-722-5443. However, since it was the weekend, a reply would have to wait until Monday. I thought that if Kymbo International was going to try to inform me on or sell me anything to do with Royal Caribbean, then Royal Caribbean would or should know something about this. Is using a well known name a way that Kymbo may be using to get you in the door?
I find it very odd that I was given a day and half notification, by telephone, after 9:00pm on a Friday. That should send up warning flags. I would think that IF I won a prize I would not have to travel to Canada and listen to a 90-minute sales pitch. It would be at my convenience. IF I won a prize, would I not be informed by telephone alone, but also through registered mail? Notifying winners through registered mail is a common practice with a reputable raffle winning. IF I won a prize, why did I not receive anything in writing? Unfortunately, a person's word does not mean anything unless it is in writing, free from semantics and "technical" loop holes meant to protect themselves.
I followed my gut and NO SHOWED! I suggest all to stay away from these possible scams! Canada does not have the kind of protection that the U.S has for these kinds of frauds. Kymbo is a Detroit based company (per Better Business Bureau). However, "The Bureau's report on this company is being updated, and no report is available at this time".
http://search.detroit.bbb.org/nis/newsearch2.asp?ID=1&ComID=0332000028007180
Why does Kymbo International feel that they need to conduct their business in Canada? What are they hiding? Listen to you mother when she says," If it sounds to good to be true, it is...You don't get nothing for free!"
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Aug 03 '03
4:55 pm PDT
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Re: So Called Hotel Discount Card (Reply to this comment)
by cooljaz
Hello sir
who ever u are, I want to say that you should first understand the product before making comments about it. The card you mentioned only gives you discounts hotel locations mentioned in the special directory.
You are just misleading people about something which has served people for about 20 years.
I myself a member of vecation brokers and I am also in the management of the company.
For using the weeks that belongs to you should make reservations for where you want to go.
At last I want to say that you dont make sense.
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Jul 31 '03
12:28 pm PDT
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Re: So Called Hotel Discount Card (Reply to this comment)
by cooljaz
Hello sir
who ever u are, I want to say that you should first understand the product before making comments about it. The card you mentioned only gives you discounts hotel locations mentioned in the special directory.
You are just misleading people about something which has served people for about 20 years.
I myself a member of vacation brokers and I am also in the management of the company.
For using the weeks that belongs to you should make reservations for where you want to go.
At last I want to say that you don't make sense.
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Jul 31 '03
12:26 pm PDT
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Question??? (Reply to this comment)
by lydenterprises
To all that have applied, your comments make sense except for one thing. When a person takes into consideration the cost associated with this program and compare it to a time share, what is the difference? The bottom line objective is still being obtained, they take a vacation. On the other hand, in relationship to financing, Kymbo International does not report there financial agreement to the credit bureau while time share institutions report as another mortgage. This could cause the person additional heart ache in regards to obtaining other financing. I know, I am a Loan Officer. Kymbo also states that you can get your own financing at a lower rate and they encourage it. If you are wondering, the answer is NO! I am not an employee of Kymbo International just a HAPPY customer. As I read all of the comments, I did not see any wrongful doing on Kymbo's part. It seemed to me that everyone who went to the presentation and understood the terms decided that this was not the program for them. At no time did I read any misrepresentation done by Kymbo International. All I read was that the consumer submitting the statement was not satisfied. But that does not justify being called a SCAM!!! The question that I look for in a SCAM is, "Who was hurt?" Please reply back, I would like to hear your comments. lydenterprises@comcast.net
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Apr 02 '03
8:29 am PST
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Wish I would have read this last week! (Reply to this comment)
by ladybug2361
I do received a phone call from these people last week. They called two days before we were required to be there. Nothing was ever said about a seminar, only dinner and a free prize for being a finalist. Upon arriving, I felt a prisoner. If you wanted to go out and smoke, your rep. followed you. She even stood outside of the restroom and waited for me! My husband and I were not allowed one moment of peace or privacy. Our rep. told us, if you are not interested at the end of the presentation, just tell them. Okay, try again. After repeatingly telling the sales man no, he got more and more aggressive. He kept telling us what a good deal it is. (But I don't travel, what good does this do me?) The speaker said you pay for everything in Canadian currency, then why did they tell me it would cast $20,000 in US currency? Nothing was ever said about the $99 fee you have to pay every year to keep your membership. My husband felt like if he did not buy something the guy was going to try to give us his shoes! We tried being polite, telling him we did not bring enough money for a down payment. My husband actually told him he only had $60 and had promised to take me somewhere nice to eat. (The food there was horrible!) The sales man went as far as to throw in a gift certificate to Red Lobster. But come to find out upon leaving, that comes in the mail in a few weeks. What good did that do me when I wanted to eat then? Also, there is a catch to your "free prize". If you do win the trip to Florida, like so many people do, they don't bother to tell you that you have to stay at least 3 extra nights in one of their other resorts to be able to use the "free" voucher. How is that a free trip? As to all of the current and happy employess, maybe you feel that way because you have never been on the other end. I know that what was intended to be a relaxing and enjoyable time (with out my children) turned into a nightmare. The only high point was the speaker was funny. It definatly was not worth the time I spent to just get there. And one last question. Why won't anyone answer the phone at Kymbo? Doe's the phone only work to make outgoing calls? Beware!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Feb 06 '03
1:42 pm PST
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Re: Re: Thank you for the warning! :~) (Reply to this comment)
by marn_ann
My Husband and I went to the Home Show at the Novi Expo center last Sunday (Feb 2) and I signed us up to win a free car. I did not read the fine print on the back like I probably should of, I just thought we were signing up to win a car and who couldn't use a new car. Well the call came last night (during dinner of course) that we were guaranteed one of 5 prizes and we were invited to a free dinner at a very nice catering company in Windsor called Kymbo International. I became skeptical and had my husband call back (their number showed up on our caller id) and he asked some more questions one being what company do you represent and the guy on the other line said he represented the catering company (sounded fishy). Well after he got off the phone I decided to go to Yahoo and I searched for Kymbo and Windsor. I came to this sight and after reading the comments we decided not to go for the free dinner and to collect our prize. Maybe they are a legitimate company but in my opinion I entered a drawing to win a car. I did not enter a drawing to be put in a situation where I was given a sales pitch to buy a vacation package. Our decision was reinforced when we got another call from a different number to confirm our attendance and when I told the women we would not be attending she did not object. If it was just a dinner for us to claim our prize I think she would have objected to us not attending.
Well that's just my opinion and for anyone out there that wants to say I didn't give it a fair shot that's fine with me.
I’m going to send a letter to the Novi Expo Center also.
marn_ann
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Feb 06 '03
6:34 am PST
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Vacation Brokers: Do your business in the USA! (Reply to this comment)
by foyutoo
Any honest business should be allowed to do business without being harassed. Vacation Brokers is not doing anything illegal here. They are however, using deceptive tactics. You don't have to look at these messages, contact the Windsor Kitchener BBS. Make up your mind just as you would do it here.
Now put yourself in their place and ask "How can I buy a name list and market my timeshares disguised as a club?"
Has anyone wondered why Vacation Brokers can legitimate do business in the U.S.?
Has anyone wondered why their website (http://www.vacationbrokers.com) doesn't offer the same deal?
Has anyone wondered why they can't do business in Windsor?
Has anyone wondered why they are selling a timeshare as a "club membership"?
Has anyone wondered why they push their sales people sometimes after 11:00PM?
Bottom Line: They get away with it because the Canadian consumer laws are vague and without teeth. They get around the law by not telling you what they are actually selling. You should understand that you are buying favors, and like those Florida trips, they are easy to give away but hard to cash in.
Beware -- Don't be taken in by this outfit. We can be assured they have a fair share of the market. They don't have to resort to gimmickry to hide their real motive.
Pay your house note and forget this outfit.
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Mar 08 '02
12:08 pm PST
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from another ex-kymbo employee (Reply to this comment)
by cyber401
I used to work at Kymbo and everything written here against kymbo is true. Anyone supporting the comments is either a current employee or something else.
FOR ALL THE EX EMPLOYEES...DID YOU GUYS EVER RECIEVE THAT 15% that they took from every pay cheque? They told me 6 months...it's been far more than that.
It's all a scam because first of all, they are FAR from being the largest travel club in Ontario Canada....have you guys ever heard of CAA TRAVEL and Signature Vacations etc???? Give me a break. And yeah they ring the bell for no reason...and make up fake names. They also make employees lie to customers by telling them that they are not on commission. They have a lot of "sexual" discussions in the back with kids that are under age and provide them with alcohol at parties. I have worked for other businesses before and even started my own business and no where have I been treated, nor do I treat my employees as badly as they do there. Chief's attitude isn't exactly the most pleasing to work with. Some people who don't make any sales within a week or something basically work for nothing. I know people that worked way past 10 at night and got paid nothing when they made no sales. The company not only guilty of false advertising but also for not providing individuals with minimum wage as stated under provincial law. They claim to be members of the Better Business Bureau, I'd like to see what the Better Business Bureau has to say about them.
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Feb 18 '02
3:44 pm PST
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Travel Scam - Kymbo International (Reply to this comment)
by hodgson
My girlfriend in Detroit called me because she doesn't have access to the internet to ask me about Kymbo because she felt that was a scam. I am afraid she is right. After reading all 13 view points I feel that her gut feeling was right.
You should always check things out first before you sign on the dotted line or ask for another opinion. Anything that sounds to good to be true cannot be good.
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Jul 22 '01
4:03 pm PDT
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Kymbo is a "front" for telemarketing expensive loans. (Reply to this comment)
by foyutoo
Kymbo International a.k.a Vacation Brokers is actually a front. They want to sell you a loan through another company called Ridings Financial Services. These guys all share the same goal; to bait their customers with misleading promises. They scraped off the BBS emblem from their door yet Kymbo still brags about it's 8,000 happy customers. Whether it's Kymbo, Vacation Brokers, or Ridings, do your homework first. This one is a snake in disguise --- BEWARE OF KYMBO!
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Jun 15 '01
9:51 pm PDT
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The reason for my rating. (Reply to this comment)
by momsworkinlate
The topic you posted under is;
"General Itineraries - The United States"
"Help fellow travelers plan their trip to the United States. Discuss what to see, when to visit, and how to get there."
While your article is really good and informative it is posted off topic. This topic is to help plan a vacation not how to avoid a scam. ;0/
Laurie
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Mar 23 '01
5:23 pm PST
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$29,995.00 ???? (Reply to this comment)
by Freak369
For a vacation? Great review - thanks for bringing this to light.
^V^ Freak ^V^
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Mar 23 '01
9:36 am PST
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good work... (Reply to this comment)
by jkkelley
...exposing these types of scoundrels. Attaway to pound on 'em:)
I would ask one thing: that you consider spacing a line between each paragraphs, and using some form of paragraph headers. Your quality and quantity of information was too high to rate anything other than VH in my opinion, but on other opinions if raters are wavering, this might tip the scales downward.
In any case, thanks for bringing these bums to the public attention.
jk
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Mar 23 '01
8:29 am PST
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