TWO internet-based holiday companies from Kilmarnock have been put into liquidation, after the Department of Trade and Industry took the unusual step of issuing winding up orders following an internal investigation.

The sister companies - Network Vacations and Intasun Holidays UK - offered membership to a holiday club whereby customers paid an up-front fee in return for access to luxurious accommodation in exotic locations.

Since the DTI announced its investigation into unscrupulous selling techniques two years ago, the companies have been inactive.

This news article reminded me of a friend who several years ago received a letter informing him that he could book one holiday a year in any country Worldwide for life in return for joining the companies ‘travel club’ at the cost of £995.95.

He was invited to a presentation at an hotel in Manchester, UK. Obviously, he was concered about paying out just short of £1,000 in one go and gave me a call to ask for my opinion. My response consisted of one word ‘Scam’ but he wanted to go to the hotel and find out for himself.

Anyway to cut a long story short he joined up to this ‘travel club’ and paid for the membership by cheque, and left the hotel with a handful of brochures so that he could plan his holiday.

A few weeks later he decided where he wanted to take his family (Marjorca) and called the travel club helpline to make plans. When he called the number, the phoneline was dead, he visited the website, and it said that the business had gone into administration and that members would not be able to book holidays, and a letter would be sent to all members explaining how they could claim back the membership fee.

Three years later, he hasn’t received any communication from the company, and he’s been told by the creditors that it’s unlikley that any of the members will receive a refund unless, they paid by credit card.

…. if it sounds unbelieveable then it more than likely is..

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