Astar Travel reviews and complaints

i was tricked by this vacation package as i was phoned and told I had been the 1 millionth visitor and WON A HOLIDAY>
SCAMMED

they did the same to me by not allowing to cancel the package and refund me 499 US dollars.. I searched their address (All Seasons Travel, 4104 W. Linebaugh Ave., Tampa, FL, 33624) on google earth/google maps, and on street view. It's written "Mangrove" on the building. I think it's an organized crime. We must put a stop to them. I gathered also technical information about them. They got number of websites just to mention a few: www.all-seasons-travel.net, www.astartravel.com, www.astar-travel.net with different contact information and they got dozens more. They are full of scam. They obviously lack ethics, and are sure criminals. Another information I came upon is on this site: http://boakes.org/florida-vacation-cancel/. Looks like they are not following the laws of Florida, which is under section 559.933 in Florida list of statutes: http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0500-0599/0559/Sections/0559.933.html.

It's unbelievable that this company is actually registered in Florida. Search "ST35841" in license field on https://csapp.800helpfla.com/cspublicapp/businesssearch/businesssearch.aspx. We must stop these scammers! People are working very hard while their credit card details are leashed by their conning tactics.

File a complaint and act against their organized crime company on https://csapp.800helpfla.com/CSPublicApp/Complaints/FileComplaint.aspx

They must face justice, and refund all people that requested a cancellation to the packages and refund.

Don't leave this! Fight to get your refunds back! Don't let those scammers get away!

This was not useful as it was to late as we were conned yesterday

I was "cold called" by this company and was told that I was a "lucky" winner of an email contest. The prize was the discounted hotel rates and theme park entries. I got worried when I was told that I had to pay an advance tax before I entered the USA. I was put through a few different callers before I was instructed to provide my credit card info to a supervisor. In a nutshell, it all sounded too good to be true so I called my credit card company to check if an advance "deposit" of $497 was deducted. The deduction was done on the same day as my phone call from the resort company. I instructed my credit company to cancel and reinstate my deduction from the resort company (which they did asap thank goodness) I then emailed the resort company to cancel my "holiday" and received numerous calls from one of their supervisors to chat about the cancellation. I never spoke to them again and had my card cancelled to prevent a 2nd deduction. In summary, buyer beware as if it seems too good to be true then it just might be!

Hi Yvette, I too have booked a holiday with this company, and am having reservations for the exact same reason that you are. I have just sent an email to SunCoast Holidays hoping to get some answers before a friend and I book.
I am so glad to hear that your holiday all seems to be going well, and am really hoping that this company is on the up and up.

This is the first time that I have heard of a presention in Fort Lauderdale as well. I knew that there was going to be one in Orlando, but not Fort Lauderdale. Are you going to have one on the cruise as well?

Please keep blogging as I am more than interested in getting your opinion on this one.

Cheers

Kerrien

hi, unfortunatley i got had by this mob as well .Has anybody ever tried, or got their money back, please let me know as i am trying to see what i can do!Very irrate aussie!

Don't give any more info, they still in business for people who give info.

Good for you, i am not very sure, but i think they are doing fraud. did you got office address and phone #

I feel your pain as this is just the same situation that my husband and I are in, we did the same thing and now the company will not give our money back. I wish to god that someone could get hold of this company and take them for everything they have, why is it that they can get away with this and nothing can be done about it.
Please if anyone has any idea what can be done to get our money back from this so called company please advise us on what we can do... PLEASE

Thank you very much to all the people who have taken the time to report their experiences here, particularly to the ex- employee who has had the courage of disclosing the internal strategy of this company. This has helped me keep my money in my bank.

My daughter received a call from one of the representatives yesterday and commented on how kind and friendly that man was. She was convinced that the offer of a free holiday in Florida was for real and that I just have to sign us up. She made sure I would not miss the call this morning to take advantage of this great offer.

They indeed went through the exact script as described above and it all sounded too good. Because I had been bitten before by telephone marketing I was persistant enough to negotiate a two hour "thinking" period, which is nearly over. I have been using my time wisely and reading everything I could find about this company. I am now waiting for the call so that I can tell them where to go.

The lesson is, if unsure negotiate a thinking period. Persist - as scam companies don't want to do it. But that gives you time to do your research.

As a former employee I can tell you that, in my opinion, this is a complete ripoff. If you have been scammed by these people, CALL THE BANK THAT ISSUED YOUR CREDIT CARD IMEADIATELY! Tell them that you have been scammed by this company, and you will get a refund through your bank! Don't waste your time with ASTAR, they will only give you excuses, hoping you will eventually give up. This company has changed its name several times to make it harder for people to use an Internet Search Engine and find out they are a FRAUD.

These are all the same company...

All Seasons Holidays
ASTAR
All Seasons Travel

Owner: Larry Flynn
Evening shift Manager is his brother Curtis Flynn, who just finished a 10 year sentence in
Prison for a Narcotics Charge.

Here is the exact script that is supposed to be read by the "openers", the people that call you and try to get you crazy with excitement before the "travel-coordinators", (or "closers") try to get your credit card details. Keep in mind that this part is not recorded, so most employess will exagerate, missrepresent, and leave out details, and outright lie because they want you so excited you give the "closer" your credit card details before you realize that you have WON NOTHING, and this package is not a very good deal, especially since AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED, The Cruise FEES ARE NOT INCLUDED, and THE HOTEL TAXES ARE NOT INCLUDED!

INTERNATIONAL SCRIPT Effective Date 11-8-10

Hello, is ____ there, this is (employeee name) calling long distance from ALL SEASONS HOLIDAYS in the United States. Can you hear me okay? GREAT! Recently you filled out a request for a Florida / Bahamas Holiday on the Internet. Do you remember doing that?
(pause) I have some great news for you! You have been qualified to take the trip designed for travel agents. Isn't that GREAT!

This is a holiday package desihned for up to 4 people, are you married or single?
IF SINGLE:
You would not have any problem bringing a friend or relative along
with you, right?
IF MARRIED:
What is your (husband/wife's) name? Have (NAME) get on the other line,
grab a pen, and a paper so I can give you both all the details.

SPOUSE UNAVAILABLE: I am sure you can except the holiday for both of you today, right?

First I Need To Verify A Few Things On Your Survey.
1) You are at least 21 years of age.
2) You are familiar with the quality and reputation of the Radisson and Hilton Hotels, Right?
3) You are a major CREDIT CARD holder with VISA or MASTERCARD, right?
4) You will be responsible for your flight to all destinations.

Now I am going to explain your vacation in full detail, if you have any questions, ONCE I AM
FINISHED, please ask, Okay?

This is a special holiday offer and if left unclaimed, you risk losing the opportunity to travel with us, at this price. THEREFORE, after I give you the complete information concerning
your holiday, you just need to let me know if you would like to accept the offer. FAIR ENOUGH?

(Name) ALL SEASONS HOLIDAY will begin your dream holiday in Magical Orlando, Florida, home of Walt Disney World, MGM, and Universal Studios... You will need to purchase your own flights
to Florida, Okay? (GET A YES) GREAT!

Once in Orlando, you will enjoy 7 days and 6 nights in the Radisson or comparable hotel,
conveniently located near Orlando's wonderful attractions, including UNIVERSAL STUDIOS, SEA
WORLD, EPCOT CENTER, and of course everybody's favorite WALT DISNEY WORLD!...
While in Orlando you may pick up a 7 day consecutive rental car or for your entertainment
we will include 2 adult two-day passes to Universal Studios Florida's premier theme park.
Also included with the passes are two tickets to Orlando's hottest night spot, Universal City Walk, where you can enjoy Margatitaville, Hard Rock Cafe`, NASCAR Cafe`, and NBA City; and
once again it is your choice of which you receive either the car or the tickets...Okay...
Have you been to FLORIDA before? YOU'RE GOING TO LOVE IT!

After your 7 days and 6 nights in Orlando, you will be on your way to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida,
to embark on your 4 day / 3 night cruise to beautiful NASSAU in the BAHAMAS aboard Carnival
Cruise Lines. Will this be your first time aboard a cruise ship? (Name) You are going
to love the FUNSHIPS OF CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES. The ship is an 8 level ocean liner
featuring the TWO lEVEL MONTE CARLO CASINO! You can enjoy sunbathing on the bridge deck,
or relax in the spa and take a dip in the heated pool, In the evening enjoy the shows and go
dancing 'till dawn in the nightclubs. Be sure to bring your appetite along, because ALL THE
GOURMET FOOD IS INCLUDED ABOARD THE SHIP!

Once you arrive in the BAHAMAS, you'll have an unforgettable day, watersports, golf, tennis,
deep sea fishing, glass bottom boat rides. You can relax on some of the world's most
famous beaches or shop at the international shopping bazaar where everything you purchase is
tax and duty free! Late in the afternoon, you will re-board the Carnival Cruise Ship to
commence the second leg of your cruise back to Florida, which of couse, can be a WONDERFULLY
ROMANTIC MOONLIT EXPERIENCE, or a Fun-Filled night of LAS VEGAS syle entertainment, or
maybe even a little of both.

AS A SPECIAL REMINDER, if you chose to take the Cruise portion you will be responsible for
the Bahamas option fee and that's just $299 (US) per person, and that is not paid until
you make your final reservations for you actual cruise dates...

After 4 fun-filled days of cruising, your holiday will take you to sunny Ft. Lauderdale, Florida where you will spend 2 nights at the Hilton or Comparable hotel. While in
Ft. Lauderdale, you will enjoy miles of white sandy beaches, world famous boardwalks, and fabulous restaurants, or just relax poolside.

Your holiday travel package will be emailed to you within the next 3 business days, and it
contains everything you need to start your hiliday: full color brochers, and of course your
holiday documents. Keep in mind we will reserver your desired Florida travel dates today,
but if you want to change them later, you may reschedule you reservations once without charge
as long as your request is made at least 45 days prior to the date of arrival, and as long
as you travel within the next 18 months. You have a full 18 months to use your package and
your package is 100% fully transferable, which means that you can give or sell the holiday
to a friend or family member as long as they are at least 21, however, I'm pretty sure
you would not want to do that! Your only other expenses while on holiday will be for your meals on land and any incidentals such as room service, if you use it, hotel tax of approximately 10-20 dollars per day and of course any long distance calls you make.

The only reason we can offer you this holiday for the small promotional fee is while
you're in Orlando we ask for 90 minutes of you time to view one of our timeshare resorts,
it's fun and informative.

YOU CAN DO THAT, RIGHT?... GREAT!
Please Hold While I Transfer You to a Travel Coordinator!

SELF-CLOSERS WILL CONTINUE WITH SCRIPT...

***(Poster's Commentary, This is the script, but different closers all have their own methods of getting your credit card. One of the biggest things they leave out is that your Credit Card is being charged TODAY. The other big missrepresentation is they tell people that the 998 US Dollars is only the taxes for the package, and that the $299 US per person for the Cruise is for the taxes on the Cruise ship, when it is not, you are actually paying for the entire Cruise.)***

(Name) for accepting our invitation today, you and your guest will enjoy your 7 days and 6
nights in Orlando... Your 4-day/3-night cruise to the Bahamas aboard the Carnival Cruise Lines, with all of your meals and entertainment included aboard the ship. Your fun-filled
day in the Bahamas, and 2 nights in Ft. Lauderdale All for only 998 US Dollars approx ____,
which will cover up to 4 adults. Now that is being charge today and will appear on your
next billing statement as ALL Seasons Holiday.

Now we are emailing your package to (read email adress).. is that correct?...Great!..Now
we are registering your vacation...so which Credit Card will you be using Visa or Mastercard?! (fall silent)...The experation date?...The account number... And the name
as it appears on the card?...Is there a middle initial?...One last thing, your CVV code
on the back of the Card. (3-4 digit#).

(after card is taken)
Now, (name), on behalf of All Seasons and the participating hotels, I'd like to be the first
to say WELCOME ABOARD! Do you still have your pen handy? OK, what you need to do is write
down our company information...

We are: All Seasons Holiday
and our coporate address is 4104 W Linebaugh Avenue, Tampa, Fl. 33624
Our customer service number is [protected]
Should you have any questions whatsoever, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our
representatives are available Monday though Friday from 10am to 6pm EST.

(Get Travel Date)
(Name) So do you have a specific travel date in mind? (if yes write down date)
(if no, use the following to narrow the date down):
Mr./Ms. _____ So we can better manage our inventory with the participating hotels, we need to
set a travel date tonight. If you need to change it later we will work with you any way we can. Just give us a 45 days notice. OKAY? What time of the year do you normally vacation?

Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall

Do you normally vacation in the beginning or end of the month? What day of the week do
you typically like to start your vacation. Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat?

We have scheduled your travel date as ___/___/___. Remember, if you want to change your
arrival dates, you can just note the changes on your confirmation form you'll be receiving in the mail. Keep in mind you can change your dates one time free of charge, anytime in the next 18 months as long as we get a 45 day advance notice. Okay!

POST CLOSE

Now, again, your package will be emailed to you within the next 3 business days and
it contains everything; your travel related information, full colored brochures and holiday documents.

Remember, you are receiving our special holiday offer which is your 13 night Florida/Bahamas
holiday which includes your 3 night cruise to the Bahamas with all of your meals and
entertainment included aboard the ship and your bonus holidays.
Again, the only charge applied today is 998 US Dollars, approx, ______.

Your only other expenses while on holiday will be for your meals on land, your transportation-and we assist you in finding the lowest possible airfare at the time of ticketing, any incidentals such as room service if you use it, hotel tax of approximately 10-20 dollars per night and of course any long-distance calls you might make and the $299 cruise fee if you choose to take the cruise..AND THAT'S IT!

The All Seasons Holiday V.I.P. Customer Service phone numbers is [protected]. Office
hours are Monday through Friday 10am to 6pm Est. If you have any questions at any time,
please do not hesitate to call that number. Our coporate address is 4104 West Linebaugh
Ave, Tampa, Fl 33624 and our website address is www.allseasonsholiday.us

Also, I'm sure that you are aware that whenever you leave the country you do need to show proof of citizenship. You will need a passport to get into the states and the Bahamas and also for bonus holidays.

(Customer name), now, I am going to transfer you to our shipping and verification department where they will verify your holiday details and postal address for quality assurance purposes. Please keep your Credit Card information handy, as they will need to reconfirm
that information to make sure it is correct. I do want to say that it's been a pleasure talking with you, and welcome aboard! You're going to have a great time! Please hold on while I transfer you to verification.
PLEASE HOLD (Customer Name)!

I recieved a call from a Robert Thrasher from Astar...at 6:45am this morning I might add, saying I was the 1 millionth person to visit some website. I don't recall putting my details down to win such a trip, so started asking questions. I was immediately steamrolled with "the trip of a lifetime" pitch. As a sales person myself, I recognise a pitch when I hear one. I listened though, not knowing who this company was. They even got my fiance on the phone and tried to convince him. We were both wary when we were told $1400NZD had to be paid, as well as $299USD per person for 'port taxes' for the cruise. So much for my free holiday I thought. Now, though I did give them my credit card details, there is no way they can charge me as I have a prepaid Visa, and there's nothing on there, and there will never be that much in that account. I only have one adage that sums up this scam nicely...Beware of Greeks baring gifts.

SUCCESS STORY!
I live in Melbourne, Australia. On the 20th February 2009 I had the same phone call stating that I had won a holiday to Florida at a cost of US$998
Like the thousands of others out there, I had the pressure put on me and was sucked into the ‘cancel within 30 days for a full refund policy’
Once I had transferred the credit card details, I was then informed of new conditions such as ‘your cruise is an extra US$300 and you must attend time share seminars whilst in the state of Florida” and so on.
I rang them two weeks later to cancel the holiday and I was then informed that I was unable to because they had already sent the package to me.
I insisted to them that I had changed my mind but they didn't want to know about it. They went ahead and played back to me a recording of my conversation with a ‘Mr. Fernandez’ that was recorded at the time when my credit card details were given out.
The recording had been edited.
Eg. At the time I questioned ‘Mr Fernandez’ on the 30 days refund policy and mentioned that 30 days wouldn’t leave much time to return the package if I decided to cancel. His response was that “I had 50 days from when I received the package”
However, when the recording was played back to me on the phone the 50 days had been edited and it was now saying 30 days.
When I mentioned to them that the recording had been edited they became very defensive! After insisting that I knew they changed the playback recording they then replied ‘Alright if your not interested send the package back and you will get a refund’
I sent the package back two days after I received it on the 17th of March. After emailing them countless times to find out when my refund was coming, my emails were never returned.
I persisted for the next 2 and a half months, ringing the company at least twice per week. There was constant trouble getting through to the right person at customer service. Excuses such as ‘the person your after is away today but they will call you back’ which obviously never happened.
Finally I managed to speak to someone and was told the refund will take at least 30 working days.
I was then informed with an excuse that they ‘tried to put a refund back into my account and it wasn’t going through’
It was only when I contacted City Bank Credit to check why the transfer wasn't going through that they finally gave up!
On the 24th of June 2009, the full refund was put back into my account.
My advice to people in the same situation is to keep on persisting. Call them, try speaking to the same person every time! Even though they will try and avoid you like the plague. DON’T GIVE UP!
GOOD LUCK!

Hi, As mentioned by all, I was offered the same - but I was dumb enough to give them my credit card details. Luckily, I am so in debt that they could not even get the "25%" he said was all that was needed. Does any one know how I can stop these payments from happening should they keep trying to put it through?

Hi, My name is Maggie, they actually just called today to inform me that I won. Actually few months ago I've already been cheated once from Sort of African fake check makers, fortunately I didn't use them, just asked the bank, even though the bank contacted the police and I was sent to the police station for investigation about more than 2 hours... So today my first reaction was " I don't believe it's real" but they behaved like really a big true story, and the guy even said " Oh my God, come on, you are not dreaming, of course it's real, I promise you" Wow..I never knew that someone could use this "promise" word like so real. He asked me about the credit card status, I immediately felt that it's not correct. 1. My Mom used to say "never believe any free pancakes drop on your head" 2. Why he needs to ask I pay immediately instead of pay when I arrive? 3. When I told him that I wasn't that sure, he started to become very aggressive... I hang off the phone and called my good friend from Italy, he told me immediately search on google if I can find any issue about this company or not. Im so glad that I found this webpage that people stood out to tell the true story! I'm so happy that I wasn't cheated! Oh, God! They are really unbelievable! React like totally real! BIG LIAR! PEOPLE SHOULD BE AWARE! ANYONE SHOULD BE AWARE!

Hi - I have just finished reading Alex´s informative account of his dealings with Astar. My girlfriend also "won" a "free holiday" as a result of responding to an online pop up advertisement yesterday.
They rang persistently during the course of the day today but as she was working they were unable to speak to her until she returned from work approximately 45 minutes ago. The holiday was then outlined in detail by an american lady who was remarkably more excited about my girlfriend´s good fortune than my girlfriend was herself.
The holiday was to consist of 7 days and 6 nights in Orlando in 5 star accommodation courtesy of the Raddisson Hotel group. This was to be followed by 3 nights in Fort Lauderdale and the option of either a 3 night roundtrip cruise of the Bahamas inclusive of all meals and on board entertainment or 7 day free car rental.
It was all sounding good so far and when she was informed that up to 4 people could avail of this once in a lifetime prize it sounded even better. Throughout the course of the conversation she was encouraged to assure the caller of how excited she was to be presented with such an opportunity. However being of a healthily cautious nature my girlfriend enquired as to what the catch was. She was told that there was no catch and that everything outlined was free.
Upon more persistent enquiry it soon transpired that she would however be required to attend a" two hour guided tour of resort properties" and that the "free" Caribbean cruise would actually require a booking fee of E290. Whether this booking fee was to be a single payment or per person was not outlined. "Hotel taxes", the nature of which were not specified would not be included within the parameters of the "free holiday" either.
My girlfriend was then transferred to John, an American gentleman who was to be her "travel co-ordinator today". After again determining that she was indeed very excited to be presented such an opportunity he cut to the chase. The "free holiday" absolutely had to be booked immediately and this would only require the payment of E175 per person or E700 for 4 persons. For this to happen he would only require her credit card details - "and by the way was that mastercard or visa?" When my girlfriend told him that she didn't have the card or the details to hand he very considerately offered to hold on the line while she searched, he even went so far as to suggest that she looked for a billing statement that would have these details. After being informed that this would not be possible he had an even better idea "maybe she could contact her bank while he waited on the line". It was pointed out to him that it was well outside banking hours in the country he was calling at which point he questioned her level of interest in his generous offer and made it clear that if not booked immediately the holiday opportunity would have to go elsewhere. When he eventually realised that he wasn´t going to get the much desired credit card information he revised his earlier insistent demand that the holiday had to be booked immediately or the opportunity would be lost and kindly offered to call again to allow more time in order for the credit card details to be recovered. At this point my girlfriend made her excuses and left. No doubt we haven´t heard the last from our persistent benefactor.
By the way, during the course of the conversation the accommodation was inexplicably downgraded from the initially stated 5 star to a less salubrious 3 star hotel.
I think this is definitely a case of - if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is. Do not give this company any personal or credit card information. 23/2/09

Ive just ahad a call from Astar .its fri 13th of feb 2009 today.Im based in Ireland.Last week i got a pop-up winning advert on a free movie watching website.-it read something along the lines of 'you have won a cruise holiday worth 3000 dollars!' .now i am aware of scams, yet the ad was on a good website so i called the number in Dublin just to hear what they had to say. I got a man called Fabien on the end (carribean/african sounding voice) ;he immediately launched ito the spiel about hotels, disneyland, nascar and more. I knew it was coming- the "can i have your card details please?" he told me the phone call was free;my mobile phone credit finished before he could say anymore.I was not going to give him any card details anyway as i have online internet companies that i must protect. I think the website he was showing me was called Florida cruises or something.I immediately googled the name he gave me +scams and yes as i thought it came up with a huge thread from people all over the world saying they had the same advert and were all asked for credit card details.Now THIS is also intersting;- i have just had another call form a woman with a strong American accent saying i have won a holiday with A star bla bla bla. She also immediately launched ino the speech about cruises, i knew it was coming so i immediately told her i will not give card details over the phone as i must protect my online marketing business.She immediately got angry and said "well how would u like me to give your free holiday to someone else ?!" then she hung up on me. MY MESSAGE TO EVERYONE IS THESE THIEVES ARE OPERATING UNDER DIFFERENT PRETEND WEBSITES (LANDING PAGES) -THEY ARE ALSO SWITCHING THEIR PHONE OPERATIVES FROM AMERICAN TO AFRICAN/CARRIBEAN PERSONS TO TRY AND FOOL YOU AND THEY ARE ALSO OPERATING UNDER MORE THAN ONE NAME (OF COMPANY). THE FIRST THING TO DO IS GO TO THE SCAM FORUMS TO SEEK ADVICE FROM OTHERS-you will generally be able to find out that theyre a scam immediately.I do hope this helps anyone from becoming a victim of naivety.Thanks for reading-Alex

Please help I think we have been scammed by the same people. Can u please give me the contact information u used to email and call them

SUCCESS STORY!
I live in Melbourne, Australia. On the 20th February 2009 I had the same phone call stating that I had won a holiday to Florida at a cost of US$998
Like the thousands of others out there, I had the pressure put on me and was sucked into the ‘cancel within 30 days for a full refund policy’
Once I had transferred the credit card details, I was then informed of new conditions such as ‘your cruise is an extra US$300 and you must attend time share seminars whilst in the state of Florida” and so on.
I rang them two weeks later to cancel the holiday and I was then informed that I was unable to because they had already sent the package to me.
I insisted to them that I had changed my mind but they didn't want to know about it. They went ahead and played back to me a recording of my conversation with a ‘Mr. Fernandez’ that was recorded at the time when my credit card details were given out.
The recording had been edited.
Eg. At the time I questioned ‘Mr Fernandez’ on the 30 days refund policy and mentioned that 30 days wouldn’t leave much time to return the package if I decided to cancel. His response was that “I had 50 days from when I received the package”
However, when the recording was played back to me on the phone the 50 days had been edited and it was now saying 30 days.
When I mentioned to them that the recording had been edited they became very defensive! After insisting that I knew they changed the playback recording they then replied ‘Alright if your not interested send the package back and you will get a refund’
I sent the package back two days after I received it on the 17th of March. After emailing them countless times to find out when my refund was coming, my emails were never returned.
I persisted for the next 2 and a half months, ringing the company at least twice per week. There was constant trouble getting through to the right person at customer service. Excuses such as ‘the person your after is away today but they will call you back’ which obviously never happened.
Finally I managed to speak to someone and was told the refund will take at least 30 working days.
I was then informed with an excuse that they ‘tried to put a refund back into my account and it wasn’t going through’
It was only when I contacted City Bank Credit to check why the transfer wasn't going through that they finally gave up!
On the 24th of June 2009, the full refund was put back into my account.
My advice to people in the same situation is to keep on persisting. Call them, try speaking to the same person every time! Even though they will try and avoid you like the plague. DON’T GIVE UP!
GOOD LUCK!

Hi,

I am from Perth Western Australia. I received a call yesterday on 22/5/2010 pertaining the same information that I had won a holiday to Orlando Florida, Las Vegas and the Bahamas. I told them I did not recall entering any such competition. They had all my personal information and kept asking about my credit card details. When I told them, I don't see what this information has to do with anything', and refused to give them my credit card details, they hung up. After the phone call I looked up the details online to find out it was a scam.

I have now filed a complaint with scamwatch.gov.au and am trying to spread the word. While this scam now appears to be several years old now judging by complaints of A-Star and All Seasons Travel & Resorts online, THE SCAM STILL SEEMS TO BE CONTINUING and people are still falling victim to scams such as this.

The people behind ASTAR are very smooth operators who have an answer for everything.

I was contacted today, when I asked why I had to register immediately (with my credit card I might add) they started putting on the pressure. This rang alarm bells.
I was orgingally talking to one person who obviously was not getting the correct information from me so then her ?boss came on. Again I informed them that the money that was going to put on a credit card was a lot and I would have to think about it. Explained that a travel company offering a reduced package as a promotional tool would want to work with their potential cliental and not pressure them into anything. This did not go down well.

The whole experience has left a bad taste in my mouth but at least I didnt give them any of my credit details.
To all those out there who may get a phone call from the previous blogs they are con artists! If they can not send you information electronically for you to double check ie hotel info etc and are trying to pressure you it is definitly a scam.

SUCCESS STORY!
I live in Melbourne, Australia. On the 20th February 2009 I had the same phone call stating that I had won a holiday to Florida at a cost of US$998
Like the thousands of others out there, I had the pressure put on me and was sucked into the ‘cancel within 30 days for a full refund policy’
Once I had transferred the credit card details, I was then informed of new conditions such as ‘your cruise is an extra US$300 and you must attend time share seminars whilst in the state of Florida” and so on.
I rang them two weeks later to cancel the holiday and I was then informed that I was unable to because they had already sent the package to me.
I insisted to them that I had changed my mind but they didn't want to know about it. They went ahead and played back to me a recording of my conversation with a ‘Mr. Fernandez’ that was recorded at the time when my credit card details were given out.
The recording had been edited.
Eg. At the time I questioned ‘Mr Fernandez’ on the 30 days refund policy and mentioned that 30 days wouldn’t leave much time to return the package if I decided to cancel. His response was that “I had 50 days from when I received the package”
However, when the recording was played back to me on the phone the 50 days had been edited and it was now saying 30 days.
When I mentioned to them that the recording had been edited they became very defensive! After insisting that I knew they changed the playback recording they then replied ‘Alright if your not interested send the package back and you will get a refund’
I sent the package back two days after I received it on the 17th of March. After emailing them countless times to find out when my refund was coming, my emails were never returned.
I persisted for the next 2 and a half months, ringing the company at least twice per week. There was constant trouble getting through to the right person at customer service. Excuses such as ‘the person your after is away today but they will call you back’ which obviously never happened.
Finally I managed to speak to someone and was told the refund will take at least 30 working days.
I was then informed with an excuse that they ‘tried to put a refund back into my account and it wasn’t going through’
It was only when I contacted City Bank Credit to check why the transfer wasn't going through that they finally gave up!
On the 24th of June 2009, the full refund was put back into my account.
My advice to people in the same situation is to keep on persisting. Call them, try speaking to the same person every time! Even though they will try and avoid you like the plague. DON’T GIVE UP!
GOOD LUCK!

Sadly, it took my mother a week to realise that she'd been scammed. We were phoned and told that we'd won a trip to Florida and the Bahamas for only £441 - as long as we paid for flights. My mum was ecstatic: she'd always dreamed of going to America, and being able to take her children on the holiday of a lifetime. We were told the tickets would arrive in the post.

They never came.

We typed "A Star Travel" into Google, and were horrified at all the blogs and articles that came up calling them scammers. My mother phoned her bank to try to stop the money from being taken out, but because she'd already given A Star her credit card number, there was nothing she could do. They took the entire £441 out of her account, despite promising her that they'd only take £200 (she's informed them that as she's a single mother and Christmas is coming up, she couldn't give them the entire sum. They said they'd take half now and half later). All my mother could then do was phone her bank up and tell them that they MUST NOT allow this company to take any more of her money.

THIS IS A LESSON. Never, and I mean NEVER, put your phone number onto the internet. If, for some reason, you have to, make sure that it says somewhere that they'll not be storing your number into their memory banks. Also - whenever a salesperson phones you, IMMEDIATELY put then phone down. Pay no attention to whatever they say, as it is more than likely a scam.

I, a fourteen year old girl, had to explain to my mother, a thirty-five year old woman, exactly what had happened concerning her loss of money, what she needed to do to stop them from taking any more and what she needed to do to get it back. My poor mum cried her heart out, because not only were we now going to have a terrible Christmas, but we weren't even getting a fantastic holiday out of it.

So now I'm doing all I can to help other people realise that A Star are con-artists. Phone all the local banks, all the main banks, whatever - tell everyone that A Star are scammers. You may have lost your money, but you can stop other people from losing theirs.

I also received a call from the con-artists, Astar. I kept Joshua and Terry busy on the line while my husband, which is an IT Manager, traced the information as a "scam". We traced the IP address right down to the street address, and the applicable people were notified. Astar seems to be a low class knock-off company that steals from people, and get aggressive when you do not respond as they wish you to.

Please people, nowhere in the world can five people go on two weeks holiday, all included according to these scamming idiots, for 998 US Dollars, not even in South Africa. Our bank was notified of this scam, even though my husband gave them a completely wrong credit card number. SA Banks are now well aware of this low-class scam, as I have notified every main Bank in our country.

Please note "Joshua" and "Terry", the majority of South Africans might seem "slow", according to you, but it is one of these underestimated fools who will eventually land your cheating behind bars where you belong.

Call your bank, it's not too late!

Yes, companies like ASTAR are a total RIPOFF. They play on peoples emotions, and with calls to Europe, they use the language barrier to their advantage. This trip is no bargain at all. Your accommodations are only for 2 people! Sure, you can take 4 people, but you will need to try to squeeze them all into only one room! Most people decline the cruise option; after all, paying the departure fees and port taxes IS paying for the entire cruise, which, by the way, is for ONLY TWO PEOPLE! Hey but just for you, they will add an extra 3 days and 2 nights in Las Vegas! You just need to spend another boat-load of money to get yourself there. Are you getting the idea yet? Your "small promotional fee" is going to turn into thousands of dollars for plane tickets, room taxes, port fees, and on and on. Most people never use these trips. It winds up being 100% pure profit for companies like ASTAR Travel.

If you have been robbed by companies like ASTAR you need to investigate and find out what your rights are. Realize ONE MAIN THING here. Companies like ASTAR are breaking the laws of the USA, and the State of Florida! They do not want you making alot of noise and drawing a bunch of attention to them. So, remember one thing here; "The squeaky wheel gets the grease!" So make some noise. Email ASTAR and let them know that you are not going away until you get your money back. Send correspondence to officials in the State of Florida, and Government officials of The City of Tampa, Florida.

According to the laws in Florida governing sellers of travel, you are supposed to be sent a WRITTEN COPY OF THE RECORDING AUTHORIZING THE CHARGE TO YOUR CREDIT CARD. Did any of you get this? Of course not! Why? Because ASTAR is breaking the law and they don't want you knowing your rights. YOU ALSO HAVE A RIGHT TO A FULL REFUND WITHIN 30 DAYS! YES, 30 days, but ASTAR will lie and tell you it is only 10 days.

VERY, VERY, IMPORTANT, READ THIS...

As soon as you realize you have been ripped off, CALL YOUR BANK! Did you get that last part? I said, CALL YOUR BANK! Yes, call your bank and DISPUTE THE CHARGE on your Visa or MasterCard. Tell the bank you were scammed. Tell them you did not receive a WRITTEN COPY OF THE RECORDING AUTHORIZING THE CHARGE TO YOUR CREDIT CARD. Any reputable Bank will have the authority to reverse the charge to your credit card, sometimes even several months after the charge.(This is known as a CHARGEBACK) I WILL SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST! Thieves like ASTAR TRAVEL can not stay in business without a Merchant Account. What is that you ask? A merchant account is what allows them to charge services to your credit card. Without a merchant account, ASTAR Travel is out of business. Every time a Bank reverses a charge to a credit card, IT COSTS ASTAR A FEE, and it issues a strike against their merchant account! Too many strikes, they lose their merchant account, and they are no longer authorized to take payments by Visa or MasterCard! Then they would be out of business.

How do I know these things? I WORKED AT ASTAR! I didn't know it was a scam when I started working for them, but I am not stupid. Last but not least, I would like to sincerely apologize for anyone out there that I may have hurt when I worked for ASTAR. I hope something I have said here might help some of you to get your money back. Remember, don't give up. You can get your money back, sometimes even several months later. Good luck!

Anonymous, Tampa, Florida

Lol.. people that works at Astar are all criminals they are all fellons, this is a place that lets fellons work and they have nothing else better to do with their life as you can see jenny has worked there for many years she has got her rebuttles all lined up .All though she forgot to tell you, that it really doesnt matter if the phone call is recorded an the "BIG GUY" Listens to the calls or has "STRICK RULES" because he screws the employees an takes them off the street to his house...so it can easily get acidently" erased!..oops...an does it matter if he fires anyone, ..when they have all been rehired soon as they get Back out of Rehab!?!..lol they are pathetic .its funny that she thinks we have sticks up our ### but the only real truth is we have much more important things to do with our life then listen to a felon on the phone trying to sell us some phoney ###. get your money back because you can go to Expedia and pay alot less!

has anyone actually gone on the trip, how do you kno its a rip off if you dont go?

They are incredibly smooth talkers, do not feel ashamed if you have been taken in by Astar. There are many well educated or smart people who have been. Stand up for yourself and do your best to get your money back or least help make others aware!

I have been called by ástar travel, and have been offered a trip to the most exiting places together with a cruise to the bahamas. In order to confirm my personal identification I was asked to provide them with my credit card information, which I did. But I insisted, that no money will be charged to me! This was confirmed by the astar clerk!
At the same time I became worried, and cancelled my credit card. The vary same day an amount of EURO 706, 43 was deducted from my account, wich amounts to US$ 998, 00 !
I have filed charges against the Travel Astar !
Those are the meanest croocks in America, even worse the the MAFIA in Italy and Chicago !
Jürgen Naruhn

Yes, companies like ASTAR are a total RIPOFF. They play on peoples emotions, and with calls to Europe, they use the language barrier to their advantage. This trip is no bargain at all. Your accommodations are only for 2 people! Sure, you can take 4 people, but you will need to try to squeeze them all into only one room! Most people decline the cruise option; after all, paying the departure fees and port taxes IS paying for the entire cruise, which, by the way, is for ONLY TWO PEOPLE! Hey but just for you, they will add an extra 3 days and 2 nights in Las Vegas! You just need to spend another boat-load of money to get yourself there. Are you getting the idea yet? Your 'small promotional fee' is going to turn into thousands of dollars for plane tickets, room taxes, port fees, and on and on. Most people never use these trips. It winds up being 100% pure profit for companies like ASTAR Travel.

If you have been robbed by companies like ASTAR you need to investigate and find out what your rights are. Realize ONE MAIN THING here. Companies like ASTAR are breaking the laws of the USA, and the State of Florida! They do not want you making alot of noise and drawing a bunch of attention to them. So, remember one thing here; 'The squeaky wheel gets the grease!' So make some noise. Email ASTAR and let them know that you are not going away until you get your money back. Send correspondence to officials in the State of Florida, and Government officials of The City of Tampa, Florida.

According to the laws in Florida governing sellers of travel, you are supposed to be sent a WRITTEN COPY OF THE RECORDING AUTHORIZING THE CHARGE TO YOUR CREDIT CARD. Did any of you get this? Of course not! Why? Because ASTAR is breaking the law and they don't want you knowing your rights. YOU ALSO HAVE A RIGHT TO A FULL REFUND WITHIN 30 DAYS! YES, 30 days, but ASTAR will lie and tell you it is only 10 days.

VERY, VERY, IMPORTANT, READ THIS...

As soon as you realize you have been ripped off, CALL YOUR BANK! Did you get that last part? I said, CALL YOUR BANK! Yes, call your bank and DISPUTE THE CHARGE on your Visa or MasterCard. Tell the bank you were scammed. Tell them you did not receive a WRITTEN COPY OF THE RECORDING AUTHORIZING THE CHARGE TO YOUR CREDIT CARD. Any reputable Bank will have the authority to reverse the charge to your credit card, sometimes even several months after the charge.(This is known as a CHARGEBACK) I WILL SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST! Thieves like ASTAR TRAVEL can not stay in business without a Merchant Account. What is that you ask? A merchant account is what allows them to charge services to your credit card. Without a merchant account, ASTAR Travel is out of business. Every time a Bank reverses a charge to a credit card, IT COSTS ASTAR A FEE, and it issues a strike against their merchant account! Too many strikes, they lose their merchant account, and they are no longer authorized to take payments by Visa or MasterCard! Then they would be out of business.

How do I know these things? I WORKED AT ASTAR! I didn't know it was a scam when I started working for them, but I am not stupid. Last but not least, I would like to sincerely apologize for anyone out there that I may have hurt when I worked for ASTAR. I hope something I have said here might help some of you to get your money back. Remember, don't give up. You can get your money back, sometimes even several months later. Good luck!

Anonymous, Tampa, Florida

I will say that they are a rip off and the hotels are sub par. The owner is a money hungry fat man who likes to yell and scream like a baby.

The trips the offer are not bogus but are set up under the pretense that you must go on a tour of the time share. Which actually if people thought about it you can actually skip most or all of the tours - depending on location traveled and the time share company will charge back astar. Funny. Just an FYI you can find the same crap on expedia, and also could travel on a 5 day cruise for less than 250.00 a person on Carnival right now.

Don't let these people bully you. They may act like the gestapo, but its YOUR MONEY.

As for those that don't understand why the can do thise to people and get away with it.. well that would be because they sell to OVERSEAS CUSTOMERS ONLY - in addition to CANADA...on occasion. If you look at the customer base it is in affluent areas around the world not in the US. We see this stuff on the 5 o clock news all the time here. Just beware and don't worry the IRS will catch up with him soon.

kharma is a bad thing to mess with just kleep complaining on any web site or forum you can ..someone will notice sooner or later..

email corrected!

Right on! I"ve just had the pitch 1/2 hour ago in Western Canada, middle of my work-day, on a deadline. The slick girls on the phone have verbal diarrhea and you don't get a word in edgewise. Fact you are in the middle of your work has no importance to them- they keep right on trucking!

What I didn't like with the pitch was that they would NOT give me a tel # or allow me to check their legitimacy out first with VISA . They will easily worm your VISA # out of you if you aren't careful, starting by asking just for the PIN on the back. I finally had to hang up, then called VISA and was helped immensely by my VISA agent who directed me to this site, and said she had warned a family member of exactly the same "racket" a day ago. Problem is, from VISA's P.O.V., that "as long as some few people have actually traveled, VISA cannot claim it is bogus"! She also said that many people never travel at all because they can never find an opening for the dates they need. You can't reach Universal easily if at all to make changes.
Glad I didn't buy it as a gift to my son and his wife, who do like Florida a lot!
Cheers- and raptures in your own backyard !
Ana

I need to clear a few things up about:
Astar (aka All Seasons Travel) 12421 N Florida Ave suite C-220, Tampa Fl 33612

1st, every person who is called by Astar, is done so because they have filled out a registration form on the internet, willingly giving up all their personal information such as: their first and last name, street address, e-mail address, phone numbers for their home, mobile, and work, their age bracket, income bracket, marital status AND their spouses name.

2nd, for those of you who live in Canada and like to pretend you were called any later than 5:30p.m need to stop because the office shuts down at 5 and there isn’t a soul in the building after 5:30 not to mention we are in the same time zone, so good try I guess.

3rd, every MasterCard made starts with a 5 and every visa starts with a 4, so stop acting like they’re trying to pull one over on you…it’s common sense not a parlor trick.

4th, the reason why most people get hung up on, if they really do get hung up on seeing as international calls drop so fast they’re heads spin, is because at 5:30 after being there all day, and dealing with unappreciative, disrespectful ###s, they aren’t going to sit there and play “stump the telemarketer” all night. Cute as it is, they have better things to do.

5th, anyone who claims their representative told them anything along the lines of: won a trip, airfare included, free, partial payments, cant cancel, already have your credit card number, etc… is gravely mistaken, there are strict rules delegating what reps can and can’t say while on the phone, not to mention the calls are recorded and all the big guys in the company listen to them and fire people accordingly to what’s being said on the line.

6th, to everyone who thinks they are god’s gift to us and their complaints need to be dealt with before everyone else’s need to pull the stick out of their ###, smell it, and realize that their wrong, and their ### does stink, so the other 10, 000 people ahead of them in the proverbial customer service line…still get to go before them.

7th, we deal with Visa and MasterCard on a daily basis, do you think if we weren’t a reputable company they would have anything to do with us?

8th, look up Disney World on any of these sites and see how many people complain about them, they are “the happiest place on earth” and yet the handful of angry, bitter, pathetic, I-never-smile people out there have to have something to complain about. Boo-hoo for you ###.

8th, anyone who is stupid enough to let their pre-teens and little kids surf the internet and fill out forms with their parents personal information on it need to be sterilized… you do realize there are child predators and porn and all sorts of trouble on the internet right.

Now in closing I am going to tell you what the promotion is and how it works from beginning to end:
First you fill out the registration form on the internet which is scattered around due to the likes of Google, and other engines. If you match our needed criteria (over the age of 21, not a full time student, and a member in good standing with either Visa or MasterCard) your form will be printed off into a lead (only a small percentage of families from the 50 countries dealt with will turn into leads, this is the luck of the draw). Then you will be called to make sure nothing has changed and you still qualify, NOT WON! QUALIFY!
After answering the qualifying questions, your rep will go over your holiday with you, before doing that the first thing out of their mouth will be “You need to get yourselves to Florida anytime in the 18 months to take your holiday is that enough time” and as a rule they need an out loud YES to be able to continue, this is them politely telling you "get your own plane tickets people":

For Canada and the UK: 6 days/5 nights in Orlando with 2 tickets to universal and 2 tickets to city walk, then 3 days/ 2 nights in ft Lauderdale by the beach, then 2 night cruise on regal empress to Bahamas, then stay in Bahamas, then bonus trip to Puerto villarta, Mexico. Cost to stay in Bahamas is 199 per person. Cost for entire 4 person trip= UK and Canada: $998 us dollars + airfare to get to US + $199 for Bahamas (optional)

For everywhere else: 7 days/ 6 nights in Orlando same tickets, same everything else, except no bonus trip. Cost to stay in Bahamas is 249 per person Cost for entire 4 person trip=Everywhere else: $998 us dollars + airfare to get to US + $249 for Bahamas (optional)

You are being offered a $5000 holiday for just a fraction of that price the company is kicking in 85% of the entire cost to get you to go on a tour of timeshares and tell your friends our big boat was pretty.
Now you just have to sit through a time-share tour so later you can laugh and say...well those time shares were pretty but I'm not buying, thanks for the holiday though suckers.
And they smile and say "you betcha...now go tell your friends so we can keep spending money on people who won't buy anything", and... STOP LOOKING A GIFT HORSE IN THE MOUTH!

Honduras, Central America
I was also rung at 1.00 p.m recently(today) by a Marketing agent i have won aTravel package for 4 people staying 7 days in Orlando at the Radisson Hotel, a hire car for 7 days and then on to Daytona for 3 days. Included were trips to Disneyland, Universal Studios. It sounded a very good deal and they had my Visa details and the charge of $395 US was recorded as paid on May 28, 2008 i still dont know if they took more money. i also was told i could take the trip in 18 months but had to give 45 days notice of travel dates to enable hotel bookings to be made. Another optional extra was a cruise to the Bahamas for 3 days and 3 day stopover at Las Vegas no price was mentioned. I was told the tickets and vouchers would arrive here in about a fortnight. But i told them i will not agree for that payment, so first they told me they have already made the charge to my credit card without me signing anything, but then they put a man in the phone and told he will give me back my money in two days, i will wait until the 30 of may, but i have already bloq my credit card. After reading some of the complaints I am very worried too thats why i bloq my crediccard.

As with several other of your complainants regarding Astar Travel in Tampa, I too had my credit card debited without my consent and have been fighting for over a year to get a refund from them without any success. Having contacted a friend in the US who is an Attourney, he wrote to them and has not had the courtesy of a response - and neither have I. Having reviewed his charges to act for me, I decided that it was not economic for me to pursue it and had put it down to experience.
However, last evening Astar had the balls to contact me again and try the same scam again. Needless to say the caller was told his fortune in basic anglo saxon wording and he then hung up.
All I can say is that I got caught, it won't happen again but if you have had dealings with them, don't be suprised if they try it again.

Had a full refund in late April and urge others to steer clear !

2012 and they're still ripping people off. I've contacted the Better Business Bureau in Tampa, along with the Florida Dept of Consumer Services as I notified Astar within 10 days of cancelling my vouchers. Three months later I am still waiting for $500 US to be paid back into my account. This is no way to conduct a legit business so yes, they are a total scam. Beware !

Please, for the love of God, do not do business with these terrible people.

The sad thing is people hear what they want to hear. I've worked in the travel industry and for companies like Astar. NEVER are you told you 'won.' More like you 'got' the trip. Sure, you 'got' it, but it comes with stipulations. You do have to attend a sales presentation. After all, they are trying to sell you 'vacation ownership' so you are given a reduced price for a trip that would normally cost a lot more. And don't blame the company for fraud. If you choose to give out your credit card info, then you better blame yourself. No one can charge your account without it. And the calls are recorded for everyones protection. Since you can't sign a contract in person, it is recorded so there are no misunderstandings. My advice...open your ears, hear what is being told to you, and make a rational choice. By the way, before I worked for these companies, I myself went on several trips offered by the exact same means. I loved them and was thrilled that I could afford a luxury vacation for myself and children and the only stipulation was to attend a sales seminar. Small price to pay for a boat load of memories.

I received an email from british national lottery here is the email
The British National Lottery
P O Box 1010
3b Olympic Way, Sefton Business Park,
Aintree, Liverpool, L30 1RD
(Customer Services)

Ref: UK/9420X2/68
Batch: 074/05/ZY369
Ticket number:[protected] 188
Lucky Numbers: 05, 06, 17, 20, 28, 42(Bonus33)

WINNING NOTIFICATION:

We wish to congratulate and inform you on the selection of cash prize
£1, 000, 000.00 (British Pounds) held on the 14th May 2011
in London Uk.The selection process was carried out through random
selection in Our computerized email selection system (ess) from a
database of over 250, 000 email addresses drawn from which you were
selected. And Your e-mail address attached to ticket number:
[protected] 188 with Serial number 5368/02 drew the lucky numbers:
05, 06, 17, 20, 28, 42 (Bonus 33), which subsequently won you the
lottery in the 1st category i.e match 5 plus bonus.

You have therefore been approved to claim a total sum of 1 Million
Pounds, (One Million Pounds) in cash credited to fileKTU/ [protected]/03.
This is from a total cash prize of £1, 000, 000 Million Pounds, shared
amongst the (4)lucky winners in this category i.e Match 6 plus bonus.
For due processing of your winning claim, please contact the
FIDUCIARY AGENT Information Officer Mr. Fred Peters who has been
assigned to assist you. You are to contact him with the following
details for the release of your winnings.

Agent Name: Mr. Fred Peters
Tel: +[protected]
+[protected]
Email: mr.fredpeters10@yahoo.ie

Contact him, please provide him with the following Requirements below:

Claims Requirements:
1.Name in full----------------------
2.Address---------------------------
3.Nationality-----------------------
4.Age-------------------------------
5.Occupation------------------------
6.Sex ------------------------------
7.Phone/Fax-------------------------
8.Present Country-------------------

If you do not contact your claims agent within 5 working days of this
Notification, your winnings would be revoked. Winners are advised to
keep their winning details/information from the public to avoid
Fraudulent claim (IMPORTANT) pending the prize claim by Winner.

*Winner under the age of 18 are automatically disqualified. *Staff of
the British Lottery are not to partake in this Lottery.

Accept my hearty congratulations once again!

Regards
Mrs. Stella Ellis
(Group Coordinator
Note that you are not to reply to this E-mail, please contact your
claims officer directly to start the processing of your claims
application form.

I then sent an email to Mr. Fred Peters to see if this is true and this is what i received

The British National Lottery
P O Box 1010
3b Olympic Way, Sefton Business Park,
Aintree, Liverpool, L30 1RD
(Customer Services)
================================
Ref Number: UK/9420X/05
Batch Number: 074/05/ZY369
Ticket number: [protected] 188
Lucky Numbers: 4, 7, 29, 30, 42, 44, 39 (Bonus33)
================================

Dear: Winner

I am in receipt of your mail and I must say that you should count yourself extremely lucky to have emerged as one of our winners in this year lucky dip sweepstakes.We hereby inform you that we have processed your payment and your cheque is ready for disbursement, along with:

(1).WINNING CERTIFICATE FROM BRITISH NATIONAL LOTTERY PROMOTIONS.
(2).CLEAR SOURCE OF FUNDS CERTIFICATES (C.S.F.C.);
(3).CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN OF FUNDS (C.O.F.).
(4). AFFIDAVIT OF CLAIM

Your winnings is not in cash form but in Bank Cheque, this advice complies with the Anti-Fraud section 2, sub section (IV) of the procedural manual of the funds disbursement agreement existing between courier companies and the British Government.

We have then forwarded your winning cheque to the courier firm that will handle the delivery. It will be delivered to your address. You are to proceed to your bank with the cheque to cash it once you receive it.

The process for claiming your win has been made very simple so that by the end of one week at most, you are assured of having received your cash prize of 1.000.000 GBP (ONE MILLION POUNDS STERLINGS ) However, Parcel Flight Courier Delivery Services are responsible for sending you your Certified Cheque and the original copies of the documents which will require your signature.

When the documents are couriered to you, you would sign them and return them to the courier company, from there it would be forwarded to our Lottery headquarters. Please oblige to follow the Parcel Flight Courier instructions so the document can get to your present address on time.

You are to contact the Delivery officer of the Payment Parastatal with the following information below:

*******************************************************************************************************************************************************
Courier Name: Parcel Flight Courier Ltd.
Contact Person: Mr. Mark Garry
Direct Tel: +[protected]
Direct Tel: +[protected]
Direct Tel: +[protected]
E-Mail:parcelflightcourierdelivery71@yahoo.co.uk

****************************************************************************************************************************

You are required to give The Courier Company your Name, telephone number, Amount Won and address in case they need to contact you regarding the delivery. This information will not be kept by Parcel Flight or used by any other third party.

Note: you are to provide the courier firm with the underlisted information's to enable them deliver the parcel to your address.:

Full Name:
Address where you want your parcel deliver to:
City/State:
Country:
Amount Won:
Telephone Number:
Ref Number:

I will require a concise update on proceedings with the delivery department as soon as you are in contact with them. If you need any assistance whatsoever, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Once again I say congratulations.

Warm Regards,
Mr. Fred Peters

Then I sent an email to Parcel Flight Courier service and this is the email I received back from them

48 Higher Green Lane Astley Manchester
M29 7HG United Kingdom.

Direct Tel: +[protected]
Direct Tel: +[protected]
Direct Tel: +[protected]
Email: parcelflightcourierdelivery71@yahoo.co.uk

Parcels

ATTN:Tanya Wallace
You are welcome to Parcel Flight Courier Service an affiliate of the British Lottery. We are pleased to be at your service. Parcel Flight Courier is Regulated and Stipulated by the Finacial Service Authority(FSA). The finacial institutions that Govern all Finacial activities in the United Kingdom.

This is to inform you that we are in possession of a consignment, deposited by British National Lottery which is to be couriered to you. You are to please confirm your alternative mailing address to enable us dispatch your parcel immediately. I advice you to discontinue any other mail from any delivery service for security of your winning prize.

It is the usual practice of our organization to conduct a proper verification of all parcels that we are to deliver to ensure that they are valid. Is rest assured that your cheque has been package and true and delivery will be made once you have met the necessary requirements?

We are a well established company offering courier and transport services 24 hour a day for priority delivery of letters, parcels and consignments to any destination by road, air or sea. We have a substantial team of couriers available for motorcycle dispatch plus van driver couriers in all size vehicles from small vans up to 7.5 tonne and international couriers for dispatch by road, sea or air.

Description of parcel to be delivered:

An original certificate of weight: -------------0.15kg
Bonded cheque of weight: -------------0.17kg
Total weight of parcel: -------------0.32kg
Colour of Parcel: -------------Brown

Delivery Destination:

Name:Tanya Wallace
Address:gave address
City/State: North Ipswich, Queensland 4305
Country:Australia
Telephone Number:gave mobile no

Below are our mandatory charges. You are required to choose one of our three specified shipment options to enable us courier your certified bank cheque to you. Kindly note that we rate our postage charge depending on the high sensitivity of the package to be delivered.

Delivery within 24 hours:{1 Working Days}
Courier charges ...90.00 Pounds (VAT inclusive)
Administrative ...270.00 Pounds
Insurance ...380.00 Pounds

TOTAL: 740.00 Pounds

Delivery in 48 Hours:{2 Working Days}
Courier charges ...80.00 Pounds (VAT inclusive)
Administrative ...140.00 Pounds
Insurance ...350.00 Pounds

TOTAL: 570.00 Pounds

Delivery in 96 Hours{4 Working Days}:
Courier charges ...50.00 Pounds (VAT inclusive)
Administrative ...100.00 Pounds
Insurance ...310.00 Pounds

TOTAL: 460.00 Pounds

*IMPORTANT* You are to choose from the options above the most suitable for you, once this payment is made you will be given a tracking number to track your consignment.

We have undertaken a hard cover insurance incase of loss, damage or theft of your highly sensitive document. We assume all responsibilities incase of any eventualities.

As soon as we receive confirmation and evidence of payment of the above charges, we will dispatch your parcel immediately. The date and time of departure and expected date of delivery will be sent to you. It will depend on the type of delivery you choose. You will be required to sign for the parcel and to do this, you will need either your international passport as identification or your driver's license.

All orders not delivered within Four (4) working days from this communication will be returned. Please ensure that you confirm your delivery address.

Note: That your prize is protected by a hardcover insurance policy, which makes it impossible to deduct any amount from the money before it has been remitted to you. This means that the above charges cannot be deducted from the prize and hence must be provided by you before your package deliver to you.

We are glad to be of service to you.

Mr.Mark Garry
Customer Services
Parcel Flight Courier Service

This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and may be legally privileged and are solely for the individual or entity to which they are addressed. If you have received this e-mail in error please delete this message and any attachment files, or contact pacel flight delivery Courier Services. All business is transacted under our Standard Trading Terms and Conditions a copy of which is available upon request. E. & .O. E. All liability for viruses is excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law.

I chose package 3 delivery in 4 days Total of 460 pounds (I converted it to a little over $700AUD) I've noticed that other people on this site have also received same mails and that some have received same batch no, ticket no and same ref no. how can that be possible if this was true. Some one on here received a letter from Fred Peters too but different email address for him then what i received.

Next email from Pflight couriers
48 Higher Green Lane Astley Manchester
M29 7HG United Kingdom.

Direct Tel: +[protected]
Direct Tel: +[protected]
Direct Tel: +[protected]
Email: parcelflightcourierdelivery71@yahoo.co.uk

Parcels

ATTN:Tanya Wallace
You are welcome to Parcel Flight Courier Service an affiliate of the British Lottery. We are pleased to be at your service. Parcel Flight Courier is Regulated and Stipulated by the Finacial Service Authority(FSA). The finacial institutions that Govern all Finacial activities in the United Kingdom.

We Have Received your Email and The Content well Noted as we have Started Packing your winning Parcel as soon as we Saw your Email.You are to make the payment to our account officer with the details below.

===============================================================================
Your Order Number is ECC/0123723/AQ11WWR. Description of parcel to be delivered:
===============================================================================

Description of parcel to be delivered:

An original certificate of weight: -------------0.15kg
Bonded cheque of weight: -------------0.17kg
Total weight of parcel: -------------0.32kg
Colour of Parcel: -------------Brown

And also mode of delivery
Delivery in 96 Hours{4 Working Days}:
Courier charges ...50.00 Pounds (VAT inclusive)
Administrative ...100.00 Pounds
Insurance ...310.00 Pounds

TOTAL: 460.00 Pounds

In that light of the above Explanation I will want you to locate any Western Union Money Transfer Agent near you and make the payment for the Cost of Courier Delivery Charges to our account officer in London with the details given to you below.

Account officer: Mrs.Linda Patrick
Address: 48 Higher Green Lane Astley Manchester
M29 7HG United Kingdom.

As soon as the payment is made, You are to send us the scan copy of the payment slip via Email as well as the payment details for the easy confirmation of your payment such as,

1) Name of sender:
2) Address of sender:
3) MTCN (Control Number)
4) Amount sent:
5) Country from which payment was made:
6) Test question and answer if any required.

On receipt of these, Your winnings will be delivered to your designated address as soon as possible, As it will take (4 Working Days) 96 Hours to get to your designated address that you have provided to us.

I await your payment in your next Email for your parcel delivery, I advise act fast to avoid delay.

NOTE: For two reasons we cannot deduct from your prize The reasons are:
1) A cheque has already been issued in your favour by the British Lottery Payment Office. The amount on this cheque is the full value of your Prize-money. We are thus unable to deduct any fee from your cheque.

2) Due to very strict policies laid down by the British Lottery Affairs Commission, we are unable to process the Courier of your winning package by deducting from your prize money. These policies have been put in place to check previously experienced mishandling and/or misappropriation of winner’s funds, we are obligated to act in line with these policies.

Best Regards
Mr. Mark Garry
Customer Service.
Parcelflight Courier Service

I haven't sent any money and sent another email to them saying I couldn't pay that much they sent another email. In rhis email they said I could pay $395AUD and pay rest after I receive the package.

48 Higher Green Lane Astley Manchester
M29 7HG United Kingdom.

Direct Tel: +[protected]
Direct Tel: +[protected]
Direct Tel: +[protected]
Email: parcelflightcourierdelivery71@yahoo.co.uk

Parcels

ATTN:Tanya Wallace
You are welcome to Parcel Flight Courier Service an affiliate of the British Lottery. We are pleased to be at your service. Parcel Flight Courier is Regulated and Stipulated by the Finacial Service Authority(FSA). The finacial institutions that Govern all Finacial activities in the United Kingdom.

This is to inform you that i discuss your problem with our courier directors that you have a problem of coming up with 460 Pounds and they said that they are very happy with you that you are a winner of the British National Lottery that you should go ahead and pay 395 Australian Dollars and after your parcel is delivered to you then you can pay back the rest balance.

So you are advice to try and make the payment of 395 Australian Dollars through Western Union Money Transfer, and make the payment and as soon as the payment is made you are to send us the following information on your payment slip.

We are glad to be of service to you.

Mr.Mark Garry
Customer Services
Parcel Flight Courier Service

This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and may be legally privileged and are solely for the individual or entity to which they are addressed. If you have received this e-mail in error please delete this message and any attachment files, or contact pacel flight delivery Courier Services. All business is transacted under our Standard Trading Terms and Conditions a copy of which is available upon request. E. & .O. E. All liability for viruses is excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law.

I still haven't sent any money but received another email from them this is what it says
48 Higher Green Lane Astley Manchester
M29 7HG United Kingdom.

Direct Tel: +[protected]
Direct Tel: +[protected]
Direct Tel: +[protected]
Email: parcelflightcourierdelivery71@yahoo.co.uk

Parcels

ATTN:Tanya Wallace
You are welcome to Parcel Flight Courier Service an affiliate of the British Lottery. We are pleased to be at your service. Parcel Flight Courier is Regulated and Stipulated by the Finacial Service Authority(FSA). The finacial institutions that Govern all Finacial activities in the United Kingdom.

This is to inform you that your winning parcel has been packed sealed and ready for delivery all we are waiting for now is your payment so that we can commence the delivery of your winning parcel to your stipulated address which you have provided to this office.

I will advise you to make the payment as soon as possible and once made you are to send us the scan copy of the payment slip for easy confirmation to enable us deliver your winning parcel to you as soon as possible.

I wait for your payment information's

We are glad to be of service to you.

Mr.Mark Garry
Customer Services
Parcel Flight Courier Service

This e-mail and any files transmitted with it are confidential and may be legally privileged and are solely for the individual or entity to which they are addressed. If you have received this e-mail in error please delete this message and any attachment files, or contact pacel flight delivery Courier Services. All business is transacted under our Standard Trading Terms and Conditions a copy of which is available upon request. E. & .O. E. All liability for viruses is excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law.

Still haven't sent any money by western union transfer.

I just want to set the record straight... I am an Australian resident and I received a call from ASTAR about 18 months ago and paid the $998. After reading these complaints I got very worried and thought this discounted holiday package was a scam. Well, I am now in Florida USA and living it up in a luxurious 3 bedroom condo. My family are here with me and we are holidaying in Orlando visiting the theme parks for 1 week and about to fly out to the free stay in Las Vegas. ASTAR are a travel agent for time share companies. I agree that their methods may not be ideal but they are LEGIT! You have NOT won this package but you have obviously filled something out online and have been chosen by geographical location to take part in a discounted holiday and all you have to do is sit through a 90 min conference. Thats it!.

Yes, this company will rip you off, keep in mind you do no have to provide them with the 3 digit code on the back of your credit card. Onne the order is processed if a code is needed the use a generic code such as any 3 or to auth 5 # for the approval code . The owner really is heartless and a lot of fradulant activities have taken place between the owner and his in-laws. When you call to cancel the offer you the package for 1/2 just to retain the sale. The company lacks ethics and really employees and customers are the true victims.

hello everyone..
my name is..., and i work for ASTAR i wanna let every one know that i want you guys to [censor] off and buy these god dam tickets so i can keep bringing money home to my kid and husband, now stop [censor]ing compaining and get to spending... [censor]es

thank you...
PS.have a great [censor]ing day!
Curtis P.

Hi there, I have done the same stupid thing and gave my credit card details. I have explained to the salesman that I do not have enough money at the moment in my credit card, as he insisted to check that I have a credit card I reluctantly given up my details but not before I have been re-assured I won't be charged before 90 days, so i can put money in, or cancel if I change my mind. Guess what? They charged me straight away and then I had to argue with the man about me not authorising the transaction. I called my bank straight away, but they said they cannot anything until the payment has cleared up. Now I am in minus on my credit card.

19Jul10, What can I say, found a charge on my credit card for $998 from the US by a company named Astar Travel is one clever scam company, tried calling the company and no one answers! Sent an email to cs@astar.us but no reposnse yet. Honestly i just disputed with my Visa card holder bank and further investigation is be proceded with the scam company!
Really upset that I don't know how they got a hold of my credit card number and able to charge my visa card. I googled this company and got and address 4104 W. Linebaugh Ave. Tampa, FL 33624 USA or Toll Free [protected] International [protected].
Really disappointed with this company and hope in the next couple of weeks to get my refund back from the bank.

Anyone interesting in proceeding legal Advice against this company contact me I am in USA Tampa Fl.Send me your contact # to talk about it.
Good luck

OMG...I can't believe this. Astar done the same to me 2 days ago. Rang me at 7.30am and told me I had WON a holiday. Same deal as everyone else, wanted to verify my credit card details that they already had. The holiday really sounded good and you can be very sucked in by their call. Luckly we checked this site and realized it was a scam but unfortunatley they have my credit card details and now my bank tells me there is nothing I can do about them till they try to take out $998. Now I have to check my bank details everyday because of the access they have. How these people can sleep at night I don't know. Ripping off hard working people and the comment from the Astar worker is full of ### cause they do mention the word WON. That person is as bad as the rest of the Astar company. HANG UP ON THE ### IF THEY CALL. THEIR EVIL PEOPLE.

Well, all i can say is they ( AStar) are a bunch of ###s. DONT DO IT PEOPLE! You will not get your money back. The customer service lacks because there isnt any! Dont bother asking for your money back as i did. Because they will say theyve already sent the package. And also they are a bunch of thieving liars. I wish i read all this before i got sucked in. Somebody in a good position needs to take these guys off the market.

I would love an email address . they aren't answering their phones

if you work for astar your a deadbeat not worthy of being a human. wheres the package wheres my refund where are you. rip off ###

Does anyone know the email address of Astar. If so, please let us know. Thanks
Grillus

Astar just tried the same scam with me. They promised me a holiday of a lifetime for 998us dollars but i wouldnt give them my credit card number. They stayed on the phone for half an hour trying to persuade me but i didnt give it so the just hung up, I checked them out after the call and was very relieved to find this site. I didnt lose a holiday i saved 998 dollars

Wow!

We just got the call at 23:00 at night here in South Africa. He spoke to my wife and seemed smooth and convincing. I was skeptical and bothered, and spoke to the guys. Tried the same trick of $998.00. I said we needed time to mull the decision over. He insisted and was keen to bill $498 now and balance before we leave on this amazing trip. He was insistent that it was only for today/ close of business. He said he would call back in 30 minutes to grant us time discuss.

I am literally read this between the space of that time. Yes, I have won! Thanks to your complaints I have just avoided being scammed!

Trust your intuition... if it's too good to be true, it probably is.

I paid almost £1000 for vacation including upgrade to bungalow because of my handicapped son. E-mailed ASTAR several times to ask for confirmation of dates and to ask where we were to be staying. Received no response as they now have my money. It seems they are going to claim I did not arrive for my vacation but how am I supposed to do this when I have no information other than vacation is in Orlando & Fort Lauderdale?
Tried calling twice by telphone from U/K only to have ASTAR rep put phone down when I was connected.