Complain about a product or service

Cheap Trips

Deronda of killeen, TX May 5, 2009

I was scammed. I was told that I had a lifetime membership for two people at a total cost of 99.00. Then when I told them no because my husband was in Afghanistan and I did not know what his schedule would be upon return, the manager insisted on getting on the phone and trying to sell me another membersip for two additional people at a total extra cost of 59.00 to "show her great appreciation for my husband serving the country". She said "perhaps maybe my husband's mother or someone else would also enjoy traveling". Then I was told I had two free airline tickets to travel anywhere with no strings attached. She also stated that they had many hotels and resorts many locations across the US. At this point I specifically asked if I used the tickets, did I have to stay at one of their resorts or hotels because I wanted to use them to visit my mother-in-law in Florida and for obvious reasons, I didn't need a hotel. She told me that I did not have to stay at the hotel or resort to use the free tickets, she just wanted to let me know they were available if I chose to use one.

When I received my membership package, it stated I could only use the tickets if I stayed at one of their hotels or resorts at a cost of 75.00 per person per night. This is clearly a case of "bait and switch". Not only that, later in the mail I received a letter telling me I could upgrade my membership and avoid renewal letters when I was told that I alread had the top level of membership for a lifetime when I bought it. If this is their idea of "soldier appreciation" then they can keep it. With "friends" like these, who needs enemies. When I called to try and cancel my membership and get a refund, Scott in customer service told me I could not get my money back because it was after 30 days.

Michael of Burlington, ME February 20, 2009

Michael of Burlington ME (02/20/09)
I got sucked in on Cheap Trips Members pitch. They charged my card before I learned they were a complete fraud. I returned their promotion (certified mail) and it was accepted. They never returned the 113 they charged to my card. They have changed their name from Cheap Trips to Cheap Trips Members

So far they have clipped me for less than 150 but I am expecting more and the US Mail and others are ready for them.

Cathleen of Paxton, MA February 8, 2009

Cathleen of Paxton MA (02/08/09)
I was sold two separate memberships to cheaptrips; a regular membership and a VIP membership. I was told each one was a ONE TIME ONLY charge. I was told this repeatedly, and made sure it was clear. None of this is in writing anywhere, on their site or in the materials they mailed to me. Only what they offer is in writing, what I agreed to is not in writing at all. What is happening is a recurring charge that I did not, in any way, agree to.

I am being charged a recurring fee. I have put a block on my credit card so they cannot charge it again. I am trying to cancel my membership but am not able to reach anyone, althought they were able to charge me at 3am on a Sunday morning. I purchased this membership in December, I have been charged in January as well as February.

When I asked about this last month, I was told it was two payments of a 100 membership fee. This is also not what I agreed to, and clearly, was a lie. I am writing a snail mail to the company to cancel my membership as well as continuing to contact them by phone and email. I am seeing in the complaints that a refund is not likely, but I do not want this to affect my credit rating. If there is a class action suit, sign me up - I am so there! Thank you.

Connie of Clarksville, TN December 1, 2008

Connie of Clarksville TN (12/01/08)
I Purchased a membership from CheapTrips in August 2008. That same month, within the time limits specified, I returned the entire packet via Certified Mail - Certified Receipt.  This receipt was returned to me dated 8/31/08. To date, my credit card account has not been credited. Further, I have been charged three (3) times for supposed member services at a rate of 14.95. I have returned the forms today for a refund of the monthly charges. However, I would also like my original charge credited to my account.

I have been illegally charged for services not rendered!

Martha of Novato, CA October 10, 2008

Martha of Novato CA (10/10/08)
On 1/13/08 I purchased a Cheap Trips membership packet for 113.95. On 1/31/08, I advised Cheap Trips I wanted to cancel my purchase. Cheap Trips told me to send the packet back to them marked already cancelled and they would refund the 113.95 to me. To date, I have not received a refund.

I called Cheap Trips in February, April, May, July, and September, asking where the refund is. Each time I was told the refund is being processed and will be credited to my checking account within 10 to 14 business days. My last call to Cheap Trips was on 9/30/08; they have never answered my call.

Cheap Trips has acknowledged they received the returned membership packet and that they owe me a refund. What can I do to get that refund? Thanks for any assistance you can provide.

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