Vacation Hub International [VHI]
Reviews and Complaints

On 29 March 2014 I purchased membership at Vacation Hub International for a period of 10 years. According to the contract after 10 years of paid membership members quality for The Reliance Loyalty

Cash Back Reward. According to the contract a Membership Certificate would have been sent to me after 10 - 12 weeks

after signing the contract. I never received the contract, but my membership was activated, and all monies were paid

during the 10-year period. Last year I phoned the company and they mentioned to me that the Loyalty cash back will be

valid this year. In May 2024 I phoned the company and they said that I can claim the cash back. I wrote an email requesting

the cash back. I then received an email from Erica Bezuidenhout requesting the Membership Certificate. I emailed her

back and told her that we didn't receive any Certificate and attached the contract that we signed in 2014. She wrote back

and said that they can't proceed with the cash back if I can't provide the certificate. I wrote another email to her on 27

May 2024 requesting proof that they sent it to me. On 28 May 2024 I didn't receive any feedback from her. My wife

phoned her and told her that we didn't receive the certificate and that we need proof that they sent it to us. Mrs Bezuidenhout told me that they don't keep the records for longer than 7 years. She also informed me that I had 10 years

requesting a copy of the Certificate. When my wife requested a copy of it now, she refused to give it as it is in claim period. I asked her why they didn't mention the Certificate last year when I phoned them, and she told me that it is not their job to remind their customers of it. They didn't inform me either that the 10 years have lapsed and that I qualify for the benefit. The benefit is only valid for 3 months and if you don't claim it within the 3 months you also forfeit it.

I have also read about complaints where members did submit a certificate but was then requested to send proof of all the payments over the last 10 years. Don't this company keep records of their members and all the transactions and other administrative records?

One member also made a complaint that this company did give her a cash back but more than half less than what she was supposed to get. She also didn't receive the money in cash but was credited to her profile to force her to keep her membership otherwise she would lose her so called cash back if she cancelled her membership.

I and a lot of members complained that no correspondence was ever received from this company regards membership.

My wife and i were invited to VHI seminar in Rustenburg 13/04/2016.

Where we gave VHI all our Flexiclub points as well as a R14.000 cash deposit and where told that within 6 weeks we would start receiving returns into our banking account for their clients using our flexiclub points as they would manage our account.

After 12 weeks and no monies received i phoned their accounts department gave the name of the consultant that represented them that particular evening and asked for our R14.000 to be credited back to us as nothing had materialised as well as our flexiclub points to be returned and to cancel the contract for false representation.

Nothing has been forth coming and struggling to contact them.

Please may you assist.

I paid a Deposit, Paid Monthly installments and when I finally said ok I am going to use VHI I saw it for what is really is. You don't save at all.
At the END I never used any promotional or any services or packages they have given on that night or what they have offered. I have tried so hard to cancel the contract and get my money back but at this moment I am being handed over and being sent Letter of Demands.
They are going Legal and and and.
I refuse to pay a sent more for something I did not use or get.
I will rather put food on the table for my Family
I will do everything in my power to try and get my money back it is over R10k or R15k but just the fact they they keep asking me for money for nothing is really Mind Blowing to the end of the world.

Phoned a year ago and cancel my vacation hub contract. But after a year still taking money off. Can't afford it my uncle is a pensioner, and they just don't get back to you. Did reverse on my bank account now they increase the amount without my cleaner's and now cant reverse it anymore.

Unfortunately I am a member of VHI since 2017. It is only now that I want to cancel my contract that I tried to contact the company but without success.
At the presentation the people force you to sign up and make promisses to you. For only s short while thereafter they send you emails advertising resorts to visit on special prices. I did not hear from 3 years ago and cant afford paying the monthly fees.

Russel Watson and his team of conmen did a presentation for VHI to me at a large Hotel in Boksburg near the airport late 2017. We were promised a free holiday for attending.
We attended and long story short we signed because of facts stated as part of the sales pitch by Russell specifically. The 2 reasons we ended up signing were because he said categorically:
1. Give your timeshare week at a gold crown resort and we will resell it for you for R60k each year! We had it on paper where you put the proof all down.
2. He promised cheap accommodation and cheap flights.

Both lies as we signed over the week to VHI and they did ZERO and could not rent it out. Eventually just before it expired, I managed to rent it out for a paltry R6k. With regards cheap accommodation and flights, I got better prices through normal channels for both with no difficulty. VHI staff were very unhelpful from the start when we tried to cancel, threatening me every time I was on the phone with the contract and legal action and blacklisting. I will not put the names of all the staff I had this experience with but there are a few!
My main gripe is that the director of VHI is obviously an unscrupulous and deceitful scumbag and his staff with Russell Watson specifically...just as deceitful and a liar!
Disgusting company.

These professional con artists dupe the public and prey on the elderly. I know from personal experience. The sales team is contracted and VHI disowns any liability for their deceptions. The office refuses to acknowledge any form of cancellation and also deceives people so as to ensure the limited time for this expires. They have been operating for over a decade pulling the same stunt on their invited guests who they entice with the promise of a free vacation just for attending a presentation about (non-existent) discounts.
I paid by credit card which enables payment reversal within 2 weeks provided evidence of notification to cancel within 5 days is shown. Some banks need to be encouraged to do this but it is a requirement that they must comply with.
Keep searching the internet for more stories and assistance.
Why are they still operating? Ask the authorities why crime is flourishing without fear of authorities. They will tell you how hard they work, how little money they have got, how they are planning a meeting to explore the problem. Like they have been doing since forever.

Joined the club in March/April 2019. I paid R 6000.00 via FNB credit card and monthly payments of R 981.00 as per debit orders via ABSA savings account.
I have no clue as to my financial status with the firm.

To date 2 e-mails were sent to [protected]@vhi.co.za, but no response, not even an e-mail to confirm receipt of my correspondence

Still awaiting correspondence to inform me of my VHI membership number.

We received a call from VHI inviting us to a presentation in Three Rivers in October 2019 and the rep Dean Brown made various promises to us even misleading us by saying they'll provide us with a free honeymoon flights included biggest lie ever. Furthermore, it was so difficult getting hold of them in attempt to cancel this contract before the 5 day period since the responses arr so delayed and the offers are just ridiculously expensive could've gone the normal route of booking accommodation locally and abroad. The contract is also not 3even complying to the NCC which we also only discovered later on. Now we stuck with a damn contract we would really just like to get rid of and just stop paying for a service we not even receiving nor benefiting from

Anyone that can help or advise us how to get rid of this contract and stopping them from robbing us even more.

Hi we joined VHI on 01/07/2019 we paid the full deposit of R 9750 we have still not receive our log on details as promised. When we got home i googled it but did not find anything bad even on helopeter was only good reviews. I stared to read the contract and realised that their was a couple of promises that's not adding up. Like the Reliance contribution fee which we were told was only for 24 months not 120 months as stated in the contract. I want to cancel this contract but we could not get hold of any one as it is weekend. I then googled again and found that 1000 of people have been scammed by VHI i will cancel the debit order on monday and ill start the fight on monday to see get our deposit back if possible. We will keep everyone updated i will get my lawyer also involved and if we have any luck will post her details so she can assist you all.

good day - i am a member of VHI since 2017. MEMBERSHIP 501764
firstly we were sold 2 memberships only to find out that a person can only have one membership, then we were promised by the agent that he himself would sell our guest certificates for us and none of that has happened. Initially we were told that only the client can access his guest certificates but after chatting the agent said he will sell it for us. This all happened at the presentation done in Port Shepstone. I have tried on numerous occassions to get hold of anyone from VHI to assist us but even that has proved near impossible . so now I am sitting with guest certificates that i can do nothing about with not a single person from VHI who can help. I even have a signed document by the agent stating that if rental not due all money will be paid back. Is this how VHI treats their clients after they have made a sale?

please can anyone assist urgently?

Went to their presentation yesterday in amanzimtoti at the weaver conference centre, we decided to try them out, paid an activation fee of r 9199.00. When we got home we tried calling on the number provided (087 094 0844) numerous times to no avail despite being told adamantly by bennie blom that the number is a 24-hour helpline and gets answered after the third ring by a consultant (not an automated answering system). It turns out that mr bennie blom is a sales executive hired by vhi to interact with potential clients as he is experienced in travel and tourism, but his real job is actually at global travel alliance. (perhaps he gets a cut on the side).

I am canceling this contract with immediate effect as there is a 5-day cooling off clause stipulated in the contract they made us sign. You will find it under section 18.18.1 termination (clause on page 4). These people are liars and scammers! Absolute scum of the earth. See attached photo of bennie blom.

Put their physical address into your gps and see if you can find their offices. See attached.

Ive been awaiting a call for a delivery
Of a package otherwise I don't answer unknown numbers easily. When I answered lady informed me that I won vacation to Bali or Phuket 7 nights accomodation. I'm interested to go there but was still cautious and decided I will see how my day goes because I felt uncomfortable. Right before the presentation like I said I've been waiting for an delivery I answered my phone and told the Vhi rep who called me I decided not to attend. She rudely said that I was under law forced to go since they recorded our previous call and I am now legally binded to go.Her agents come from Cape to deliver my prize so I better go since im binded by law already to attend. I showed up at the presentation Protea Hotel Bloemfontein. 15 Jan 2019. The agent showed me numerous advantages of vhi on the contract. Like guaranteed double your refund if you find cheaper bookings with other agents. Money back after 10 years. Gave me three vouchers too. I said I want to pay cash one off. He said that would be R12800 for cash deal. He put contract in front of me. I decided yes. Me my son and daughter and 3 friends can go with these vouchers to Phuket. Accommodation R 12800 for 6 people. Quite a good deal. When I read voucher I saw afterwards person need to be 30 y old. My son not. Ok then again agent never said my son to young when I told him. The contract indicated then R449 admin . R5250 to start membership. I asked for contract that indicate the same as we discussed. John the agent said he would call.Lukas Muller the manager. Lukas said that they do offer my cash agreement but I have to pay a first installment first and abovementioned fees. After my first installment he would then email me and adapt the contract to my request of once off cash offer. John and Lukas agreed due to geldwassery I cant just pay cash once off. I believed them and signed a contract that wasn't what was orally agreed. When asked about the first line in contract about activation fees not refundable. He showed me that it means the R449 nor refundable. And reassured me that I have 5 days cooling off period on the contract. I didnt feel at ease but naievely thought if people look you in the eyes telling you the above it must be true even if the contract doesnt state the same. I signed and thought.by myself if all fails I would take the vouchers for an SA holiday in CT or Kruger or Sun City or Umhlanga as they.indicated in the presentation. When I was able to log in to see why what possible options I have Coming home I read that I need 48 h to activate my voucher. After day I managed to activate my voucher and decided to book for Phuket for myself. I waited anxiously for their response because I still believed that their plane tickets would be less like Lucas indicated about R 3000 more or less to Phuket. All my emails to travel voucher been your request is still in process. Time was running out. If I wanted to terminate contract I cant wait longer. I came to Somerset Wes for the weekend to cancell my membership at their office and to visit my family. I asked my son to deliver my cancellation per hand to the adress on the contract on 19 Jan. They told him at the address that is mentioned on the contract that they dont accept such termination letters and referred him to their finanacial lady at another address. The lady there then told my son to post the letter. She doesnt take post by hand. My son asked why wich she couldnt answer. She then reluctantly signed proof of receipt and reluctantly gave us the copy of the letter of termination and proof of the contract receipt and that she would call me back

Im on my way back to Bloem today. Ive done all I can get out of the situation the contract put me in.

Before I signed the agent said he is going to get epilepsy attack of the heat and he wrote the tel numer of Lucas Muller for me as well as if I have any problems to email to sales1@vhi.co.za. Lukas responded once to my whatsapp and said that he is busy now and would call me back later which never happened. I didnt email anything to.sales since I just decided to go to Somerset Wes in person and terminate my contract per hand which they were reluctant to sign and give me the prove. Its been a time and money costly experience for me so far. But this is where I am at this stage. If the complaints Board can give me any legal advice to what I stand to do further please inform me. I am also telling this on this website to inform other people about my experience thus far.

Thank you. From Susan Bloemfontein

Hi All,

I recently received a summons, odd period as people are usually on leave, just dropped in my mailbox without notification and it was 3 days late, within my 10 days to respond with my option to defend.
I opted to defend myself, and in triplicate form, dropped a copy of my summons and plea with their lawyers, they signed my copy and the copy I had to drop off at the Pretoria North Magistrate Court.
The plea was simple, the contract is cancelled as per the email sent after being conned into it in the first place.

VHI contravenes the CPA act in so many ways!

Below is a recent investigation into the "Holiday" market with reference to the sales tactics and infringement of user rights, following complaints of lies, illegal business practices:
http://www.thencc.gov.za/sites/default/files/news/NCC%20REPORT%20ON%20INQUIRY.pdf
You will find clear indications within the 145 page document on how to fight back, including new recommended laws that will take some time to come into effect.

Next, if you like me got stuck with an email cancellation, which they refuse to acknowledge, the following clearly outlines your rights as a consumer to cancel a contract via email.
http://www.justice.gov.za/sca/judgments/sca_2014/sca2014-178.pdf

The above Supreme Court of Appeal Judgement can be quoted and included with your defense as an annexure.

Don't back down from these people, fight back, at the end its costing them money too to attempt to defraud us of our hard earned money.

Kind Regards
J

Since we paid R9199 -00 deposit on
20 July 2018 and thereafter a monthly instalment of R1688 -00 for the holiday /flight/promotion discounts, we have not been able to activate, in order to use the vouchers, the so called x2 "free" international holiday vouchers, as well as x 1 local voucher for a complimentary week end away.This was promised to us when we joined and was part of the sales pitch.Vhi: Rozelle, Sandra and lastly Marinda, all promised to sort out the problem, but it is 5 mnths later and we are not able to use the vouchers( only 1 of the international vouchers have been activated)The 2nd International holiday voucher is still not activated and the so called local " free" voucher
Is only for discounted week ends. It's clear that it is given to the consumer
to conclude the sale, but not available when you want to use it.
When you want to use the' free " local week- end voucher, the excuse is that there is only a discounted holiday for the month, but perhaps it would become available the next month, nearly half a year later and now we are told there might be a free local week end available next year?and Sandra told me that Vhi only charged us for the discounted International, local holiday and cruise packages. So according to her :
"They don't have to honor anything!"and she was adement that we cannot expect the " free" local voucher this time of the year, because it is peak season. We disagree with this statement, as it was not even available In August, September, October or November!
We cannot be denied this week end away this year, due to their procrastination and poor service!
Furthermore, each time an agent is asked to book the discounted holidays, they are unable to book what we viewed online, and it takes the agents days to come back with a reply, so as consumer you cannot book if you want to go away instantaneously.As client you are unable to view online and book straight away, and by the time the agent replies, the deal/ promotion you as client viewed is no longer available( we were even told that it was the previous years promotion) and not available ( although we viewed it online, as part of recent promotions)
On Monday 25November we attempted
to get these problems sorted within 24 hours, ( 5 mnths went by and we needed to get an outcome)We emailed Vhi, spoke to agent Rozelle and Sandra, Marinda( so called officers/ management)but only got empty promises...each day went by without an answer. On Thursday 29 November( after 4 days/ not 24hrs)Sandra said she is sorting it out and she just needs a ‘gap', she was clearly procrastinating, once again, as they kept on asking details and proof of documents, which we already supplied before.
Friday morning around 9 o'clock, we asked an outcome, but she said it will be finalized by 13hoo on the day.
She failed to contact us and when we phoned, she was not available, Marinda then wanted to start the process from scratch, we were furious and not interested.Each time we communicated with them, they would ask for some document or voucher numbers, anything to delay!
As consumer, we are certain that it is some kind of a scam, because the complimentary vouchers were part of the sales pitch and if it is not honored, we would not like to continue with the transaction.
We cannot accept the misleading advertising of promotions :
-not available when you want to book
-not available for immediate online booking( agents are not online) and by the time an agent contacts you, it is after the period you planned a holiday for
-not honoring both International complimentary voucher holidays
- not honoring the complimentary local week end (during the 5 mnths which passed) and now making excuses for it being peak season
Please cancel the agreement with immediate effect and re- inburse all monies paid, within 48 hours

Hi,

VHI contacted my mom to attend a presentation. Three weeks prior to this she received a membership number. Elsabe was very helpful to get my mom to attend and find the presentation room. Wesley Buchanan presented this dream to her as a reborn christian and without hesitation my mom signed on 23 August. An amount of R5, 700 was deducted from her credit card the same night. On 24 August my mom emailed the two enail addresses provided to cancel the contract and texted Elsabe with same. No one responded.
We email a Faranaaz Moller to cancel the contract with immediate effect and Now they gave us a quote of R6, 000 to cancel the contract which should be paid within 7 business days.
Do we pay this?
Please help on the way forward

We were invited to a presentation that sounded perfect. We were led to believe and we specifically asked if there were any monthly fees or any booking fees and we were told NO. We only pay a ONCE OFF fee and the special they offered. We wanted to settle the remainder of the special they offered within the specified period. Suddenly end of the month there was a deduction frim our bank account by VHI. Upon enquiry they blatantly said read your contract. Now they want a cancellation fee of almostR13000 and this after paying almost R9000 at the presentation and three more deductions from oyr account of around R1500 each. They lied and now still want us to pay cancellation fees and forfeit the deposit. Any help will be appreciated to stop these thieving liars with their misleading, false presentations.

Vhi biggest scam in SA. First off all the presentation that was given that we can see in real-time saving when you book was fase.
Even the free trip you get is fase you pay for everything.
You pay first fee then have to wait 8 weeks before you can do anything just to find out not a saving at all and if you want you money back they say only had 5 day to change your mind.
Will take this matter court.

In June I was scammed at a meeting at Hans Merenskey club in Phalaborwa. I was promissed a income of 59000 after three months from selling my points at LHC. After three days I read the small print . I was disgusted to find out how I was mislead. I immediately send an email to cancell . I also posted the letter by registered post to their address in Somerset West . My friend dropped a cancellation letter at their office, the letter was singed and stamped by the receptionist. The contracts and debit order were cancelled . I will appreciate it if you can help me with the refund of the deposito. I paid 9500 R deposit . I completed the refund form and submit it on the3rd July. There was a waiting period of 30days which expired on the 14th of August.
On the 20th I enquire about the delay but have received no answer.