Attorney General's News Release

February 22, 2002

Nixon sues My Branson Vacation for fraudulently selling vacation packages

Jefferson City, Mo. — Attorney General Jay Nixon on Thursday (Feb. 21) filed a lawsuit against Kevin E. Moore, the operator of the now-closed My Branson Vacation, charging that Moore sold prepaid vacation packages to consumers who discovered that the $59 to $99 packages were worthless. Nixon is seeking restitution for consumers and penalties for the state in the lawsuit, which was filed in Taney County Circuit Court.

"Kevin Moore and employees of My Branson Vacation would make telemarketing calls to consumers around the Midwest, offering prepaid, inexpensive three day/two night packages for two people that supposedly included first-class hotel accommodations, restaurant meals and tickets to well-known Branson shows," Nixon said. "The problem was that Moore never made arrangements with most of the various Branson attractions and didn't pay those with whom he did have an arrangement.

"Much to their chagrin, would-be travelers found out the packages would not be honored," Nixon said. "When they tried to get a refund from My Branson Vacation, they discovered that Moore had already closed his business and the phone line was disconnected. By continuing to take aggressive action against the likes of Kevin Moore and his ilk, we're showing we won't tolerate fly-by-night operators using the good name of Branson to rip off people who want to visit one of our state's prime destinations."

In addition to the restitution and penalties, Nixon is asking the court to issue an order prohibiting Moore from future violations of the law. The Attorney General said there were steps that people planning vacations to or from Missouri could take to avoid problems:

• Be cautious of businesses contacting you with a travel offer and price that seems too good to be true and which demand a full payment in advance.
• Deal with an established firm. If a firm is unfamiliar, check with the Better Business Bureau or the convention and visitors' bureau of the area you plan to visit.
• Request written information for total cost and all items included. Any transportation, lodging, meals or other items not specifically mentioned may not be included.
• Be wary of vacation offers that are "good today only."

Nixon also announced today that his office had obtained a judgment for restitution and penalties against another former Branson travel business, Habitat Travel, and one of its employees, Jim Swift. Nixon sued Habitat Travel and Swift for fraudulently selling vacation packages and travel club memberships, in some instances for more than $3,700. The order from the Taney County Circuit Court also permanently bars Habitat Travel from offering or selling vacation packages or travel club memberships in Missouri.

Missouri consumers who want to file a complaint or who have questions about a business are encouraged to contact the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-392-8222, or print a complaint form from the Attorney General's Web site at www.ago.mo.gov and mail it to the address on the form.

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 the Communications Office.

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