Devine Destinations Rip-Off St. Thomas USVI

 My husband and I got approached by two individuals who asked us to participate in a program that was to help promote St. Thomas.  Although they did not specifically state that they were employed by the USVI Travel & Tourism or Charlotte Amalie (where this occurred), the two individuals made it sound as if that was what they were doing.  They indicated that we could win a $300 visa card to use only in the USVI, or other prizes to include a free 7 night vacation.  They presented two scratch off cards.  My husband's card indicated he had won some flipflop charm, which we later learned was pretty much worthless.  My card indicated that I had won either of several larger prizes, to include the $300 visa, or the free 7 night trip.  They then asked us to follow them to an office to claim our prize, and we then learned we would have to sit through a 1 hour presentation, which turned out to be time-share.  I did not want to sit through the presentation as I was unwilling to lose any more of my vacation.  However, we were in the office, and already in it that far and decided to just finish it out to get our prizes and leave. 

We repeatedly advised the man giving the presentation that we were not interested, and that time-share programs he was selling was not our kind of travel preference.  He finally cut us loose, and my husband was presented with his worthless charm, and I won the "certificate" for the "free" 7 night vacation.  This all occurred on August 15, 2013.  After our vacation was over, I looked over the certificate, and quickly realized that 1) the vacation is not a "free" 7 night vacation.  To redeem you have to pay a $15.95 fee to redeem the certificate.  Still, that wouldn't have been so bad, but that is not all you have to pay.  A fee of $199.00 per person is also required.  Additionally, any resort/condo fees, taxes, etc.  This is hardly the "free" 7 night trip that was explained to us. 

To add insult to injury, the certificate indicates that it must be "redeemed" prior to the expiration date printed on the certificate.  This explains why the woman at Devine Destinations handed me the certificate in a sealed envelope, and promptly ushered my husband and myself out the door.  The certificate expired on August 12, 2013, three days prior to them issuing it to me!  We didn't even arrive in St. Thomas until August 14, 2013.  The entire thing is a completely waste of time, pricing is excessive to begin with, and it is a complete scam.  The phoney prizes that they promise to get you in are bogus.  The absolute worst thing to me was the deceptive method they use to get you to stop on the streets to talk to them to begin with.  My husband and I love the USVI and St. Thomas.  If we are approached to do or try something under the guise that it is to "help promote the island" then we are going to listen.  Very, very unethical.