#2 Consumer Comment
AUTHOR: Ronny g - North hollywood (USA)
SUBMITTED: Wednesday, September 29, 2010
POSTED: Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Out of Business
On February 25, 2010, David Humphrey contacted BBB indicating The Owner's Advocate ceased operations; however, on March 4, 2010, callers to BBB indicated the company's website claims their new address is in Lewes, DE. Mail sent to the DE address has been returned marked "Registered Agents No Authorization to Receive Mail for this Addressee." BBB has since verified that the Lewes, DE address is not where the company is physically located as the address belongs to a company that provides corporation registration services.
As of April 1, 2010, the co's website is inactive; however, BBB continues to receive customer complaints against The Owner's Advocate.
Mis-use of BBB Name by The Owners' Advocate
This company's website contains the BBB logo. This company is NOT a BBB Accredited Business and our policies prohibit such a reference. The BBB name, logo and service marks are federally registered trademarks owned by the Council of Better Business Bureaus and may not be used by any company other than the BBB itself (unless specifically authorized in a licensing agreement).
On April 7, 2010, BBB contacted the company via certified mail requesting their voluntary cooperation in removing all reference of the Better Business Bureau until a licensing agreement could be obtained.
On May 4, 2010, BBB's mail was returned to sender as "Receiver has moved. No longer at this address."
Additional Information about The Owners' Advocate
BANKRUPTCY
On December 7, 2009, this company filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 of the Federal Bankruptcy Act, case number 9:09-bk-15116-RR. Those with monetary claims are advised to obtain Proof of Claim forms by writing to the California Central District Bankruptcy Court, Clerk's Office, 1415 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-2511. The case number should be entered on the form.
On February 11, 2010, this company filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 7 of the Federal Bankruptcy Act, case number 3:10-bk-01391. Those with monetary claims against the company are advised to obtain Proof of Claim forms by writing to Tennessee Middle Bankruptcy Court, Clerk's Office, 701 Broadway, Room 170, Nashville, TN 37203 for resubmission to that court. The case number should be entered on the form.
Industry Tips
Vacation Certificates
The Better Business Bureau receives large numbers of inquiries each year from individuals who have been advised by post card, telephone call, or in some other manner that they have received a vacation. BBB files indicate that some vacation promotions result in confusion and complaints when consumers are not provided with complete information regarding cost, restrictions, and other requirements.
Vacation certificates are usually sold for a specified fee by a promotional company in conjunction with another firm which is engaged in the sale of land, timeshare resorts, condominiums, etc. The purpose of many vacation promotions is to sell memberships, merchandise, services, property, etc., and participants are often required or encouraged to attend a sales presentation. Those who respond to vacation certificate promotion offers will usually be required to pay a fee before they will receive complete information regarding the offer. The firm may ask for your credit card number. BBB urges consumers not to give their credit card number or any other personal information to unknown firms or individuals.
Many promotors will immediately assess a charge on your credit card, and then the information will be mailed to you. Many vacation offers include only lodging; the consumer will in most cases be responsibile for transportation, meals, etc. Be sure to ask if the company has a refund policy, and if so, what you must do in order to cancel the offer. Also, ask for the name of the hotel where you will be staying and personally confirm the reservations.
BBB's have received hundreds of complaints concerning many vacation certificate offers. These complaints have alleged non-receipt of the certificate, misrepresentation of the vacation offer, problems in the receipt of refunds, etc.
Be sure to take time to investigate BEFORE assuming obligation to obtain complete information about the offer including all costs and any conditions or restrictions which may apply.
