Attorney General's News Release

February 8, 2000

Consumers to get refunds from travel companies that used Robin Leach as spokesman

Independence, Mo. — Consumers who purchased "dream" vacations that turned out to be nightmares from two travel companies that used Robin Leach as their spokesperson could get up to full refunds under a settlement reached today by Attorney General Jay Nixon.

In his lawsuit, Nixon alleged the Florida-based companies National Travel Services, Inc. and Plaza Resorts, Inc. sent travel certificates to consumers in Missouri and other states leading them to believe they had won or were eligible for free cruises and trips to Florida and the Caribbean. Consumers were told to call a toll-free number to claim their prize. If they called the number, consumers were told they must pay hundreds of dollars for the cost of accommodations and were asked to provide their credit card numbers.

Consumers who paid between $350 and $700 per person for the vacation packages were told the packages were valued between $3,000 and $4,000. The packages were worth far less than consumers paid for them and "cruises" often turned out to be day-trip ferry rides with "Las Vegas-style" bingo. The companies did not tell consumers the packages did not include airfare, taxes and other hidden expenses, and that the consumer would be required to attend a time-share presentation.

Under the settlement, consumers who purchased vacation packages from the companies but did not take the trip have 60 days to request a full refund. Consumers who took the trips are entitled to a $200 refund if they file a complaint with the Attorney General's office, the Better Business Bureau or another government consumer protection agency by March 8. Requests for full refunds must be filed by April 7.

"Consumers who purchased vacations from these companies may not have gone on the trip of their dreams, but they were definitely taken for a ride," Nixon said. "They were misled and they deserve their money back."

The two companies and their owners will pay the state $35,000 in fees and costs and are prohibited from using any solicitation that would violate Missouri consumer laws. A separate lawsuit against Robin Leach is still pending.

Missouri consumers should call the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-392-8222 to request a refund.

Inquiries from consumers should be directed to consumer@ago.mo.gov or 1-800-392-8222 (from within Missouri) or 573-751-3321 (outside Missouri).

All media inquiries should be directed to Press Secretary John Fougere.

E-mail      Phone: 573-751-8844         Fax: 573-751-5818