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A Travel Scam!!!! Kymbo International Vacation Brokers
by crro37 | Mar 23 '01
Beware when you go to auto, home or fitness shows and sign up for "Win a Cruise" drawings. This in my book is a very expensive scam.

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Comments on A Travel Scam!!!! Kymbo International Vacation Brokers" (30 total) View all
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Date Written
Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Any Problems as of late (Reply to this comment)
by phoenix8585
I have recently recieved the same information regarding collections and credit bureau. I have lost so much interet in this company and just refuse to pay them that I have forgotten WHY i am not paying them in the first place. This has been an ongoing issue for the last 4 years. They stopped sending me correspondences well over a year ago, now they are looking for payment ... screw that! So the collection agency's are not backing there claims? What is this letter that everyone is talkig about? can someone send it to me? chadmadill@hotmail.com, I moved and they havn't found my new address yet and I have recieved nothing. I am IN on any action against these scam artists.
Mary Chandler is the one that is in charge of collections and becoming a pain in my a**. These guys dont have a hope in hell of getting any money out of me. Good Luck with the collections! Ridiculous that companies like this are allowed to operate. I will check back soon.

Cheers

Chad
Oct 11 '09
7:47 am PDT

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Any Problems as of late (Reply to this comment)
by va241262
We are located in Toronto. VB breached our original contract unilaterally and we stopped paying them advising we'll resume when they start honouring the contract again. The fee-over-fee charges and interest are illegal, the collection agencies are reluctant to collect on their behalf. Keep us posted, we'll join any legal action you undertake.
Aug 09 '09
10:32 am PDT

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Any Problems as of late (Reply to this comment)
by smarter369
wow, We paid our $1,700.00 for the trial membership - were told we would "never" have maintenance fees. Paid $600.oo or maybe a bit less for admin fees to begin with and was told there would "never" be more and that we were paid up since we were only trial members. We used the services (went to Orlando area) once and it was not convenient to Disney so that was a waste. And then went to Ontario once, but that was due to having a dieing relative and wanted to take that person on a trip, and it was fine - but after that there was no where that V.B. had to offer us that interested us. They said we would be able to go on cruises pay for one and the other go free but that was a lie. Anyway, you have more invested and more to loose.
Plus yes, the interest charges are insane. We went to BBB and V.B charged us on their statement to us for letters they had to write BBB. Unbelieveable, and BBB never heard of such a practice so slapped them on the hand and told them to delete the charges, but next statement there were more. Yeah, I think whatever you feel best for you to do, do it! Keep us posted. There are a slew of us connected now.
Aug 08 '09
8:26 am PDT

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Any Problems as of late (Reply to this comment)
by berta1066
What about being able to use the services that we paid for? I don't know about you, but I have paid $5,000 plus tons of wasted interest over the years and now, with my account in arrears, I can't even use the services anymore. If I continue to fight them though, even if I win, could I ever trust them to send me somewhere again?Probably would be to my demise anyway....The places we can go for the amounts that they are charging me vs. the places that they send me for the amounts I end up paying.... no comparison. It's too bad to lose all of that money. You may be right but I intend to look into the legal alternative to see if I could perhaps get the ball rolling for the rest. I will keep you updated since I already have things in motion.As I said, the interest that they are charging on the accounts is actually a crime....I'd like to stop that for myself and everyone else. I also have a good credit rating...the credit bureaus do listen and I am sure they have heard lots about these scam companies.
Aug 07 '09
4:54 am PDT

Re: Re: Re: Re: Any Problems as of late (Reply to this comment)
by smarter369
For us, this is the third collection agency trying to collect. Each agency seems to get fed up with V.B. and then we don't hear again till the account is sent to another agency and then another. Meanwhile our credit rating, which is way up there as great, hasn't been affected at all. Paying a lawyer to fight something that shouldn't have been created by V.B. in the first place is a waste of money since US lawyers don't know canadian law or since V.B. is interpreting the contract the way they want. No one is paying V.B. that I know of and I am not sure what one of the commenters meant when they said that V.B. is its own collection agency. hmmmmmmm
but they are sending the accounts to agencies. We have gotten telephone messages lately and now it will turn into a letter I am sure. Wasting their time. Let them pay fees to take us to court. I am not sure that they can get us over the border. Our Attorney General is so fed up with them. Amazingly, idiotic. Takes all kinds to make up society. Paying them a penny just acknowledges that they are in the right.
Aug 06 '09
2:53 pm PDT

Re: Re: Re: Re: Any Problems as of late (Reply to this comment)
by va241262
Vacation Brokers gave my file to a collection agency without any warning. All fee-over-fee charges are illegal, especially when they have breached the contract with us and we are not using their services because of this. I explained everything to the agency and backed up my case with all the correspondence with VB. The agency is currently reviewing VB, will get back to me with next steps.
Aug 06 '09
7:26 am PDT

Re: Re: Re: Any Problems as of late (Reply to this comment)
by berta1066
So you got the letter too? I received a letter telling me that they are going to send my account to the credit bureau for collection if i don't make a payment soon. A payment for what? The bill is for over $1,000 and most of it is for a fee I don't owe them and a pile of interest on top of that. I am sick and tired of paying them just because they are threatening and bullying me. It has been years and enough is enough. I am seeing my lawyer soon and am going to fight it this time. The police (who I called about the interest charges they have imposed on my account-they are criminal, no pun intended) told me that I have to pursue it in civil court first, then they can begin to look into their interest charges. It's funny, the cop I spoke to actually owned a timeshare and told me he had never heard of a biennial client being charged every year for maintenance fees and thought it was ridiculous as well. He told me to fight it and I am going to. I will post what I can when I can. Maybe vacation brokers thinks that it's not worth it for me to fight $300 every other year. It is now. No more bullying. Anyone know of anyone wanting to buy a timeshare.....real cheap......
Aug 05 '09
7:09 am PDT

Re: Re: Any Problems as of late (Reply to this comment)
by smarter369
It has been over a year and a collection agency is now calling again. They will get the same letter we have been sending all the rest. Just a bunch of bull dust. Vacation Brokers should be taken to court once in for all. All of those vacation high pressure scam artists should be put out of business. People are better off doing their own thing. Our contractual responsibilities were taken care of when we paid in full and no additional fees were to be charged ever, since we were only trial members. So to interpret the contract the way they want to get extra money is what they did and they can interpret in whatever way they want. In this day of down economy - they all should be ashamed of themselves. What a bunch of jerks, and we don't have any money to throw away to them.
Aug 04 '09
11:03 am PDT

Re: Any Problems as of late? (Reply to this comment)
by foyutoo
John Teskey should be held accountable for unethical practices as Vacation Brokers is only a front for feeding business to his Ridings Financial and Kymbro collection agency interests. We’re also receiving letters from a Michigan-based collection outfit, and yes, it will not end until someone is able to teach Tesky a lesson. They are nothing short of border-runners using Canadian law to shield their dirty work. REMEMBER – John Teskey is not VB… HE IS THE COLLECTION AGENCY!
Jul 29 '09
11:19 am PDT

Any Problems as of late? (Reply to this comment)
by angry2
Anything happening with Vacation Brokers lately? Seems Tesky is laying low for a while eh?
Jan 05 '09
5:39 am PST

What about trendsetters? (Reply to this comment)
by berta1066
WOW! for years I have been suffering alone. I am in the same sort of situation as you guys are, but not with Kymbo, with a membership that was "tranferred" from trendsetters int.I bought my timeshare 20 years ago, then it was bought out by vacation brokers. I have been fighting them for years about firstly, the promissory note, then the maintenance fees. I "own" a biennial, every other year, and was to pay maintenance fees every other year. Vacation brokers came along and started billing me every year, that's double the payments, then began increasing the amounts every year. I was young and stupid, and after a small resistance each and every year, and with an annual call to the company reminding them that I was only to pay every other year, I would receive an annual invoice for fees. I have been sent to a collection agency last year, and even though I have used the services (only 4 times in 20 years) none of the harassment has ever ceased. They have never produced any document that states that I am required to pay every year-they just say that I have to. When I told them that I was only to pay every other year under the trendsetters arrangement they stated that was why they went out of business.???When they finally received nothing from me but nasty e-mails and no payment, they sent me my original contract with them, wherein it states that i am only obligated to pay "anually or as required". I was only required every other year. Apparently, they read the contract differently than I.It is not only the US citizens that have problems and I have contacted the better business bureau as well.We all fell victim to a fast sales pitch. No doubt about that. There are laws and we must fight using whatever we have available to us. I have never seen a lawyer because the fee exceeded the amount that I actually owed VBII. They have recently taken to adding a new fee for late payments on to the already generous charges that they have-2% per month- which is 24% per annum, and their 5% outstanding per month, which is 60% per annum, then $25 per month is now levied as well. That is illegal.ALL ON MONEY i DON'T REALLY OWE THEM. How about that. Trying to sell now, but that is dangerous too. Lots of ripoffs out there with that too. Everybody go to the BBB to revoke their accreditation. They'll have to do something with us then. I have to go and see a lawyer now. I am not going to give up until they refund every cent of late payment charges. i will pay EVERY OTHER YEAR. I am an honest person and will pay what I agreeed to. They should try it, less headaches in the long run for them.
Sep 30 '08
8:33 am PDT

Re: Re: Re: GROUP OF KYMBO HATERS (Reply to this comment)
by jms440809
I wrote several responses over 2 to 3 years ago when Citibank refunded every penny of my money to the tune of $5,900.00 review my previous responses at jms440809. Good luck, our original group contacted CH 7, never heard from anyone believe it was Ruth to the Rescue may have been CH 4 I was duped by Roark Vacation in Branson, MO has anyone had contact with these rip off artist I believe they may also be linked to Kymbo & all the others. They agreed only give me half of my $4,700, even though like Kymbo we never got the free trip or any other trip or any benefits. So I am still dealing with Sears & Citibank who are now in cahoots on all these scams. Good luck to all of you & God bless. Hope this was helpful. Oh I got my justice with Kymbo through the help of Planet Feedback.com a very good "free complaint" site. They also have free tel. #1-888-333-3222 8-5 est. Last time I called so ck this out. Again, good luck

jms440809
Aug 23 '08
8:00 pm PDT

Re: Re: Also scammed by Vacation Brokers / Kymbo (Reply to this comment)
by milo1gus
CHARKAR88 AND DRACR1124

Our group will be filing a lawsuit against Vacation Brokers and John Teskey. The more people that get involved the less it will cost each of us. Contact me for more information.
SSCIANDRA@HEIGHTSINC.COM
Aug 22 '08
4:29 am PDT

Re: Re: Also scammed by Vacation Brokers / Kymbo (Reply to this comment)
by milo1gus
for more information contact Sal at ssciandra@heightsinc.com. would like to talk to you
Aug 21 '08
6:07 pm PDT

Re: Also scammed by Vacation Brokers / Kymbo (Reply to this comment)
by charkar88
We were scammed too!
My husband and I were scammed by this company in 2001. We had no idea what we were getting into and have not received any service from the company. We tried to cancel quickly but were told that we could not because the transaction took place in Canada. At first, we tried to make payments to fulfill our obligation, but then, we began hearing about Kymbo, Vacation Brokers and lawsuits. We were even sent letters and told not to pay Vacation Brokers. Now it is 2008 and we are receiving collection notices from an agency in Michigan. Does anyone know where this will end? We have recently moved out of Michigan and missed the WXYZ report. What was the outcome of the investigation? We would love to know.
Aug 11 '08
3:23 am PDT

Also scammed by Vacation Brokers / Kymbo (Reply to this comment)
by dracr1124
I am also being hounded by Vacation Brokers after being scammed by Kymbo International into purchasing a "trial membership" that I was supposedly able to cancel anytime within the first year. Almost immediately, I began receiving accusatory letters from both VB and KI -- each saying that the other company was crooked. Since these letters were frightening and there had been news stories at that time about groups being stranded in foreign countries by vacation companies and about travel agents taking money and then disappearing, I decided to cut my losses and cancelled the TRIAL membership immediately. I even paid the first year's "dues" -- thinking they wouldn't be able to say I owed them anything. I NEVER went anywhere or used any of the vouchers for a free cruise or hotels, etc. Several years later, I began getting threatening notices that I owed Vacation Brokers dues for the years after I cancelled and now I have been contacted by a collection agency saying I owe thousands of dollars.
Aug 07 '08
7:57 pm PDT

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Channel7/WXYZ wants to hear from you about Vacation Brokers (Reply to this comment)
by angiebru
My meeting with my lawyer went o.k.
She is writing a letter to the collection agency.
She said not to worry about it but I am still concerned. I'm kind of thinking a letter isn't going to clear it up just by the crazy things I've been hearing vacation brokers do. I'll definetly let you know what happens.
Good luck!
Jul 28 '08
2:39 pm PDT

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Channel7/WXYZ wants to hear from you about Vacation Brokers (Reply to this comment)
by milo1gus
Angiebru: Contact me. I'm part of the group that helped to expose Vacation Brokers on TV-7 Detroit. There is something you can do about the collection agency without going to an attorney. In addtion, the VB contracts are based on Canadian law which makes a U.S. attorney useless unless he/she is licensed to pratice in Canada. We however have a Canadian attorney ready to file for us and the more the merrier as regards reducing the legal fee's we each have to pay. Can't say anymore without tipping our hand to "the enemy". Respond to
milo1gus@yahoo.com for more information
Jul 25 '08
4:39 pm PDT

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Channel7/WXYZ wants to hear from you about Vacation Brokers (Reply to this comment)
by nileshw1
Angiebru,

How was your meeting with your lawyer?

We are in the same situation and will be meeting with a lawyer next week?
Jul 25 '08
3:04 pm PDT

TV interview (Reply to this comment)
by smarter369
So Teskey says he will deal with us on an individual basis, ha ha.... The Canadian collection agency must have received our letter saying that we are not paying a cent since we don't owe a cent in real life - and so that agency has sent the account to another agency. They will get a letter also from us. Not sure why they continue to be idiots about all of it, except for the fact that there will be that unique individual who feels threatened and will pay. Free money for Teskey/collection agency. I can't see the sense in paying anyone for anything that has to do with these crooks. Even the lawyer who says he will help us all, he wants big bucks. If he were so concerned he would donate his time, knowing that we have all already been taken advantage. The advice is not to pay. Stay connected. United we stand and divided we fall. Know that we are right.
Jul 25 '08
10:10 am PDT

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Channel7/WXYZ wants to hear from you about Vacation Brokers (Reply to this comment)
by angiebru
I too was sucked into a trial membership for 5 years and paid a $2000 deposit, never received a free cruise, never used our membership. I believe in 2003 when Kymbo went under and vacation brokers took over ,we then started receiving bills for maintenance fees. I refused to pay because we never used the membership. It's now 7 seven years later and I have a collection agency from Michigan coming after me and my husband for 2100.00 dollars in late and collection fees. I am meeting with a lawyer tomorrow. Can someone let me know if their was a class action lawsuit filed or what happened when they received a collection letter. I hate to even put any more money into them by hiring a lawyer but do not know what to do
Jul 23 '08
7:05 pm PDT

Be part of the solution (Reply to this comment)
by lindy143
If you believe Vacation Brokers is guilty of unethical practices contact Mary Lou Paratore of the American Resort Development Association MParatore@arda.org
Jun 18 '08
2:19 pm PDT

Stand up and voice it!! (Reply to this comment)
by lindy143
If you believe Vacation Brokers Inc. is guilty of
unethical practices contact Ross Perlmutter at
the Canadian Resort Development Association
crda@rogers.com
Jun 18 '08
2:17 pm PDT

Re: are you still happy with Kymbo???? (Reply to this comment)
by crro37
I am wondering if you are still happy with your membership???
Jun 16 '08
9:45 am PDT

Re: Kymbo/Resort Villa/Vacation Brokers (Reply to this comment)
by wildwalt13
If you look below at one of my posts I list all the companys that we found with connections to Kymbo Tours...most have some connection to the Gura family...or former employees of theirs...some splintered off from the original..and some claim to have bought the contracts of Kymbo Tours...THE THING THEY ALL HAVE IN COMMON.....THEY ARE SCAMMERS.
I HAVE SAID TIME AND TIME AGAIN ...
STOP PAYING....TAKE ANY THREATENING LETTERS TO A LAWYER...PLEASE...PLEASE...PLEASE...

STOP PAYING...
Jun 15 '08
5:01 am PDT

Kymbo/Resort Villa/Vacation Brokers (Reply to this comment)
by lindy143
Does anyone know if there's a relationship between
Kymbo / Resort Villa / Vacation Brokers? Please send answers to: ssciandra@heightsinc.com
Thanks all*
ps. we do know the relationship between Kymbo/Vacation Brokers but where does Resort Villa fit in?
Jun 12 '08
1:41 pm PDT

Re: Re: Re: Re: Channel7/WXYZ wants to hear from you about Vacation Brokers (Reply to this comment)
by lindy143
Currently, we are in contact with Detroit's Channel 7 news. If you are interested in a lawsuit please attend a meeting at Channel 7 studios, Southfield MI. Legal proceedings may begin thereafter. We need your help. We will be posting info on Epinions.com soon.
http://www.epinions.com/content_1140105348/show_~allcom

What is your situation? Please explain your experience with Kymbo.

Thank you,

Debbie
Jun 05 '08
12:12 pm PDT

Re: Re: Re: Channel7/WXYZ wants to hear from you about Vacation Brokers (Reply to this comment)
by annchannel7
This is Ann Mullen at Channel 7. My email is amullen@wxyz.com ----NOT amullen@wxyx.com
Please correct that. Feel free to contact me.
Thanks, Ann Mullen 248-827-9467
Jun 03 '08
6:49 am PDT

Re: Re: Channel7/WXYZ wants to hear from you about Vacation Brokers (Reply to this comment)
by smarter369
Hoping Channel 7 can make some sense of what Vacation Brokers is all about. Send email to Ann at Channel 7. amullen@wxyx.com
Jun 02 '08
4:08 pm PDT

Re: Channel7/WXYZ wants to hear from you about Vacation Brokers (Reply to this comment)
by rippedoffcust
Please provide an eMail where you can be contacted.
Jun 01 '08
3:50 pm PDT
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