Attorney General's News Release

Augist 23, 2000

Nixon sues two travel club distributors as Missouri, 16 other states and FTC announce "Travel Unravel" sweep

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon today announced the filing of lawsuits against two travel club distributors operating out of Branson and Springfield, as Missouri joined with 16 other states and the Federal Trade Commission in a crackdown on travel scams called "Operation Travel Unravel."

Nixon yesterday sued Travel Source International in Taney County Circuit Court and Signature International in Greene County Circuit Court for allegedly misrepresenting to consumers the savings they could experience as members of Travel Service Network, a Batavia, Ill., business that Nixon said is a discount buyers club.

Nixon said both Travel Source International and Signature International promised special rates on travel and accommodations to those who paid as much as $5,000 for a membership in Travel Service Network. Those who paid the membership fee often discovered, however, that they were able to obtain lower rates on travel through other means.

Nixon is seeking permanent injunctions against both Travel Source International and Signature International as well as restitution and civil penalties.

Earlier this year, Nixon obtained court orders in southwest Missouri against two other travel businesses and their owners. The judgment in February in Stone County against Memory Tours and in March in Taney County against Wayne Brad Quigley and Ward Dean Quigley both resulted in permanent injunctions, restitution and civil penalties against the defendants.

Nixon offered several tips to avoid travel scams:

• Paying by credit or charge card gives you the right to dispute charges under certain circumstances and temporarily withhold payment.
• Deal with an established firm. If a firm is unfamiliar to you, check with the Better Business Bureau. Ask about your right to cancel.
• Be wary of vacation offers that are "good today only."
• Remember, the better a travel offer sounds, the more thoroughly you need to verify the details.

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