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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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