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This content is based on victim and potential victim accounts. Government agencies and legitimate business names and phone numbers are often used by scam artists to take advantage of people.
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I'm a travel advisor and I recently attended the the Travel show at the Javits Center here in NYC. I was approached by Michael who was a representative based in New York City for Serenity Time, a vacation club he claimed had nothing to do with time shares. He explained if I liked saving money on travel and visiting 4 star properties at a fraction of the cost that I should join their upcoming zoom call to learn more. In exchange for attending this 90 minute presentation, Michael explained that I would be awarded a complimentary 5 day, 4 night vacation at one of their participating properties of my choice regardless if I decided to join the travel club or not less flight and food costs that I would be responsible for. But in order to secure my slot for the meeting I had to pay $40 deposit which he stated was completely refundable and would be issued back following the completion of the presentation. He also asked me to verify that I was 21 years or older, made at least 75k/yr, and had a working internet connection because I had to attend the presentation on desktop. He stated should I skip the presentation I would I forfeit the refund of the $40. I was a bit skeptical about paying the fee but agreed on the basis that it would be refunded and figured thats a small price to pay to secure my spot so I could cash in on the supposed "free vacation" he awarded me to Puerto Vallarta Mexico which was the location of his options I had chosen. He also said I would have one year from the time of receiving the promotion to book the vacation which was all paid for minus food and transportation to Mexico. The day of the zoom call I received a text from michael confirming my attendance as well as an email from his associate Barry Onody (who is apparently based in Seattle, Washington). I attended the zoom call where Barry outlined the company, its offerings, deals, etc. At the end of the meeting, Barry interviewed each of attendees individually to try and close the sale. First he stated the deal was $10,995 for lifetime access plus $149/yr "maintenance fee" that we could jump in and out with no back dues. He also had mentioned to the group a referral program in which we would be awarded free travel and compensation for signing friends up on the travel. When I spoke with him 1-1 and asked him questions, he explained the referral program doesn't pay in cash but simple in travel rewards. Additionally, he attempted to close the sale on "lifetime membership" to the club for $2,000 stating that normally the membership is higher b/c they throw in two "free" trips to Orlando and Cancun. But if I had no interest in taking either of those he would only charge me $2000 to join their club. Mind you, I would still have to pay for each stay on top of the 2k to join. I told him I'm not in a position to join today and wanted time to think about it. But I wanted to share the offer with my parents in case they were interested. But Barry stated my parents would have to sit in on a call in order to qualify. The days following the presentation I never received a follow-up with the promised "free 5 days/4 nights" trip to Puerto Vallarta. I also did not get my $40 refunded as promised. I followed up via email and text to Michael and Barry but did not hear back from either party. I have already proceeded to dispute the cc charge with my banking institution.
$40
NY, USA- 10030
Travel/Vacation/Timeshare
Learn More
Travel Club
February 6, 2023
675126
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