Robin Leach "Vacations"

Harrisburg Pa., Feb. 8 
Attorney General Mike Fisher today announced that consent agreements have been reached with several Florida travel companies that used TV celebrity Robin Leach to promote allegedly bogus ``dream vacation'' packages to consumers.

``These companies, through Mr. Leach, led consumers to believe that they had won or were specially selected to receive a tropical cruise vacation with `world class' accommodations,'' Fisher said. ``In reality, consumers paid costly hidden fees and were subjected to less than luxurious accommodations.''

Fisher and Attorneys General from 16 states and Washington D.C., reached a consent agreement resolving their lawsuit against National Travel Services Inc. and Plaza Resorts Inc., also known as Ramada Plaza Resorts; owners Daniel Lambert and James Verrillo, and Orlando/Fort Lauderdale Vacations. A default judgment was entered against Robin Leach, who was also named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

According to the July 1999 suit, the defendants through telemarketers and mass mailings misled unsuspecting consumers into believing they had won or were entitled to the vacation of their dreams.

Pennsylvania consumers received certificates featuring Leach's Picture and the message: ``Robin Leach says Pack Your Bags!'' suggesting that they were on their way to a luxury Florida vacation and bonus cruise to the Bahamas. Those who purchased the trip received a video of Leach promising them a ``world class'' vacation and ``an experience you'll never forget.''

``Consumers who took the trips, quickly discovered that what they had won was an opportunity to pay $1,300 or more for a rushed vacation with economy accommodations that did not include the cost of travel to Florida,'' Fisher said. ``The `Bahamas' Cruise' with `Las Vegas' entertainment was nothing more than an overnight boat ride with slot machines. Worse yet, consumers said in order to attend the trip they had to endure `hard-sell' timeshare presentations that lasted up to five hours -- not 90 minutes as promised.''

Fisher said a separate lawsuit alleging the same deceptive vacation offers was also filed today along with a consent agreement, reached with Florida Travel Network, Inc., Crown Plaza Resorts, L.L.C. doing business as Imperial Majesty Cruise Lines and its operators, Vance L. Vogel and James M. Herron Sr.

``Consumers that purchased vacation packages from any of these travel companies or promoters will receive refunds,'' Fisher said. ``I'm also satisfied that our enforcement action will serve to dock these bogus trips for good.''

Nearly $3 million in consumer restitution has been guaranteed by National Travel Services, Plaza Resorts and its owners. Florida Travel Network and Crown Plaza are also required to pay restitution to consumers.

Fisher said consumers who purchased the trips, but did not take the vacation, have 60 days to request a full refund. Any consumer who did take the trip must file a complaint with Fisher's office by March 9, 2000 to be eligible for a $200 refund.

Under the terms of the consent agreements, the companies admit no wrongdoing and are required to: 


-- cease from making false representations that consumers have won or
were selected to receive free vacation offers.
-- clearly disclose that a purchase is required.
-- clearly disclose the total cost of the trip and any other fees,
requirements or restrictions.
-- clearly disclose that consumers must participate in a time share
presentation.
-- cease false representations regarding accommodations.
-- cease deceptive advertising of vacation packages.
-- comply with Pennsylvania's Consumer Protection Law and Telemarketer
Registration Act.
-- pay a total of $40,000 to the Commonwealth for its costs of
investigation.


The two consent agreements were filed in Cambria County Court by Senior Deputy Attorney General E. Barry Creany of Fisher's Bureau of Consumer Protection Office in Ebensburg. 

SOURCE: Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General