Comments on: Colorado issues cease and desist order against Prime Travel Protection http://www.elliott.org/blog/colorado-issues-cease-and-desist-against-prime-travel-protection/ Consumer advocate Christopher Elliott's site. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:25:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Ben99 http://www.elliott.org/blog/colorado-issues-cease-and-desist-against-prime-travel-protection/comment-page-1/#comment-20372 Ben99 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:01:41 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6197#comment-20372 Two of our group are veteran victims of the recent travel insurance scams. I asked one about the high level blocking of state action against Trip Assured (Trip Assured were the first villains and created the model which Jerry Watson and Chris Poucher used). Here's the story: Complaints in Tennessee were directed to the Tennessee Dept. of Commerce and Insurance Consumer Affairs. This department was (and still is) headed by Mary Clement. Mary Clement is the wife of Bob Clement - former Tennessee Congressman. Mack Johnson (Trip Assured president) and the Clement’s are long time friends. In fact, Johnson flew Clement around the state in his private plane during his 2002 election run. Some have confirmed that Bob Clement actually met with regulators in Florida to help Johnson start his business and interfered with the Tennessee state regulators when the heat was on Johnson. None of this has been confirmed, but multiple sources did validate that this did occur. Johnson's lawyer, David Broemel was a former Tennessee Insurance Commissioner and big contributor to Clement’s campaigns. Everyone was tied together. It's easy to understand why we went nowhere for a long time with Tennessee. When Tennessee finally issued the C & D we found that complaints had been piling up for almost four years. Had we not beaten down the doors, I'm sure Johnson would still be in business today. I truly hope the same is not happening in Florida today. Two of our group are veteran victims of the recent travel insurance scams. I asked one about the high level blocking of state action against Trip Assured (Trip Assured were the first villains and created the model which Jerry Watson and Chris Poucher used).

Here’s the story:

Complaints in Tennessee were directed to the Tennessee Dept. of Commerce and Insurance Consumer Affairs. This department was (and still is) headed by Mary Clement. Mary Clement is the wife of Bob Clement – former Tennessee Congressman.

Mack Johnson (Trip Assured president) and the Clement’s are long time friends. In fact, Johnson flew Clement around the state in his private plane during his 2002 election run.

Some have confirmed that Bob Clement actually met with regulators in Florida to help Johnson start his business and interfered with the Tennessee state regulators when the heat was on Johnson. None of this has been confirmed, but multiple sources did validate that this did occur.

Johnson’s lawyer, David Broemel was a former Tennessee Insurance Commissioner and big contributor to Clement’s campaigns. Everyone was tied together.

It’s easy to understand why we went nowhere for a long time with Tennessee. When Tennessee finally issued the C & D we found that complaints had been piling up for almost four years. Had we not beaten down the doors, I’m sure Johnson would still be in business today.

I truly hope the same is not happening in Florida today.

]]> By: Peter http://www.elliott.org/blog/colorado-issues-cease-and-desist-against-prime-travel-protection/comment-page-1/#comment-20097 Peter Fri, 12 Jun 2009 00:44:06 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6197#comment-20097 There is little doubt that the major league travel agent partners of Jerry Watson are Vacation Superstore Network /BPC, Palm Coast travel (Smarrtcruiser.com), Legendary Journeys, J B Cruises and Anchors Away, all Florida based. Florida is the outright champion in scamming travelers. Today we will address Ronald and Sandra Russo owners of Vacation Superstore Network d/b/a Best Price Cruises. What I have to say is my own opinion based upon documents in my possession and discussions with BPC clients. BPC and LJ vie for the most prolific number of complaints, but who cares? The Russo’s were involved at the inception of the Trip Assured travel insurance scam and followed Vacation Protection Services with Chris Poucher and Jerry Watson sliding seamlessly into Travelers Protection Services and then to Prime Travel Protection and Universal Assurance. They have been partners and collaborators since the scam began in 2003. How do I know the Russo’s were involved in the beginning? On 6/16/2003 Mark Golden sued VSN/BPC and Trip Assured. An out of court settlement was made to satisfy Mr Golden and I, the media and Florida Bureau of Investigation, have confirmed this with Mr. Golden. In 2003/4 Jerry Watson VP sales for Trip Assured was the personal sales person for BPC. In, May 2004 there was a famous memo to staff (thanks to Jerry Watson's staff) that basically said: Since we now have an even more exceptional insurance plan ……………..[Jerry Watson certainly turned out to be exceptional]. But, within that memo there was the most extraordinary verbiage to inspire (!) the BPC team (look up your business class 101 – carrot and stick). IF YOU SELL LESS THAN 20% INSURANCE [ON CRUISE BOOKINGS] YOU WILL BE PENALIZED $5 PER BOOKING IF YOU DO NOT SELL INSURANCE. Again, according to my Watson contact, Ron Russo had the power of the Almighty when it came to who Watson would pay. A popular tactic at the time was pay a part claims if the cruise line had not got to the no cancellation deadline. The Russo’s accepted a “teach-in” by Mr Watson as late as October/November 2008 to communicate the facts and benefits of the new PTP insurance/protection scheme. During that meeting several staff members were present and, according to my Watson contact, told the audience his policy was not insurance but PROTECTION. But, six state judges had determined protection was INSURANCE. The Russo’s always represented this protection as INSURANCE. The Russo’s and Watson got a real kick out of outsmarting the Florida regulators and bragged amongst colleagues and staff that the law didn’t cover protection. The Russo’s took their clients and Florida regulators for imbeciles for SIX years. In January 2009 enough was enough and the Krakovers sued VSN/BPC for a substantial amount. The suit is ongoing and was filed in the HC-Historic Courthouse in Florida. In communications dated March 2009 the Russo’s and Stephanie Landis tried to explain to clients and staff that the cease and desist was not about restricting a travel agents right to sell travel but only [a minor problem] the legal ability to sell insurance in Florida. Seventy five percent of Russo’s argument was the above. They seem to have ignored six years of illegal activity which cost Floridians, mostly seniors, a cool $40,000,000, 40% of which went into the travel agents pocket. For the coup de grace enter Jim Mahlmann. Jim, one of the group, must be a hoarder of records and thank goodness. Jim produced irrefutable evidence that BPC has dealt with every single unlicensed illegal Watson linked company. Trip Assured Vacation Protection Services Traveler Protection Services Prime Travel Protection The Russo’s/VSN/BPC called the product INSURANCE in all order, booking and invoice documents. Currently the Russo’s are away vacationing at the victim’s expense; but, through the grapevine bookings for cruises are down a considerable percentage and clients are asking if their money is safe? There is little doubt that the major league travel agent partners of Jerry Watson are Vacation Superstore Network /BPC, Palm Coast travel (Smarrtcruiser.com), Legendary Journeys, J B Cruises and Anchors Away, all Florida based.

Florida is the outright champion in scamming travelers.

Today we will address Ronald and Sandra Russo owners of Vacation Superstore Network d/b/a Best Price Cruises. What I have to say is my own opinion based upon documents in my possession and discussions with BPC clients.

BPC and LJ vie for the most prolific number of complaints, but who cares?

The Russo’s were involved at the inception of the Trip Assured travel insurance scam and followed Vacation Protection Services with Chris Poucher and Jerry Watson sliding seamlessly into Travelers Protection Services and then to Prime Travel Protection and Universal Assurance. They have been partners and collaborators since the scam began in 2003.

How do I know the Russo’s were involved in the beginning?

On 6/16/2003 Mark Golden sued VSN/BPC and Trip Assured. An out of court settlement was made to satisfy Mr Golden and I, the media and Florida Bureau of Investigation, have confirmed this with Mr. Golden.

In 2003/4 Jerry Watson VP sales for Trip Assured was the personal sales person for BPC.

In, May 2004 there was a famous memo to staff (thanks to Jerry Watson’s staff) that basically said: Since we now have an even more exceptional insurance plan ……………..[Jerry Watson certainly turned out to be exceptional].

But, within that memo there was the most extraordinary verbiage to inspire (!) the BPC team (look up your business class 101 – carrot and stick).

IF YOU SELL LESS THAN 20% INSURANCE [ON CRUISE BOOKINGS] YOU WILL BE PENALIZED $5 PER BOOKING IF YOU DO NOT SELL INSURANCE.

Again, according to my Watson contact, Ron Russo had the power of the Almighty when it came to who Watson would pay. A popular tactic at the time was pay a part claims if the cruise line had not got to the no cancellation deadline.

The Russo’s accepted a “teach-in” by Mr Watson as late as October/November 2008 to communicate the facts and benefits of the new PTP insurance/protection scheme. During that meeting several staff members were present and, according to my Watson contact, told the audience his policy was not insurance but PROTECTION. But, six state judges had determined protection was INSURANCE.

The Russo’s always represented this protection as INSURANCE.

The Russo’s and Watson got a real kick out of outsmarting the Florida regulators and bragged amongst colleagues and staff that the law didn’t cover protection.

The Russo’s took their clients and Florida regulators for imbeciles for SIX years.

In January 2009 enough was enough and the Krakovers sued VSN/BPC for a substantial amount. The suit is ongoing and was filed in the HC-Historic Courthouse in Florida.

In communications dated March 2009 the Russo’s and Stephanie Landis tried to explain to clients and staff that the cease and desist was not about restricting a travel agents right to sell travel but only [a minor problem] the legal ability to sell insurance in Florida.

Seventy five percent of Russo’s argument was the above. They seem to have ignored six years of illegal activity which cost Floridians, mostly seniors, a cool $40,000,000, 40% of which went into the travel agents pocket.

For the coup de grace enter Jim Mahlmann. Jim, one of the group, must be a hoarder of records and thank goodness.

Jim produced irrefutable evidence that BPC has dealt with every single unlicensed illegal Watson linked company.

Trip Assured
Vacation Protection Services
Traveler Protection Services
Prime Travel Protection

The Russo’s/VSN/BPC called the product INSURANCE in all order, booking and invoice documents.

Currently the Russo’s are away vacationing at the victim’s expense; but, through the grapevine bookings for cruises are down a considerable percentage and clients are asking if their money is safe?

]]> By: Jack Graziano http://www.elliott.org/blog/colorado-issues-cease-and-desist-against-prime-travel-protection/comment-page-1/#comment-19959 Jack Graziano Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:00:13 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6197#comment-19959 I was told to make my insurance payment separately to order of Legendary Journeys, not Travel Protection Services. I did not receive the insurance policy until after payment was made. My $2000. deposit was made over the phone via bank debit on 11/17/07. I received the invoice on 12/21/07, with yellow booklet with information about the trip. Therefore I was not able to cancel and get a full refund within the 30 day cancellation provision under Florida law. I was told to make my insurance payment separately to order of Legendary Journeys, not Travel Protection Services. I did not receive the insurance policy until after payment was made. My $2000. deposit was made over the phone via bank debit on 11/17/07. I received the invoice on 12/21/07, with yellow booklet with information about the trip. Therefore I was not able to cancel and get a full refund within the 30 day cancellation provision under Florida law.

]]> By: Peter http://www.elliott.org/blog/colorado-issues-cease-and-desist-against-prime-travel-protection/comment-page-1/#comment-19937 Peter Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:00:49 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6197#comment-19937 My opinions below are based upon documents, e-mails, telephone conversations and public records and represent my personal view. It was Mr. Lee Smolinski CEO of Palm Coast Travel/Smartcruiser who demonized “the group” some months ago. According to him and others, the group is a renegade band of profiteers led by other travel agents bent on stealing business from the accused agents. Mr. Smolinski has threatened me in particular and all members of “the group” with a lawsuit – twice. He and his attorney tried unsuccessfully to stop Chris Elliott publishing this blog. Mr. Smolinski is not the most prolific provider of unlicensed insurance but may be the most devious and arrogant. He was a former president of the local branch of Skaal International, a well known club for members of the travel industry. Mr. Smolinski is a shrewd businessman not only running Palm Coast Travel and Smartcruiser.com but setting up similar travel companies: Twin Fish Interline; Smart Interline; Premium Cruise.com; 6 Star Travel; Itakeatrip.com; Paymetravel; Tripsmart; Smolinski & Associates Inc; Smart Travel Group. Eleven companies. Mr. Smolinski first sold the illegal travel insurance offered by Trip Assured in 2004/5. Chris Poucher was a salesperson for Trip Assured and Jerry Watson was VP of Sales. Prior to Trip Assureds’ demise, Jerry Watson and Chris Poucher thought the idea of such a simple and profitable scam was too good to miss for themselves, so they formed Vacation Protection Services (VPS). VPS did a roaring trade, defrauding 19,000 Floridians, mostly seniors out of an estimated seven million dollars. It was around this time that Mr. David Goodis President of Revelex and Jerry Watson were introduced to Mr. Smolinski. According to Chris Poucher, who was present at the meeting, Revelex “ran” Mr. Smolinski. Shortly after Mr. Smolinski hired Benda Nolan a VP of Revelex to work at Palm Coast Travel. Revelex shared commissions paid by Trip Assured in partnership with various travel agents – 670 of them. By late 2006 a class action law suit was in full swing and Trip Assured received six cease and desist orders so rather than face the music, they liquidated. As you can see, Mr. Smolinski, Mr. Goodis, Ms Nolan, Jerry Watson and Chris Poucher are all good friends and business buddies in the travel industry. Such good friends, in fact, that Mr. Smolinski sponsored Jerry Watson for a Skaal International membership. (David Goodis is also a member) Poster Al will say I am driveling? At this point in 2005/6 Mr. Smolinski is in with some major fraudsters, he can run 11 companies with his right hand tied behind his back; but, he doesn’t know he is selling an illegal product? By 2007/8 Jerry Watson set up Traveler Protection Services in Illinois and Prime Travel Protection and Universal Assured in Colorado. Along the way Vacation Protection Services dissolved due to pressure from state regulators in Tennessee. Mr. Smolinski had periods doing business with Jerry Watson during all this time. In November 2007 Mr. Smolinski took $309 for my trip insurance and sent a summary of the policy from Access America (a legitimate provider). But, he did not order or buy a policy at all – he pocketed the money. On March 4, 2008 I canceled my cruise but rebooked at a later date. Palm Coast Travel was caught out! They quickly bought a policy from Access America on March 5, 2008 and then promptly cancelled it on March 6, 2008. So, still no policy for me but Mr. Smolinski has my money. He never did buy a policy on my behalf until August 28, 2008 a day that will go down in infamy! Enter stage right one PRIME TRAVEL PROTECTION and Mr. & Mrs. Watson, Tracy and Danielle. By now Mr. Smolinski and Jerry Watson are cozily in the same club and have done business over four or five periods of time. However, Mr. Smolinski knows Mr. Watson and PTP are legitimate because he did his due diligence. With Colorado Department of Insurance – NO? With state business registration and license departments – NO? Criminal records – NO? Search engines – NO? Mr. Smolinski the adroit and smart operator of eleven companies, former president of Skaal International sent one e-mail to discover the truth about PTP. I bet you can guess – to JERRY WATSON. I believe Jerry testified that JERRY was a good guy. According to Palm Coast Travels staff and their CEO nothing was known of Mr. Watson’s unlicensed products from six companies with eight bogus underwriters. Oh, and nine cease and desists – what cease and desists? In my opinion Mr. Smolinski: Cheated me by representing he purchased insurance for $309 when he did not. He was responsible for advising me to take out a false insurance policy from an unauthorized entity. Mr. Smolinski was not licensed to sell any insurance in Florida. It is impossible for Mr. Smolinski, given the intricate of the scam and the closeness of relationships, that he did not know the whole kettle of fish was fraudulent. Next time the infamous Russo’s. My opinions below are based upon documents, e-mails, telephone conversations and public records and represent my personal view.
It was Mr. Lee Smolinski CEO of Palm Coast Travel/Smartcruiser who demonized “the group” some months ago. According to him and others, the group is a renegade band of profiteers led by other travel agents bent on stealing business from the accused agents.
Mr. Smolinski has threatened me in particular and all members of “the group” with a lawsuit – twice. He and his attorney tried unsuccessfully to stop Chris Elliott publishing this blog.
Mr. Smolinski is not the most prolific provider of unlicensed insurance but may be the most devious and arrogant. He was a former president of the local branch of Skaal International, a well known club for members of the travel industry.
Mr. Smolinski is a shrewd businessman not only running Palm Coast Travel and Smartcruiser.com but setting up similar travel companies:
Twin Fish Interline; Smart Interline; Premium Cruise.com; 6 Star Travel; Itakeatrip.com; Paymetravel; Tripsmart; Smolinski & Associates Inc; Smart Travel Group.
Eleven companies.
Mr. Smolinski first sold the illegal travel insurance offered by Trip Assured in 2004/5.
Chris Poucher was a salesperson for Trip Assured and Jerry Watson was VP of Sales. Prior to Trip Assureds’ demise, Jerry Watson and Chris Poucher thought the idea of such a simple and profitable scam was too good to miss for themselves, so they formed Vacation Protection Services (VPS).
VPS did a roaring trade, defrauding 19,000 Floridians, mostly seniors out of an estimated seven million dollars.
It was around this time that Mr. David Goodis President of Revelex and Jerry Watson were introduced to Mr. Smolinski. According to Chris Poucher, who was present at the meeting, Revelex “ran” Mr. Smolinski. Shortly after Mr. Smolinski hired Benda Nolan a VP of Revelex to work at Palm Coast Travel.
Revelex shared commissions paid by Trip Assured in partnership with various travel agents – 670 of them.
By late 2006 a class action law suit was in full swing and Trip Assured received six cease and desist orders so rather than face the music, they liquidated.
As you can see, Mr. Smolinski, Mr. Goodis, Ms Nolan, Jerry Watson and Chris Poucher are all good friends and business buddies in the travel industry. Such good friends, in fact, that Mr. Smolinski sponsored Jerry Watson for a Skaal International membership. (David Goodis is also a member)
Poster Al will say I am driveling?
At this point in 2005/6 Mr. Smolinski is in with some major fraudsters, he can run 11 companies with his right hand tied behind his back; but, he doesn’t know he is selling an illegal product?
By 2007/8 Jerry Watson set up Traveler Protection Services in Illinois and Prime Travel Protection and Universal Assured in Colorado. Along the way Vacation Protection Services dissolved due to pressure from state regulators in Tennessee. Mr. Smolinski had periods doing business with Jerry Watson during all this time.
In November 2007 Mr. Smolinski took $309 for my trip insurance and sent a summary of the policy from Access America (a legitimate provider). But, he did not order or buy a policy at all – he pocketed the money.
On March 4, 2008 I canceled my cruise but rebooked at a later date. Palm Coast Travel was caught out! They quickly bought a policy from Access America on March 5, 2008 and then promptly cancelled it on March 6, 2008.
So, still no policy for me but Mr. Smolinski has my money.
He never did buy a policy on my behalf until August 28, 2008 a day that will go down in infamy!
Enter stage right one PRIME TRAVEL PROTECTION and Mr. & Mrs. Watson, Tracy and Danielle.
By now Mr. Smolinski and Jerry Watson are cozily in the same club and have done business over four or five periods of time.
However, Mr. Smolinski knows Mr. Watson and PTP are legitimate because he did his due diligence.
With Colorado Department of Insurance – NO? With state business registration and license departments – NO? Criminal records – NO? Search engines – NO?
Mr. Smolinski the adroit and smart operator of eleven companies, former president of Skaal International sent one e-mail to discover the truth about PTP.
I bet you can guess – to JERRY WATSON. I believe Jerry testified that JERRY was a good guy.
According to Palm Coast Travels staff and their CEO nothing was known of Mr. Watson’s unlicensed products from six companies with eight bogus underwriters. Oh, and nine cease and desists – what cease and desists?
In my opinion Mr. Smolinski:
Cheated me by representing he purchased insurance for $309 when he did not.
He was responsible for advising me to take out a false insurance policy from an unauthorized entity.
Mr. Smolinski was not licensed to sell any insurance in Florida.
It is impossible for Mr. Smolinski, given the intricate of the scam and the closeness of relationships, that he did not know the whole kettle of fish was fraudulent.
Next time the infamous Russo’s.

]]> By: Arthur http://www.elliott.org/blog/colorado-issues-cease-and-desist-against-prime-travel-protection/comment-page-1/#comment-19916 Arthur Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:33:36 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6197#comment-19916 And so do I Brenda. We still don't know the full Watson story. In recent submissions to the group a new member told of an evacuation debacle with Watson's Worldwide Assistance provider. I have long thought why would such a crook even bother to pay an emergency provider? The answer is - he did not. That is another fact that Palm Coast Travel/Smartcruise; legendary Journeys and Best Price Cruises should have known. And so do I Brenda.
We still don’t know the full Watson story. In recent submissions to the group a new member told of an evacuation debacle with Watson’s Worldwide Assistance provider. I have long thought why would such a crook even bother to pay an emergency provider?
The answer is – he did not.

That is another fact that Palm Coast Travel/Smartcruise; legendary Journeys and Best Price Cruises should have known.

]]> By: Brenda Larsen http://www.elliott.org/blog/colorado-issues-cease-and-desist-against-prime-travel-protection/comment-page-1/#comment-19903 Brenda Larsen Tue, 02 Jun 2009 17:07:28 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6197#comment-19903 Although my Florida travel agency paid my claim, I continue to be very disappointed with Colorado authorities who, during the process, told me that Mr. Watson made every effort to resolve the issue. It is so obvious that this statement is false. Simply read the mail. All of this happened before the C & D order was issued.. Mr. Watson caused many problems for me that lasted for more than a year. The State of Colorado allowed him to get away with this. Colorado authorities did nothing to assist me. Because of all of the grief Mr. Watson caused me and many others, I hope that he will be punished. Although my Florida travel agency paid my claim, I continue to be very disappointed with Colorado authorities who, during the process, told me that Mr. Watson made every effort to resolve the issue. It is so obvious that this statement is false. Simply read the mail. All of this happened before the C & D order was issued.. Mr. Watson caused many problems for me that lasted for more than a year. The State of Colorado allowed him to get away with this. Colorado authorities did nothing to assist me. Because of all of the grief Mr. Watson caused me and many others, I hope that he will be punished.

]]> By: William http://www.elliott.org/blog/colorado-issues-cease-and-desist-against-prime-travel-protection/comment-page-1/#comment-19899 William Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:38:33 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6197#comment-19899 Didn't something similar happen in the Trip Assured case Joe? Who was that? Didn’t something similar happen in the Trip Assured case Joe? Who was that?

]]> By: JoeM29 http://www.elliott.org/blog/colorado-issues-cease-and-desist-against-prime-travel-protection/comment-page-1/#comment-19894 JoeM29 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:49:44 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6197#comment-19894 In my opinion it is a disgrace that the State of Florida is allowing these travel agents to escape any penalty. The Investigators claim that it is just a technical violation, and this in spite of the statutes defining the sale of insurance in unlicensed companies as a felony in the State of Florida. After reading the statutes it is very clear what these travel agents are guilty of, and a more skeptical person might think that money has changed hands to allow this to go unpunished. In my opinion it is a disgrace that the State of Florida is allowing these travel agents to escape any penalty. The Investigators claim that it is just a technical violation, and this in spite of the statutes defining the sale of insurance in unlicensed companies as a felony in the State of Florida. After reading the statutes it is very clear what these travel agents are guilty of, and a more skeptical person might think that money has changed hands to allow this to go unpunished.

]]> By: Benn99 http://www.elliott.org/blog/colorado-issues-cease-and-desist-against-prime-travel-protection/comment-page-1/#comment-19881 Benn99 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:16:24 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6197#comment-19881 Thanks for tying things together Peter. You mention briefly Paul Donahue. Although a couple in the group made written complaints to The Florida Department of Insurance in May 2008, Paul was the first to have a face to face with Chris McGuire, Florida Bureau of Investigation, and really got the point across. I believe that was the conception of the current investigation by Florida. Paul passed on this year without seeing the fruits of his work accomplished. But his spirit lives on. Al Ferguson of Legendary Journeys and Jerry Watson ignored Paul’s pleas for help and reimbursement and it is to their never-ending shame that they did so because Paul is now one of the groups heroes who drive them on against the perpetrators of a heinous crime against seniors. Thanks for tying things together Peter.
You mention briefly Paul Donahue. Although a couple in the group made written complaints to The Florida Department of Insurance in May 2008, Paul was the first to have a face to face with Chris McGuire, Florida Bureau of Investigation, and really got the point across.
I believe that was the conception of the current investigation by Florida.
Paul passed on this year without seeing the fruits of his work accomplished. But his spirit lives on.

Al Ferguson of Legendary Journeys and Jerry Watson ignored Paul’s pleas for help and reimbursement and it is to their never-ending shame that they did so because Paul is now one of the groups heroes who drive them on against the perpetrators of a heinous crime against seniors.

]]> By: James http://www.elliott.org/blog/colorado-issues-cease-and-desist-against-prime-travel-protection/comment-page-1/#comment-19880 James Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:04:14 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6197#comment-19880 Peter - Watson is not a "former" felon - he is a felon. As far as Ferguson - he should be put in jail, but it appears the Florida authorities have better things to do. Put pressure on your local elected officials to put these scumbags away. Peter – Watson is not a “former” felon – he is a felon. As far as Ferguson – he should be put in jail, but it appears the Florida authorities have better things to do. Put pressure on your local elected officials to put these scumbags away.

]]> By: PETER http://www.elliott.org/blog/colorado-issues-cease-and-desist-against-prime-travel-protection/comment-page-1/#comment-19876 PETER Mon, 01 Jun 2009 21:07:23 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6197#comment-19876 On March 9, 2009 Chris Elliott interviewed Al Ferguson regarding his role in the PTP/Travel Agents insurance fraud. On the surface Mr. Ferguson seemed to answer questions openly but, in fact, he side stepped with the adroitness of a bullfighter, gave erroneous numbers and told less than the truth. Mr. Ferguson said he became aware of a problem with Prime Protection Services/Travelers Protection Services in September 2008 and stopped using Mr. Watson’s companies. The Legendary Journeys website and the Revelex booking engine website continued to display the unlicensed illegal product. Clients such as Ronnie Dishler, Judith Leitner, Linda Ferral, Kay Schroll, Paul Donahue, Harold Marsak, Billie S, Ken Michaud, and Jack Graziano were not notified of any difficulty. Even after the demise of PTP/TPS/UA in January 09 Legendary Journeys did not notify all clients. Mr. Ferguson claimed he had made satisfactory arrangements with all his clients – to HIS satisfaction but not the clients. Fran Brady, Ellen Cruz and many others turned down Mr. Fergusons deplorable offer. Ronnie Dishler booked a cruise in May 08; September 2008 passed without notification of an obstruction; January 26, 2009 (PTP dissolution) came and went – no communication. Ronnie actually took the cruise and did not have to claim; but, if she had there was no company to claim against. No other insurance or certificates had been issued as Mr. Ferguson stated. The whole affair was brushed under the carpet with 40% of the premium in Mr. Fergusons pocket. Ronnie demanded the return of her premium because not only was the product illegal, it didn’t exist. An LJ manager rudely told her it was not LJ’s responsibility. The premium $381 – how mean is that? Mr. Ferguson attempts to lay the blame for illegal insurance on Revelex, the booking engine, because there it was, right before the agents, eyes so easy to click. How would poor simple minded travel agents know where the insurance would end up? Well, Revelex, Boca Raton, Florida has been dealing with Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Watson and Mr. Poucher since 2004/5 when Trip Assured dissolved leaving victims high and dry. Revelex received commissions (or reduced fees) from Trip Assured, Vacation Protection Services, Travelers Protection Services and Prime Protection Services. Legendary Journeys moved their “insurance” account every time the master fraud, Mr. Watson, set up a new company to perpetrate the scam. Each company dissolved in turn or had cease and desists ordered against them exactly like the PTP disaster of January 26, 2009. Legendary Journeys, as everyone knows now, was the golden goose for Mr. Watsons Vacation Protection Services with 15,327 sold to unsuspecting victims. There were two VPS’s and both were dissolved after C&D’s were issued. Mr. Ferguson didn’t know? Mr. Watson, a former felon, was now involved in three company dissolutions but Mr. Ferguson didn’t catch on? Two years later and two more of Mr. Watson’s companies imploded. After at least five years of friendship and business dealings “EURIKA!” Mr. Ferguson senses a problem? Mr. Ferguson can’t discuss details of the fraudulent behavior because he claims he is suing that arrogant unsuspecting thief Mr. Watson and his companies. THERE IS NO SUIT FILED IN FLORIDA, COLORADO OR ILLINOIS REGADING THE WATSON ENTERPRISES. Mr. Ferguson makes light of the small number of clients affected. Our group has 13 very serious victims. Each victim knows of one or two more friends or relations who were victimized. But, here is the stunner – every client who paid a premium for the unlicensed product was scammed and 40% of every premium claim or not, went into Legendary Journeys business machine. Legendary Journeys staff and Al Ferguson have deceived, been dishonest, have broken at least two Florida laws and they have treated clients and the Florida regulators as dim-witted naive people. Ferguson blames Watson and Revelex, Watson blames clients and travel agents, Revelex silent as a ghost removed the much heralded Prime Travel Protection in late 2008. On March 9, 2009 Chris Elliott interviewed Al Ferguson regarding his role in the PTP/Travel Agents insurance fraud. On the surface Mr. Ferguson seemed to answer questions openly but, in fact, he side stepped with the adroitness of a bullfighter, gave erroneous numbers and told less than the truth.

Mr. Ferguson said he became aware of a problem with Prime Protection Services/Travelers Protection Services in September 2008 and stopped using Mr. Watson’s companies.
The Legendary Journeys website and the Revelex booking engine website continued to display the unlicensed illegal product.
Clients such as Ronnie Dishler, Judith Leitner, Linda Ferral, Kay Schroll, Paul Donahue, Harold Marsak, Billie S, Ken Michaud, and Jack Graziano were not notified of any difficulty.
Even after the demise of PTP/TPS/UA in January 09 Legendary Journeys did not notify all clients.

Mr. Ferguson claimed he had made satisfactory arrangements with all his clients – to HIS satisfaction but not the clients.

Fran Brady, Ellen Cruz and many others turned down Mr. Fergusons deplorable offer.

Ronnie Dishler booked a cruise in May 08; September 2008 passed without notification of an obstruction; January 26, 2009 (PTP dissolution) came and went – no communication.
Ronnie actually took the cruise and did not have to claim; but, if she had there was no company to claim against. No other insurance or certificates had been issued as Mr. Ferguson stated.
The whole affair was brushed under the carpet with 40% of the premium in Mr. Fergusons pocket.
Ronnie demanded the return of her premium because not only was the product illegal, it didn’t exist. An LJ manager rudely told her it was not LJ’s responsibility. The premium $381 – how mean is that?

Mr. Ferguson attempts to lay the blame for illegal insurance on Revelex, the booking engine, because there it was, right before the agents, eyes so easy to click. How would poor simple minded travel agents know where the insurance would end up?

Well, Revelex, Boca Raton, Florida has been dealing with Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Watson and Mr. Poucher since 2004/5 when Trip Assured dissolved leaving victims high and dry.
Revelex received commissions (or reduced fees) from Trip Assured, Vacation Protection Services, Travelers Protection Services and Prime Protection Services.
Legendary Journeys moved their “insurance” account every time the master fraud, Mr. Watson, set up a new company to perpetrate the scam.
Each company dissolved in turn or had cease and desists ordered against them exactly like the PTP disaster of January 26, 2009.

Legendary Journeys, as everyone knows now, was the golden goose for Mr. Watsons Vacation Protection Services with 15,327 sold to unsuspecting victims. There were two VPS’s and both were dissolved after C&D’s were issued. Mr. Ferguson didn’t know?
Mr. Watson, a former felon, was now involved in three company dissolutions but Mr. Ferguson didn’t catch on? Two years later and two more of Mr. Watson’s companies imploded.
After at least five years of friendship and business dealings “EURIKA!” Mr. Ferguson senses a problem?

Mr. Ferguson can’t discuss details of the fraudulent behavior because he claims he is suing that arrogant unsuspecting thief Mr. Watson and his companies.
THERE IS NO SUIT FILED IN FLORIDA, COLORADO OR ILLINOIS REGADING THE WATSON ENTERPRISES.

Mr. Ferguson makes light of the small number of clients affected.

Our group has 13 very serious victims. Each victim knows of one or two more friends or relations who were victimized.
But, here is the stunner – every client who paid a premium for the unlicensed product was scammed and 40% of every premium claim or not, went into Legendary Journeys business machine.

Legendary Journeys staff and Al Ferguson have deceived, been dishonest, have broken at least two Florida laws and they have treated clients and the Florida regulators as dim-witted naive people.
Ferguson blames Watson and Revelex, Watson blames clients and travel agents, Revelex silent as a ghost removed the much heralded Prime Travel Protection in late 2008.

]]> By: Peter http://www.elliott.org/blog/colorado-issues-cease-and-desist-against-prime-travel-protection/comment-page-1/#comment-19282 Peter Thu, 07 May 2009 00:16:26 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6197#comment-19282 Factual is going to put his lawyers hat on over the weekend and sum up: The case against Ronald & Sandra Russo of BPC. The case against Lee Smolinski of Smartcruiser The case against Al Ferguson Legendary Journeys Factual is going to put his lawyers hat on over the weekend and sum up:

The case against Ronald & Sandra Russo of BPC.
The case against Lee Smolinski of Smartcruiser
The case against Al Ferguson Legendary Journeys

]]> By: Peter http://www.elliott.org/blog/colorado-issues-cease-and-desist-against-prime-travel-protection/comment-page-1/#comment-19216 Peter Mon, 04 May 2009 23:37:29 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6197#comment-19216 Congratulations to Fran and Dick Paterson who received a full cash payment from Legendary Journeys. Kudos to Al Ferguson who decided recently to reimburse Fran and Dick. The couple from the Villages in Florida conducted an exemplary and tenacious campaign and were the first to release the story on TV Channel 9. (WFTV with Todd Ulrich). I do know that Mr. Ferguson has paid out a few claims but most are with vouchers. Cash is what we want. Four of the inner circle of activists have been settled in full, two of them all cash. Congratulations to Fran and Dick Paterson who received a full cash payment from Legendary Journeys. Kudos to Al Ferguson who decided recently to reimburse Fran and Dick.

The couple from the Villages in Florida conducted an exemplary and tenacious campaign and were the first to release the story on TV Channel 9. (WFTV with Todd Ulrich).

I do know that Mr. Ferguson has paid out a few claims but most are with vouchers. Cash is what we want.

Four of the inner circle of activists have been settled in full, two of them all cash.

]]> By: Arthur http://www.elliott.org/blog/colorado-issues-cease-and-desist-against-prime-travel-protection/comment-page-1/#comment-19212 Arthur Mon, 04 May 2009 22:28:10 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6197#comment-19212 Correction: Travelex should read REVELEX in the petition letter above. I apologize to Travelex who are an excellent company and can be relied upon to provide real insurance for travelers. Arthur Correction: Travelex should read REVELEX in the petition letter above. I apologize to Travelex who are an excellent company and can be relied upon to provide real insurance for travelers. Arthur

]]> By: Kathy http://www.elliott.org/blog/colorado-issues-cease-and-desist-against-prime-travel-protection/comment-page-1/#comment-19209 Kathy Mon, 04 May 2009 19:38:26 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=6197#comment-19209 Arthur, no apology needed, patience is a virtue. (besides, you always make it worth the wait.) Reading your recent post brings to mind a favorite saying of mine.... Pigs get fat...Hogs get Slaughtered! (looks like it's time for a trip to the Butcher) Arthur, no apology needed, patience is a virtue. (besides, you always make it worth the wait.)

Reading your recent post brings to mind a favorite saying of mine….
Pigs get fat…Hogs get Slaughtered!
(looks like it’s time for a trip to the Butcher)

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