Stop Beating Yourself Up!

To the RPR employee who wrote this: STOP BEATING YOURSELF UP OVER IT! I'm sure many people reading this do not hold you responsible for their misfortune. Like you said, you were not one of the sales people, and I can see why. You have a genuine conscience, and regard for other people. You sound too nice to 'screw' anyone. You did what you had to do to support yourself, and you didn't break any laws. There is no shame in that. : )

let's help expose them

I am also an ex-employee. i have worked for three different sales offices and know many folks at corporate and verification. this company doesn't have a clue how to provide customer service. they keep every thing so hush hush and spend more time taking form the folks who really don't have it ti give.

i have seen many of reps describe this vacation to be paradise, when truley it is a nightmare. it's not a deal in any way, and they are truley hoping that most folks don't go and they get to keep the money.

It's only $698 dollars or some other price of one of the many packages they sell. they even have a sales room that sells those people who didn't us it into buying it again or extending it, and paying there balance in fear of loss or in many cases an extension fee. my point is that they have designed the most deceptive and savvy ways of making profit.

They have no intention of providing the ultimate dream vacation that they proclaim. It is sad and i am releived that |I am not employee d there any more 6 long years or grueling mental strain and control by the money you could make as a manager or sales rep.

i have realized that though my family is in financial stress right now i mwak up a little easier each day knowing that i won't contribute to their illegal fortune.

i can help many of those who need inside info. there are many things you can do to get your money back wihtout waiting for legal action to take it's course. i am not suggesting any mafia like tactics. i am meerly talking about phone calls and comments to them about what you know and what are your true rights a as a consumer...... best of luck all and e-mail if you want to.

Was I scammed too?

I recieved a fax w/ similar vacations. The site was VSR123(vacation showroom 123. I paid $270.00 for two people, for four different vacations but I had to get my own transportation. The vacations were for Orlando, Ft. Lauderdale, Vegas, and Cancun. I would have to listen to a sales pitch in Orlando for a timeshare. It sounds very similar to what you are describing. I recieved a confirmation # via e-mail from Sue? I have not recieved any other info so i went online to see what was going on when I found this site. Do you have any info or advice for me? Kerri In NM

I PURCHASED FROM RPR LAST YEAR WENT ON VACATION WHICH I HAD A VERY NICE TIME.

YES FOLKS, I BOUGHT FROM RPR LAST YEAR AND ALSO WENT ON VACATION WHICH I HAD A VERY NICE TIME. I BOUGHT THE PACKAGE WITH THE BONUS TO MEXICO. DEALING ON THE PHONE AND FAX WAS JUST A NIGHTMARE WITH RPR. WHEN I WENT TO SOME OF THESE SALESPITCHS DOWN FLORIDA I TOLD THEM OUT FLAT I WAS NOT GOING ON ANYMORE PRESENTATION OR TOURS AND THEY SAID OK.

BUT I WANT TO WARN YOUR READERS THAT I PURCHASED FROM ONLINE FROM AN AGENCY NAMED: G.F.L.T., INC. IT IS A TRAVEL AGENCY, SO YOU ALSO HAVE TO WATCH WHO YOU ARE BUYING FROM BECAUSE YOU END UP DEALING WITH RPR EVEN THOUGH YOU DID NOT BUY DIRECT FROM RPR. G.F.L.T. IS LOCATED IN VALDOSTA, GEORGIA. I DON'T EVEN KNOW IF G.F.L.T. REALIZES WHAT IS GOING WITH RPR ON OR MAYBE THEY DO? I KNOW DEALING WITH THE AGENTS ON THE LINE FROM G.F.L.T. WERE NOT BAD.

TO THE EX-EMPLOYEE

First of all, I would like to thank you so much for sharing your story and experience while working for RPR. I had no idea that this crude, rude company was in fact a real scam! I see how you deeply and sympathetically apologize and that leaves me with the impression of how thick the guilt and remorse can be on one who has only worked there without even being a jacka$$ salesmen.

While reading your story, my heart sank and my stomach turned as I found myself amoungst the victims that you were describing; a young college student with the advantage of being a first time credit card holder. Because I was fresh out of high school with my first credit card in April of 2000.

I charged the $598.00 deposit in which I will probly never see again. I also charged $50.00 to extend my vacation in October of 2001 because it expired in which I had another year to use it.

Well sure enough, 2002 passed by and I did not use the vacation. I called in March not to cancel nor get my money back, but simply to see what I can do as far as making arrangements to finally take the vacation.

Since my vacation was already expired, they (like you said) connected me to a different department which deals with expired accounts. They told me that since my account is expired, I can do one of 2 things, upgrade my vacation to a lovely 9 days instead of 7 for $898.00 or I can simply take the vacation I first sought after by paying the remaining $598.00. I told the representative that I needed to consult with my husband first and I would call back. But they said I could not hang up without paying one of the 2 totals first or else my package would be lost and I would not be able to go on my vacation. I was in shock.

Now tell me why would they expect me to pull $598 or even $898 dollars at the drop of the dime? Why wouldn't they let me consult with my husband first? This is where I started asking questions and the nice soft spoken representative starting showing their true colors. He was rude and told me that they were not just any other sales department, that they were big time employees and if I wanted to yell at anyone, I should go yell at my husband. I could not believe my ears, how unprofessional and outragous the remarks were.

I just hung up the phone and tried to cope with the fact that $598 of my hard earned money was scammed from me and I should take it as a life lesson learned. I keep reading all these reports on RPR and I am wondering how can we get these people, these so called professional fantasy vacation representatives.

How can these people sleep at night? And why are there so many different, inconsistant ways of making these poor victims give up their cash for something they think is worthwhile? Why do some only pay $300 down deposit and some pay through the nose for the same package???? Surely there is something we can do right? After all, I never signed anything, the only thing I did was give permission to transact the money from my credit card.

If there are more ex-employees from this horrible company, please help us and future victims on RPR's telephone and email lists and expose what this company is really about. A bunch of money hungry scamming sharks! Again, thank you to the ex-employee who wrote this report. Your story and sources were very saddening but yet true and were a good source of help.

you don't have to pay the money or lose your trip

Hi, I am the ex-employee who wrote in response to the initial ex-employee who wroked in verification. Let me tell you Dennie Gilroy, that you do not have to pay the 898 or anything with fear of losing your vacation. That is nothing more than a strong arm tactic to get another 898 out of you. You can simply pay the balance og 598 60 days prior to travel. if you haven't payed yet please listen carefully.

Get a hold of the rep that you spoke to, probably

954-351-0087 - extension department.

Then get his name and employee ID and act as if you are going to pay the balance but you simply need a couple of hours to transfer the funds... Then call corporate (954-630-9449 hit one for english and then ask for quality control- get Hal or Fernando and ask for quality assurance (Hal Abrams)

Explain that you were told that if you don't pay the 898 then you would lose your money and be taken out of the computer You were told that you can't call back and that you must pay today or you would lose your vacation Be nice to Hal and work him kindly, he's a good guy with company integrity in mind.... This is against company policy and will definetly put up some red flags... you then must ask for a complimentary extension and anything else you may need. You would be surprised what you can get if you ask, and ask, and ask and threaten to expose them and createe alot of drama.. You might just get the upgrade to carnival for free... they actually sell it for less money now anyway and you don't need to pay more than what you owe.. That is just so the rep can get paid a fat commission. You might just find them willing to help after a little coaxing.
.
Remember don't say a word to the rep or get mad... just play along get his name and Id and turn them in.... the particular room who sells the extensions actually has phones has phones that are un-monitorable so they can get away with some crap, which you must let Hal know about......

Please do not re-veal me or my suggestions as it may tarnish my relationship with many of the good people i know who are still employed in other honorable facets or capacities within the company.

But please let me know exactly what happened and keep in touch for more help and support.. Stay calm and don't get mad..... good luck

Question about the actual vacation

One of my coworkers booked one of the vacations through this company for his honeymoon despite several of us telling him it was probably a scam. He got it for like $199 a person, including a couple days in Ft. Lauderdale, a three day cruise, and two days in Orlando along with a rental car and meals. He told us he figured he'd just have to sit through a timeshare thing and that was it.

Is this true, and will his honeymoon be ok, or is he going to come back with a nightmare story about the accomodations and how he was treated?

Honeymoon Nightmare

Hello, This response is for Chris, who was concerned about his coworker taking this trip as his honeymoon.

My husband and I were given this trip as a wedding gift, and decided to use it as our honeymoon. Since it was a gift, we were not obliged to go to the time share presentation. However, the trip was still less than a dream. When we arrived in Fort Lauderdale, there was no rental car for us. Thanks to the kind people at Alamo, NOT RPR, we were able to get a car eventually. We proceeded to the Welcome Center where we were to receive our hotel and crusie vouchers and were berated by this nasty woman who was trying to get us to go to the time share presentation, afterall. When we finally got her to understand that this was the LAST thing we wanted to do on our honeymoon, she threw our vouchers at us and yelled, 'Fine, then you're done here!'. Once we arrived at our hotel, about 3 1/2 hours after landing, we were informed that the hotel had been overbooked, and there was no room for us. Once again, it was the hotel, NOT RPR who found us another room in town. Luckily, it was for only one night, and we were back in our original hotel the next day. Remember, this was just the first day, and I was ready to just go home. The rest of the trip continued on the same. The cruise ship was a joke, but I guess it's my fault for thinking a ship that was part of a cruise line we never heard of would be decent. The Orlando part of the vaction was better. Too bad we were only there for two days.

My opinion is that your friend's honeymoon will not be the all he has in mind for this special occasion if he decides to go on this trip. While we did not attend the presentations, we met up with a couple that did, and they said it was awful. The sales people kept them there for over three hours, and were very nasty and insulting when told 'No.'. Your friend will most likely want to take another REAL trip once this is over. My husband and I did. We went on a major cruise line and had a wonderful time. I realize not everyone may be in a financial situation to do so,(my husband and I used part of our monetary wedding gifts to pay for the cruise) but I'm sure he and his Fiance deserve a trip that exceeds their expectations, not one that hardly lives up to them. I hope they get to take one someday, and Good Luck to them!

THANK YOU ALL !!!

Hello everyone. This is disgusted in Pompano again. I want to thank you all for your responses. I haven't been back in a while, but am really touched by the replys I have received. It's nice to know there are still decent people out there. I hope that this has helped at least one person not to get scammed, or to get out of the scam.

I had to respond to DENNIE in GILROY, California. At the time I left the company, they were no longer able to accept deals from Califonia, New York, or Ohio due to legal actions being brought against the company. I believe it was a class action suit. So there may be some help that way. And to Bill in Boca, thank you so much for your backup. I knew I wasn't the only person who felt this way, but didn't expect anyone else to jump in. For that I am greatful. And Laura, your the best. I see you keep coming back. I notice that you mentioned you hadn't gone on the tour. That was because your state prevented the bastards from forcing you to go on the tour. Thank you for your heartfelt reply. It truly helped to ease my mind.

Just a side note. Since I left RPR, I have since landed a GOOD job, one that actually helps some of the people whom have been hurt by these bastards. I realize that the industry I joined doesn't always have the best reputation, but just like anything else, there are companies that do what they say they will, and those who are just out to scam you. I'm in Debt Management!!! Not consolidation! AVOID THEM TO BE SURE! I'm making enough money to keep my family happy and fed, and was even able to take them to Disney World last week! And I can now feel good at the end of the day and be pround to tell people what I do for a living.

Once again, my deepest appreciation to all of you.

NO LONGER DISGUSTED
in Pompano

Web site 'usaholidays' paid about $800 for a holiday ..is there any way I can cancel

I would like to know where I stand regarding registering with this company. I haved paid about $800 for a holiday staying in the RamadaIn Orlando, Ramada in Ft L'dale plus a 2 day cruise - this is for 4 people and is valid for 18 months. I had to give my credit card details, but is this a scam where I lose my money and get no holiday OR will I get the holiday mentioned? I am very confused!!!!!! Also is there any way I can cancel the credit card transaction?

i work there now, and you people need to shove it!

the vacations are a damn good deal for the money paid. all you have to do is sit through a little presentation of one of or beautiful resorts to get such a good deal. the presentation just takes the better part of the morning or aftwrnoon and then the rest of your beautiful vacation is yours to enjoy at a much cheaper price than it would be if you never came in contact with us and tried to go to the same places, so bite it. stop you whining. if you didn't intend on paying for the whole package then you shouldn't have purchased in the first place. we are all adult credit card holders here. you make your own desicions, and contacting ramada plaza resorts to handle your traveling was the best dicision you cheap, scaming, pieces of crap have ever made.don't call us the rip offs. look in the mirror and finish what you started. pay it off. treat yourself. you deserve it. everyone needs a vacation. we hook you up for hardly nothing, and you get everything. beaches, disney, car, bonus vacations to forien countries, cruises. GET REAL.

For Bob, the EMPLOYEE OF RPL

Well, Bob, what a professional response! I haven't done this tour but I got the ad in the mail today and having read about this company decided to look it up here on BBR. If this was really an honest, legitimate, upfront company it seems to me you'd be much more professional in your response, but you really just proved the point all these people are making.

I hope you can stay employed there because I can't see a decent company hiring YOU as an employee that might deal with the public as part of their position. You just called these customers 'scamming, pieces of crap'. You sound like the perfect employee of RPR. And they sure seem genuinely concerned about their bad PR. NOT.

Sure, people have a choice as to whether take this trip, or to use their credit card to purchase it, but a legit company also lets you cancel with a full refund within a certain time and does not use threats or insults in doing so.

Yours isn't the only company that offers good deals. The key is promising something that isn't and being dishonest.

Imperial Majesty Cruise Vacations

I'm in the same boat as Nuala from Killarney in Ireland. I'm also from Ireland and I purchased a similar package over the phone. Like her I would like to know what my options are??
Can I cancel the transaction?
I've read some of the rip-off reports and most of them seem to be regarding the cancellation or extension of packages from this company? Are they that bad if you actually go on the trip?
There was no mention of 'timeshare presentations' during my phonecall with the company. Nuala, did they mention this to you?
I would appreciate any help and advice on this subject
Nuala, I would like to hear more from you
Have you found out anything more???

Thank-You for all the info re: RPR it really confirmed for me that there was a problem in the way that they did buisness.

I did one day of training to work at RPR (there is 3 days of training total) and in the evening after my first day I realized I could make some very good money at this company. But also was feeling bad about this type of sale. I already was seeing things that bothered me quite a bit. I came online and found this site (as well as others) and it really confirmed for me that there was a problem in the way that they did buisness.

RPR gets more sinister

This message is coming from Dublin, Ireland. Last week I received a phone call from a man claiming to be from RPR and that I was in with a chance to win a luxury cruise in Florida if I just completed a questionaire. I complied half heartedly, knowing this was to good to be true, while he asked my address and spending habits on holidays, and how often I went on holidays.

He seemed to know a lot of information already, like the family name and address associated with the number he was ringing, which is quite interesting since he was ringing a number in Europe from Florida. He must have got the info. from the electorial reg. or some companies mailing list.

Anyway, I refused to give any personal info. he didn't have like email addresses but this didn't stop him giving me a claim no. saying I had a 1% chance of being contacted again. I then asked him not to pass on my info. to a 3rd party, and to delete all my info. from his system, which is my right in Ireland to demand (although I don't presume that this right crosses borders).

A few days later my dad picks up the phone and a woman says he's won a cruise in Florida if he can give here the claim no., he didn't have it but that didn't matter! As long as he'd give her a reg. fee of $490! He let her rattle on about how wonderful the cruise was, and when she asked for his credit card no. he said he didn't believe a word she was saying, and she said that it would just pass on to the next person. Okay!

I and my dad thought it was a total scam and I'm surprised to see that cruises actually exist but I'm really glad, after reading about them, that we didn't fall for it.

RPR are somehow getting people's info. in foreign countries and giving them 'free' holidays. It seems their tactics are getting lower.
Everyone, beware!!!

Why fight? If you are not comfortable giving out your information, don't do it...

In my opinion...
If you are the consumer and you are not comfortable giving out your information, don't do it... the stress and worry over it may make the entire thought of the vacation self-defeating.

If you are an employee of the company and it makes you uncomfortable working there, try to find something more suitable that doesn't cause so much stress and strain. It isn't my choice to make to tell someone to leave their job for their belief in what's right and wrong... it's their own.

Personally, and in my opinion, I don't think it is fair to push someone into something that they may not be comfortable doing but if a cruise is something someone may be thinking about, this type of program may work well for so many. People are different but we need to soak up some pride and try to get along. With all the time, effort, and money that's being wasted on skirmishes, we could save lives...lives of children who have done nothing wrong.

Skirmishes seem to always leave a bad mark on the history books...and for what? Power, greed, land, etc., etc. Where is the love for everlasting life? Maybe we're all in the right...or in the wrong?

Try your best not to judge those you work for, those you work with, and those you work under. It is hard sometimes...I know. Respect the questions and concerns of those around you and the distinction of the good and the bad is yours to make...you'll feel it in your heart...but try your best not to argue, fight, or cause conflict. Be strong but humble.

Offer your suggestions in the form of an opinion when it is asked of you or if you have the need to do so and try always to take the other side into account. Work things out amongst yourselves. Treat others the way you want to be treated, not how they treat you. You'll feel much better in the long run. Just give it a try. People can change with time...just set a good example for yourself and yours.

I always thought it was a scam!

I always thought it was a scam but wasn't intirley sure I know that (we) ask for credit card info and I know that people have to sit through some bullshit vacation ownership seminar but I dont get it are you not getting accomidations and everything we tell you? I really want to know the truth

HOW CAN THIS COMPANY BE LEGAL?

We too have had a call from imperial cruise, also dealing under the name of USA Holidays. We won a cruise for 4 people and all we have to do is pay €180 per person (admin fee) and its valid for 3 years.

My sister (22 yrs) took the call and thought it was great so gave them the number of her new visa card. Luckly for her they needed some more information and could only get it from the house holder.

Lee Jackson, Sales Director called last night expecting to get the hosueholder but got me instead. He contstantly tried to get more information off me and tried to persuade me to take 'the cruise' but I told him I thought it was a scam. He gave me the website address www.usaholiday.net to check out the company but I found this unhelpful. He also told me to type imperial majesty into a serch engine and I would get more valid website addresses - I got this site. We can just cancel my sisters credit card, but there are many people who are being ripped off - how is this legal.

Fraud Dept. will be in contact with you

I can totally relate to Ro - Dublin, Europe
Ireland comment.
I too got the same call advising i had WON a holiday. Do you guys know the definition of WINNING???? Go get a life and stop your Scam.

Irish Cool-Off Period

I heard an employee at Imperial Majesty's travel office who had spoken to someone in Ireland. The Irish folk had told him that Ireland has a 'cool-off' period so people can cancel these kinds of things.

Does anyone know if it's true?

In any event when called, you have to decide immediately. You're given virtually complete disclosure (the only things you're not told are about the 3 hour presentation, which I didn't know about until I read this here, and the inability to cancel, which really should be in the script, but they are given this information last minute during verification) but you don't get much time to think (indeed, virtually no time to think). The customer is not told they 'won' anything - indeed, we're not allowed to let them say that. However, a lot of people got the impression from the survey that they could get a 'free' trip.

From what I've seen here, I'm pretty sure it's not a scam, since people have actually gone on these holidays.

Cold calling holiday sales

I was also on the recieving end of one of these great offers of a holiday to Floriday and the Bahama's cruise, again for 4 people for $800. However when I asked if we could call back tomorrow once we had a chance to verify the company, I was told no we had to respond tonight. Again I said I would have to verify the company before giving my credit card details and she suggest I go to the website www.imcv.com while she was on the phone, which I did but I also ran a search on Imperial Majestic Cruise Vactions and came on this website and once I read some of the comments I was very quick to say no thankyou to the salesperson.
So I would like to thank you all very much for taking the time to make you comments known on the web, and helping my decision.

I Won I Won.... or did I

I was called last night by a lady from this company with an Irish accent. She said she was based in Toronto.
Once I asked if this had anything to do with |TimeShare the conversation went very dead and she asked if my wife was around so she could explain this fantastic holiday to us both. Once I explained she was not here the caller said she would call back again.

I wait in anticipation.

I have their phone number if anybody need to call them back.

Can't believe the saga continues ....

We got a letter today with the $1600 voucher. Thanks to rip-off report firstly and this posting secondly. I google'd ( it's almost a verb now) Dan Lambert and saw this posting.

I have to say, I have filed their offer safely .... IN MY TRASH BIN ....

THANKS RIPOFFREPORT. THANKS RIPOFFREPORT

Thanx you!!

Today I opened up my mailbox, and was somewhat wary to find an envelope that contained both a voucher for a free cruise and one for $1300 from some obscure cruise line I had never heard of. So I took a look over the documents and after seeing the name Ramada on them, along with other things, I figured it looked authentic. However, I found the line 'your responsible financial history earned you this free fam-trip cruise!' somewhat disconcerting. Since there was nothing else in the envelope to explain why this had ended up in my mailbox, I thought, 'who are these people and how the hell do they know my financial history?' I shrugged it off as I considered the fact that this might be a legitimate offer from entering a contest or something online that I had forgotten about, and that if I didn't take a free luxury cruise, I would sure regret it. So I took one more look over the vouchers, and then put them down for a moment as I considered what to do. Then I thought to myself, 'well if I look this up on the internet and it looks legitimate, I'll call.' Boy am I glad I looked it up. This was one of the first websites that popped up on Google. I wouldn't have paid anything extra to them if I had called, but I am certainly glad I saved myself the harrassment of them calling three times a day after refusing their offer. I hope anyone receiving an offer that's too good to be true has a healthy amount of skepticism about it and looks it up online. Once again, Thank you!

I'm screwed! I accepted this offer, how can I cancel, get my money back? Please Help!

I got this voucher in the mail saying I won this free Cruise Ship vaction. I am engaged and recently went to a Wedding Fair, entered all of these 'free trips' and thinking this was one of them. I didn't really think twice as to what I was getting into. I should have googled it, I know better. My finace said to call... see what happens. I got him on the phone, they gave the big speech about everything that was included. Thinking that we could win a free honeymoon, we signed up, gave them our credit card # and everything.

Today, I get to work, research it and to my dismay, I find out it's a complete scam. It sounded sooo good to be true and now I don't know what to do. I have the credit card company, they are going to try to work with me.
This just sucks!!! Please Help ME!
We still have so many wedding plans left... we weren't going to take our honeymoon until next year and now we're out $800 or more!

PLEASE HELP!

This needs to be stopped!

A few months ago I entered a contest for a vacation at a Motorcycle show. Shortly after I received the call. They said I had won the contest, I could extend it etc and if I wanted to go I had to pay these fees because nothing is free. I got the whole speech as everyone else has written about here. I got the guy on the phone to tell me it wasn't exactly a contest but a promotional offer. He wasn't rude but he would not give up. After a very long time on the phone I let him go without giving my credit card info. It just didn't feel right and I have been scammed in the past. Thank god my brain was working that day.

Recently I've been recieving calls from 954-351-0087 which I have not answered because I figured it was a telemarketer. Today I decided to google the number and I ended up here. It seems like they want to try again! Now I feel like I should answer and tell them I don't want their BS!

Can we get this in the news? We need to let these motorcycle, wedding shows etc know about these scams. They need to do a better job at screening these companies to keep them away from innocent victims. What about all the poor people that don't have Internet access and can't look things up and just want a nice vacation. Or they are just old and don't know what they're doing! This is a sad, sad world.

A warning to Canadians regarding Ramada Plaza Resorts / Imperial Cruis Lines.

Hi there. I just read these reports and just wanted to present a current warning to Canadians (as of April 2007). This scam is actively being marketed to the Canadian public. I am from Western Canada and recently received $1,600.00 travel voucher from Ramada Plaza Resort for purchase of a Spectacular Florida/Tropical Carribean cruise.

The voucher includes a 'guided tour of a beautiful vacation owndership resort'. This is the high pressure timeshare sales pitch. I called the booking number out of interest and led the sale rep along. All the tactics and high pressure sales tools documented in these other warnings were used to try and get my credit card info.

This is a scam! Beware Canadians, they are actively soliciting this country now with this terrible deal.

We're Human Beings Too, You Know

I'd just like to start off by saying that I currently work for TeleGlobe, a call center located in Brampton ON (Greater Toronto Area), that has a 5 year contract with Ramada Plaza Resorts. I am what's called a 'Promotions Director,' which means I'm the person who calls you with the information to get your credit card. I'd like to clarify a few points.

First, we never say you win anything, and we're trained to tell you it is not a free vacation, and it was not a contest. What RPR gives you is called a Familiarization (FAM) Trip.

Second, we will never berate the customers, we are forced to read a script, and we are not allowed to deviate from it. A lot of the 'rebuttals' they have scripted for us do sound very condescending, and I apologize for that. I try to change my script around to make it sound less... demeaning.

Third, if you're in Canada, you cannot be scammed. You are protected under federal law, and you are able to get a complete refund both by calling Ramada Plaza Resorts directly, or just contacting your credit card company. If what you receive is not exactly as it was described in the voice recorded receipt, you are not liable for any of the costs.

Now, I've only worked at this call center for a little over a week, and I was hired along with 12 other employees. We naturally stick together, beings the 'newbies' in the office and all. We have all discussed how uncomfortable we are taking credit card info over the phone, and I know at least a few of us have expressed concerns about the validity of these 'offers' to our managers. We are pretty much told to suck it up. Actually, to quote one of my managers my -first day- there, 'If you're here to make the hourly wage, then you can just leave right now. We need greedy people.'

I'm a young girl who's new to the Toronto area, and I'm in desperate need of income. This place was the only one that called me back in a month, and I hadto take the job. I understand now that this company seems shady, and reading through this website only confirms what I already felt, but what the hell am I supposed to do? If I make a reservation, I get $20 in my pocket at the end of the day. I also get $300 a week for the base wages, and weekly bonuses starting at 4 reservations per week.

We also get fired if we don't get at least 4 reservations per week, which puts the pressure on us to sell sell sell (and I don't care what my boss says, we are selling this package to people). It's an extremely stressful job, and if we deviate from the script, we are berated endlessly. I have 4 managers, as well as the 2 owners constantly listening in on my conversations, looking over my shoulder, breathing down my neck, and treating me like a 5 year old when someone doesn't want to give me their credit card (and I almost wish you wouldn't, really, it makes me feel awful to take that information).

Every day when we come in, one of the owners has this little meeting (he calls it 'advanced training'), and this lasts for an hour. He pounds things into our heads like how to speak, what we have to sound like, how we can weasel credit card info out of people, etc. And he always ends it by telling us to perform well for him. He walks up and down the cubicles shouting at us to make sales, and it makes the people who can't get reservations feel like *&*&.

I need to keep this job until I can find somethingthat pays something close to this, and so I apologize in advance if I happen to call you one of these nights in the near future, but I am not a souless robot who's trying to make your life a living hell. I'm a real person, a Canadian like you, and I'm just trying to keep food on the table and get myself new lenses so I can see properly again. If you want to hate anyone, hate the owners, hate my managers, just don't hate me.

A.W.
Brampton ON

AW- Ive been there and done that...

I am a NEAR victim of this scam. THANK GOD I didnt fall for it. IF you get a call from these folks DO hang up!!

AW, I once took a job for this crap as you did for the same reasons... however after the first 3 hours I WALKED OUT WITH MY INTEGRITY.
While I am sure you feel justified because you have to put food on your own table, you do see that you are taking food from others. Perhaps people who are on fixed incomes and/or dont have the ability to work at a scam job until something that 'pays as well' comes along. It may be that you tried to paint a prettier picture of what you are doing, but if it walks talks and squawks like a duck, its a DUCK.
My father in law does the funniest thing when telemarketers call... he will either set the phone down and let them squawk away, or he will start saying 'does your mother know that you are a con artist?, how can you look at yourself in the mirror knowing you are helping some rich guy steal from old people??' And while that might be funny, its sad though because its TRUE!!!
AW... RUN do not WALK out of that job while you still might have a shred of decency and integrity in tact. You have already convinced yourself to stay until you find something that 'pays as well'... when I read that line thats when i knew you were trying to placate and hem-haw but really you are trying to justify what you are doing and get people to actually FEEL SORRY FOR YOU??? pppffttt... Go flip burgers and hold your head high that at least when you hand over a tray of french fries, you arent charging 300 bucks for them and telling people its caviar.

Scamming is scamming

Excellent response, Tee!!!

It's like saying 'I mug old ladies cause it pays better than working at McDonalds'.

No, Tassia/AW isn't physically harming people to get their money, but there MAY be physical harm done when a person isn't in their full mental capacity, due to age or illness, gets scammed, the charges go on their credit card, and then when they need their prescriptions -- oops, over the limit, thanks to RPR, can't get medication.

Wrong is wrong, no matter what reason you are doing it for. And Tassia, you have ZERO idea of what harm you may be causing people through your own self-serving rationalizations of why YOU need THEIR money more than they need it.

You do seem to want to hear 'poor Tassia', when you are the KNOWING abuser, not the victim.

Eh..

Abusive responses are not the way to go about things. I quit, and I took another girl with me. My integrity is in-tact, and I'm perfectly capable of getting a job that isn't at McDonald's, thanks. Most people who work there don't even know it's a scam, and again, it's not their fault. They're told 10 times a day what a wonderful opportunity for the customers this is, and how grateful YOU should be that they're calling.

It's brainwashing, pure and simple. Hate the people who run it.

You deserve a lot of respect, Tassia!

Tassia, I am sorry for being so harsh but this is so infuriating, that this thieving company continues to flourish, year after year after year, and I am certain that the motivation behind the owners of the business is ‘It's All About ME', which is probably the most harmful, sickening statement to come into popular and seemingly CHERISHED use by so many people, these days.

That you left, and took someone else with you, that is terrific, Tassia, I mean that in total sincerity. To push the envelope a little farther, I am hoping you clued in those who you feel are brainwashed, whether they seemed to be receptive or not. It only takes one seed to lead to a full-grown tree.

People act helpless or unknowing so they can disavow social responsibility.

Any human with any intellectual capability at all has an inborn obligation to see that they behave in as upright a manner as possible, and do whatever possible, whenever possible, to help those less fortunate than themselves. Building a positive community is the job of each citizen in any community.

That is how no one will be left behind.

If you have made an effort to advise each employee you can that this is stealing, yes, you have certainly fulfilled any moral obligation.

If they choose to ignore you, or just don't care. there's nothing more you can do.

I'm sorry you got involved in this at all, Tassia. It IS by the Grace of God that I haven't been scammed through my job seeking efforts or by merely answering the phone.

I wish you much success in your new endeavor. As unpleasant as this experience has been for you, Tassia, I am willing to bet that you will find it very useful in the future in helping others to avoid such things, as well as the invaluable knowledge you have acquired in keeping yourself from getting scammed.

And you DID do a public service by coming on here at all. That IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED, Tassia, and I truly do wish you all the best for the future.

TOO LATE FOR REFUND, SHOULD I STILL GO?

I purchased the Orlando, Ft Lauderdale and two day Bahama Cruise with the bonus mexico and vegas vacations. It has been almost 6 months since my purchase and getting my money back is not an option. I am wondering if anyone has any advice on if I should go on the vacation. I graduate in NY from Grad School in May of 2008 and my Vacation expires in June so I figured perfect opportunity to go.

I already throughly looked over the hidden fees. I have to pay $118 for port fees and taxes and gratuity is not provided for anything nor is insurance and gas for the car. The jungle cruise does not include beverages or tax. The hotel does not include tax, the cruise has an extra $20 fuel charge not sure if its per room or per person and alcohol and soda is not included. I can handle a stupid 3hr seminar. but no car and no room is not okay.

I too got suckered into this when I didnt have the money but had the credit. I dont want to overextend my credit if I have to find other accomidations or car rental because this company isnt legit? any suggestions?

Disgusted in Pompano: Help!

I, too, have fallen into this trap. I called in tonight and took the bait.

I set up a payment plan with RPR, and I've only given them $125. The rest is to be made in 6 payments over the next 6 months. I don't want to give them any more money.

What can I do to get myself out of this situation?

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated...please!

Where's the scam?

I do not understand where is the scam for you people? Are these guys scamming you out of 90 min of your time? Because by reckoning the rental car alone should coost you more than half of what you're paying for 2 ppl.

just give it a rest will you? This is not a scam: just promotional marketing which, I might add, you people ask for all the time.

peace! and take a hike

If It Walks Like A Duck

Today, I received notification of my 'Free Fam-Trip Cruise!' A two-night Caribbean Cruise for two, along with a $1,300 travel credit voucher and free car rental to boot. (However, there was no mention of free round-trip flights from Vancouver Canada to Ft. Lauderdale.)

Even though I received a similar marketing package from this company about four years ago, I must admit, their package looks really, really good! Like it's actually a free cruise. It took me about 30 seconds to regain my senses. Last time, I called to inquire. This time, I chuckled and thought, 'They're not going to get me.'

Even though they print one's name in their clever marketing booklet, one has to read between the lines. C'mon. 'If it walks like a duck, talks like a duck', it's a duck ladies and gentlemen. As their RPR employee, Bob put it, (the guy who entered his eloquent rebuttal on this site) 'GET REAL.'

Ultimately, there's nothing for so-called free! And if one thinks that, again, I refer you to what employee Bob wrote: '...contacting ramada plaza resorts to handle your traveling was the best decision you cheap, scamming, pieces of crap have ever made.' Many thanks to Bob and he should most definitely receive the ' RPR Employee of the Year Award' for alerting unsuspecting Fam-Trip Cruise winners to the unrealistic, unscrupulous, unprincipled promo tactics of his unreputable employer! Like Bob says, 'GET REAL.' Thanks again Bob. It's really you who deserves a free cruise!!!

menards not a rip off

when you have a special order, when you pay for it, you sign your name in the pin-pad device. there are terms and contract information at the bottom of your invoice for your special order that states that you agree to pay a 15% restocking fee if the item/items are returned. you signed your name. you pay restocking fee.

Ramanda Resort Rip-off

I purchased this vacation three years ago. Me, my husband and my 9 year old daughter went.
The price was $538.00 for up to four people, not individual they said.

I paid the fees, $538.00 and port taxes.
I was contacted before my trip that I had two weeks up till travel time to pay the balance. I said, WHAT BALANCE?
$538.00 for my husband and a discounted price of $199.00 for my daughter.
Mind you, we have our air line tickets purchased and are ready to go in a few weeks.

So, I paid what they asked, after I argued with at least three other employees.
They said, I misunderstood the price.
Once we went on the cruise, we went to the Resort for the TOUR!

After the tour, we were refused the Orlando Tickets. They said it was NOT included on the package. Three hours wasted, which included standing in line for an hour to receive the Orlando Tickets.

TODAY, three years later, I received a phone call from Ramada with a free trip and a cruise. Same price, same deal.

I explained how I was ripped off before, of course they apologized and said they were not the same company. SAme price, same place, same resort.

I hung up on them, while they were screaming at me to give them my credit card number. I had to buy this TODAY or else.

I will take the OR ELSE.

Walks Like A Duck

I worked for a branch of the RPR. Yes it's a lousy vacation although most employees try to remain ignorant of the value.
There are levels of deceipt intentionaly encouraged. It is what it is.
How do I sleep at night? I'm not a good nor honest person so I lack a conscience.I made a lot of money doing this because my nature is deceitful.
Most people should just cancel upon learning of the value. they should also read over cards they fill out at events that offer the chance to win a free vacation. The information is on the back of the form, people never read it.
I could go on and on about the vagueries of language that allowed me to do my job without violating the law.
I never said FREE! but everybody swore I did when I told them of the $599 price. At that point you would give me your information. Some people would express their misgivings about the legitimacy after providing all the information I needed.
I did experience managers calling the verification center posing as customers who backed out at the last second. They knew therewould be a cancellation but needed to meet their quotas.

Take responsibility for your actions.

I am currently a sales rep for a marketing company in Toronto that sells these vacation packages, and after reading some of these complaints. I still can't come to a definite conclusion about this supposed 'scam'.

The problem it seems is that most of the people who end up buying this vacation (that's right I said buying, we NEVER claim that you are winning a vacation) don't end up taking it because they just end up reading all of this hearsay online and assume it is a scam.

When people start taking everything they read online as fact and then spread that to others, you get a snowball effect of false information.

Here are the facts

-We only call people who filled out forms for a DISCOUNT VACATION OFFER. If you had taken the time to actually read anything at the show rather than just assuming you were filling out a ballot for a free vacation, then you would realize this is not free. -By filling out these forms, you are asking us to call you about this promotion. I always find it funny when someone tells me in the first 10 seconds that they don't want to go on a vacation.

Then why did you fill out a form asking us to contact you about one?
-ALL the terms and conditions of this promotion are available where you filled this form out as well as on the back of the form. If people are too ignorant to read the information that is available to them (here's where the ignorant ones get offended because they think I just called them stupid) then that is their own problem.
-If you don't get the exact vacation that we promised you on a recorded line, then your credit card company will reverse the charges. This is called Zero Liability and is something that most credit card holders don't even know about, which really surprises me.
-Nobody is holding a gun to your head. We only talk to people 21 or older, making each and every one an adult. Adults who should be capable of making their own decisions and should take full responsibility for their actions.
-We sales reps are people too. Some with children and families, others fighting to make enough money to pay the rent at the end of the month. We may not all love our jobs, but in most cases a lot of us don't have many options. I don't plan on working in a call centre the rest of my life, but right now this is the only work I've been able to find, and what can I say, I'm good at it.

I'm not going to defend my employers, nor will I bash them. As I said, I don't yet have all the facts and therefore can't come to a definite conclusion about all of this. All I ask is that some people grow up, and smarten up, and start taking responsibility for your actions. Next time you fill out a slip with your name, age, telephone number, e-mail address, mailing address, and annual income on it, take the time to actually read what it is you're writing it on.

Don't just assume it's for a free vacation because the only word you took the time to read was 'Vacation' at the top of the form, and neglected to realize that it was in between the words 'Discount' and 'Offer'.

So if I call you and ask you about a form you filled out at some show about a vacation, at least have the courtesy to tell me that you've changed your mind rather than calling me a heartless, mindless, useless piece of crap. I'm only calling you because you asked me too.

END IGNORANCE NOW!!

Ramada Resort Scam? Maybe?

Hello everyone,

I too seemed to be a 'victim' of this 'vacation' sale. But I'm not so fast on the victim button as a few of the others are, and here is why.

I too, recieved the '$1600 voucher' in the mail. And I, too, called the 1-800 number to get more information. The girl i got, (I dont remember her name) was fantastic, she was cheerful and helpful, and answered all of my questions. But it seems, there were a few differances between my call and those I have read here:

1) I was told about what people have called 'hidden fees'. Meaning, I was told about the rental car tax, the room tax, tips and things on the cruise and other misc extras. Such as a few 'common sense' ones like alcohol, long distance calls etc.

2) I was told that I had to go to a 'special presenation'. Although she claimed it would about take about 15 min and not the 2-6 hours I have read in these complaints.

3) and, I was also told that it was $698 for the first two people (adults) and I was allowed two extra people for free (under 18). But everyone other than myself was extra if they wished to go on the cruise.

So, was I scammed? I am not sure about that part of it. I was also told that I was allowed to get a refund at any time before taking the trip. But since I haven't tried too, I don't know if that promise will take hold.

But, on to the more important parts, the actual trip.

Since I haven't gone yet, I can't really agree or disagree on what people have been saying, but it is true that I was promised a 'luxury' vacation. And if its anything but, I will demand a refund, as is my right since they have not presented me with what was promised.

Things I have learned from this experience: 1) Look before I buy, no matter how the trip actually turns up ;). 2) Keep all advertising materials (ei, the pamphlets etc) that they sent me and take a lot of pictures of the actual location as evidance to prove any case should it have to arise to that.

And maybe I could have gotten a cheaper trip if I had planned it myself, but, hey it could be worse! At least you get a trip (even if it is as bad as some people claim.) I will keep you posted. Who knows, I may likely become an angry, unsatisfied customer like most of you :/

Serrya

RE: Take responsibility for your actions