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Bill Cosh 608/266-1221
Motion Seeks Restitution for Wisconsin Residents Who Were Misled
MADISON – Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen filed suit today against Going Places Travel alleging that their marketing practices violated Wisconsin’s Consumer Protection Laws and mislead consumers into believing that they had won a prize.
Solicitations were mailed to Wisconsin residents on behalf of Going Places Travel which represented to those consumers that they were eligible, had been selected to receive or had been awarded such items as two round trip airline tickets to any major international airport anywhere in the continental USA, a three day/two night getaway that can be used at hundreds of Marriott properties in the continental USA, a complimentary travel package that included a three day/two night Marriott Hotel stay, a three day/two night resort stay in the Wisconsin Dells or at the recipient’s choice of many other locations, dinner for two at recipient’s choice from named restaurants, a dinner gift card in a stated dollar amount, or a gas voucher for a specific amount. The mailed cards invited the recipient to call and included such statements as “All we ask is that you attend our friendly 90 minute presentation”, “No purchase necessary”, “Not a timeshare or land sales offer.”
“Businesses and individuals will be held accountable for violations of the law when complaints against them can be sustained in court. The work of the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection to investigate these matters allows us to do our part to protect consumers,” Attorney General Van Hollen said.
The complaint filed today seeks the following relief:
1) That the Court issue a permanent injunction restraining Going Places Travel from further violations of Wisconsin’s Consumer Protection statutes.
2) That the Court order Going Places Travel to pay restitution to all Wisconsin consumers for any and all loss or damage they experienced as a result of the violations of Wisconsin law.
3) That the Court declare contracts between any Wisconsin consumer and either Going Places Travel, Castaways Vacation Club and/or Phoenix Vacation Club voidable and order that restitution be paid to those who purchased memberships.
4) That the Court assess appropriate civil forfeitures against Going Places Travel, Castaways Vacations, Inc. and Phoenix Vacations, Inc.
A copy of the complaint can be viewed at:
http://www.doj.state.wi.us/news/files/Complaint021910_2.pdf.
NBC 26’s investigative reporting brought to light numerous consumer complaints about Going Places Travel. Coverage of their reports can be found at:
http://www.nbc26.com/Global/story.asp?s=10646440
http://www.nbc26.com/Global/story.asp?s=9899712
http://www.nbc26.com/Global/story.asp?s=9884749
