Comments on: Florida alleges travel agencies sold unauthorized insurance policies http://www.elliott.org/blog/florida-orders-travel-agencies-who-sold-unlicensed-insurance-to-stop-transacting-business/ The travel troubleshooter. Sat, 20 Mar 2010 00:07:31 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: D. Hall http://www.elliott.org/blog/florida-orders-travel-agencies-who-sold-unlicensed-insurance-to-stop-transacting-business/comment-page-1/#comment-35857 D. Hall Mon, 15 Mar 2010 17:48:47 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=5996#comment-35857 Wow, I had a gentleman writing an article for Orlando Weekly call me this morning wanting me to give him some of the information regarding my mother in laws claim to add to his article. After sharing her story with him he called LJ for "their side of the story" I assume. Anyway he returned my call and stated that who ever he spoke to at LJ believed that my mother in law was "jumping on the band wagon" since she had heard about these claims. He stated that they offered her the $1000 credit as a good will gesture but did not believe she had a legitimate claim. I am appalled that he would make such a statement. We have been trying to get this claim resolved since it began in 2007 and Legendary Journeys is aware of this. Her information has been misconstrued since day one with the insurance company. She has documented medical evidence supporting her claim. For him to make that statement sickens me. It is bad enough that Legendary Journeys has not agreed to pay her claim but for LJ to try to discredit her by making that statement amazes me. It was not enough that they took this life long dream away from her but now they want to call her a liar and say her claim was not legitimate. I thought I was going to just consider this a lesson learned but now I am ready to "JUMP BACK ON THE BANDWAGON" How these companies can take advantage of elderly people is beside me. Most of these travelers are elderly people who have worked their entire life. They have saved for that special trip they have always wanted to go on and finally have the opportunity. This amazes me. We may have free speech in the United States but along with that free speech you need to remember not to believe ANYTHING you hear. Especially not when someone is trying to sell you something. This is a hard thing for the elderly to learn, they want to trust everyone. Wow, I had a gentleman writing an article for Orlando Weekly call me this morning wanting me to give him some of the information regarding my mother in laws claim to add to his article. After sharing her story with him he called LJ for “their side of the story” I assume.
Anyway he returned my call and stated that who ever he spoke to at LJ believed that my mother in law was “jumping on the band wagon” since she had heard about these claims. He stated that they offered her the $1000 credit as a good will gesture but did not believe she had a legitimate claim. I am appalled that he would make such a statement. We have been trying to get this claim resolved since it began in 2007 and Legendary Journeys is aware of this. Her information has been misconstrued since day one with the insurance company. She has documented medical evidence supporting her claim. For him to make that statement sickens me. It is bad enough that Legendary Journeys has not agreed to pay her claim but for LJ to try to discredit her by making that statement amazes me. It was not enough that they took this life long dream away from her but now they want to call her a liar and say her claim was not legitimate. I thought I was going to just consider this a lesson learned but now I am ready to “JUMP BACK ON THE BANDWAGON” How these companies can take advantage of elderly people is beside me. Most of these travelers are elderly people who have worked their entire life. They have saved for that special trip they have always wanted to go on and finally have the opportunity. This amazes me. We may have free speech in the United States but along with that free speech you need to remember not to believe ANYTHING you hear. Especially not when someone is trying to sell you something. This is a hard thing for the elderly to learn, they want to trust everyone.

]]> By: Mark Smith http://www.elliott.org/blog/florida-orders-travel-agencies-who-sold-unlicensed-insurance-to-stop-transacting-business/comment-page-1/#comment-18680 Mark Smith Fri, 10 Apr 2009 11:38:37 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=5996#comment-18680 Hello, It is really very sad news. As a marketer I wanted to more hands on use to see what might work effectively for clients. You blog is awesome. And I really appreciate you for the effort into this blog. You always provide the market place with great content and value. Thanks, Mark Smith(http://www.healthinsuranceinfo.org/) Hello,

It is really very sad news. As a marketer I wanted to more hands on use to see what might work effectively for clients. You blog is awesome. And I really appreciate you for the effort into this blog. You always provide the market place with great content and value.

Thanks,
Mark Smith(http://www.healthinsuranceinfo.org/)

]]> By: ben99 http://www.elliott.org/blog/florida-orders-travel-agencies-who-sold-unlicensed-insurance-to-stop-transacting-business/comment-page-1/#comment-18175 ben99 Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:47:32 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=5996#comment-18175 WFTV will air a follow up segment tonight on the news - Tuesday. WFTV will air a follow up segment tonight on the news – Tuesday.

]]> By: Harry Baxter http://www.elliott.org/blog/florida-orders-travel-agencies-who-sold-unlicensed-insurance-to-stop-transacting-business/comment-page-1/#comment-18144 Harry Baxter Mon, 16 Mar 2009 00:55:44 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=5996#comment-18144 MR.REINER, I WON'T BEGIN THIS REPLY WITH...WITH ALL DUE RESPECT, BECAUSE EVERYTHING THAT YOU WRITE IS TOTALLY WRONG. SEE ANSWERS BELOW. Did you know that in order to keep an above average rating with the BBB you basically have to bend to whim and will of the consumer. Meaning ever a time a complaint is made, regardless of whether it is warranted or not, the BBB will not be satisfied until you provide a refund to the consumer - that’s it. NO. YOU'RE COMPLETELY WRONG ON THIS. BBB ALLOWS A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS BASED ON THE SIZE OF THE BUSINESS, RECOGNIZING THAT SOME COMPLAINTS COME FROM CRANKS. BASED ON THE 22,000 CUSTOMERS THAT MR. FERGUSON SAYS HE 'SERVICES" YEARLY, HE MUST ACCUMULATE A HUGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS. HERE ARE THE THREE COMPANIES THAT FLORIDA HAS ACCUSED OF SELLING ILLEGAL INSURANCE PRODUCTS, WHICH IS A SERIOUS CRIME. PALM COAST TRAVEL / SMARTCRUISER: BBB RATING: A MINUS BEST PRICE CRUISES: BBB RATING; B MINUS LEGENDARY JOURNEYS: BBB RATING: STILL AN F IT APPEARS FROM THIS THAT LEGENDARY JOURNEYS IS THE WORST OF THE WORST. As a business owner I have experienced the unfairness of the BBB towards small business owners for many years. I continue to pay my dues because it helps me, in the long run. COULD YOU TELL US WHAT YOUR RATING WAS? THIS IS THE CRITERIA THAT BBB (CHECK THEIR WEBSITE) USES TO EVALUATE BUSINESSES: Reasons for this F rating include: Number of complaints filed against business. Failure to respond to complaints filed against business. Number of complaints filed against business that were not resolved. I see from their website that LJ is not a BBB member - I can only assume that is because of the stringent requirements they make towards business owners. THOUSANDS OF COMPANIES ARE HAPPY WITH THE BBB. DID MR. FERGUSON EVER BELONG? DID THE ORGANIZATION THROW HIM OUT? BE CAREFUL ON YOUR NEXT REPLY....WE CAN CHECK. As to your other claims - I guess they are just that, claims. How could any company sell an illegal product for more than 8 years and suffer no consequences? NOW REALLY, THIS IS YOUR MOST ABSURD CLAIM. WHILE I AGREE THAT IN SOME WAY, BAD BEHAVIOR IS PUNISHED, IT ISN'T ALWAYS ON THIS EARTH. HOW LONG DID BERNIE MADOFF SELL A BAD PRODUCT? 40 YEARS? BECAUSE OF THE WAY THAT GOVERNMENT OPERATES, EIGHT YEARS IS LIGHTNING FAST! I think you are just a bitter man not willing to admit that a company is trying to make an effort to satisfy their customer base. Shame on you. BITTER? WHAT DO YOU BASE THAT ON? I'M QUITE HAPPY WITH A WIFE AND CHILDREN THAT LOVE ME, AND ONE OF MY PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS IS TO HELP PEOPLE WHO ARE IN DANGER OF BEING DEFRAUDED BY UNSCRUPULOUS PRODUCT VENDORS. BY ALL INDICATIONS FROM THE BLOGS, I'M DOING THIS QUITE WELL. I'VE NEVER BEEN CHEATED BY ANY OF THESE THREE AGENCIES OR JERRY WATSON, AND I HOPE TO LIVE LONG ENOUGH TO SEE THAT NO ONE GETS CHEATED. MR.REINER, I WON’T BEGIN THIS REPLY WITH…WITH ALL DUE RESPECT, BECAUSE EVERYTHING THAT YOU WRITE IS TOTALLY WRONG. SEE ANSWERS BELOW.

Did you know that in order to keep an above average rating with the BBB you basically have to bend to whim and will of the consumer. Meaning ever a time a complaint is made, regardless of whether it is warranted or not, the BBB will not be satisfied until you provide a refund to the consumer – that’s it.

NO. YOU’RE COMPLETELY WRONG ON THIS. BBB ALLOWS A NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS BASED ON THE SIZE OF THE BUSINESS, RECOGNIZING THAT SOME COMPLAINTS COME FROM CRANKS. BASED ON THE 22,000 CUSTOMERS THAT MR. FERGUSON SAYS HE ‘SERVICES” YEARLY, HE MUST ACCUMULATE A HUGE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS.

HERE ARE THE THREE COMPANIES THAT FLORIDA HAS ACCUSED OF SELLING ILLEGAL INSURANCE PRODUCTS, WHICH IS A SERIOUS CRIME.

PALM COAST TRAVEL / SMARTCRUISER: BBB RATING: A MINUS
BEST PRICE CRUISES: BBB RATING; B MINUS
LEGENDARY JOURNEYS: BBB RATING: STILL AN F

IT APPEARS FROM THIS THAT LEGENDARY JOURNEYS IS THE WORST OF THE WORST.

As a business owner I have experienced the unfairness of the BBB towards small business owners for many years. I continue to pay my dues because it helps me, in the long run.

COULD YOU TELL US WHAT YOUR RATING WAS?
THIS IS THE CRITERIA THAT BBB (CHECK THEIR WEBSITE) USES TO EVALUATE BUSINESSES:
Reasons for this F rating include:
Number of complaints filed against business.
Failure to respond to complaints filed against business.
Number of complaints filed against business that were not resolved.

I see from their website that LJ is not a BBB member – I can only assume that is because of the stringent requirements they make towards business owners.

THOUSANDS OF COMPANIES ARE HAPPY WITH THE BBB. DID MR. FERGUSON EVER BELONG? DID THE ORGANIZATION THROW HIM OUT? BE CAREFUL ON YOUR NEXT REPLY….WE CAN CHECK.

As to your other claims – I guess they are just that, claims. How could any company sell an illegal product for more than 8 years and suffer no consequences?
NOW REALLY, THIS IS YOUR MOST ABSURD CLAIM. WHILE I AGREE THAT IN SOME WAY, BAD BEHAVIOR IS PUNISHED, IT ISN’T ALWAYS ON THIS EARTH.
HOW LONG DID BERNIE MADOFF SELL A BAD PRODUCT? 40 YEARS? BECAUSE OF THE WAY THAT GOVERNMENT OPERATES, EIGHT YEARS IS LIGHTNING FAST!

I think you are just a bitter man not willing to admit that a company is trying to make an effort to satisfy their customer base. Shame on you.

BITTER? WHAT DO YOU BASE THAT ON? I’M QUITE HAPPY WITH A WIFE AND CHILDREN THAT LOVE ME, AND ONE OF MY PRINCIPAL OCCUPATIONS IS TO HELP PEOPLE WHO ARE IN DANGER OF BEING DEFRAUDED BY UNSCRUPULOUS PRODUCT VENDORS. BY ALL INDICATIONS FROM THE BLOGS, I’M DOING THIS QUITE WELL. I’VE NEVER BEEN CHEATED BY ANY OF THESE THREE AGENCIES OR JERRY WATSON, AND I HOPE TO LIVE LONG ENOUGH TO SEE THAT NO ONE GETS CHEATED.

]]> By: John Reiner http://www.elliott.org/blog/florida-orders-travel-agencies-who-sold-unlicensed-insurance-to-stop-transacting-business/comment-page-1/#comment-18136 John Reiner Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:00:41 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=5996#comment-18136 Mr. Baxter - I am familiar with what you have outlined. Did you know that in order to keep an above average rating with the BBB you basically have to bend to whim and will of the consumer. Meaning ever a time a complaint is made, regardless of whether it is warranted or not, the BBB will not be satisfied until you provide a refund to the consumer - that's it. As a business owner I have experienced the unfairness of the BBB towards small business owners for many years. I continue to pay my dues because it helps me, in the long run. I see from their website that LJ is not a BBB member - I can only assume that is because of the stringent requirements they make towards business owners. As to your other claims - I guess they are just that, claims. How could any company sell an illegal product for more than 8 years and suffer no consequences? I think you are just a bitter man not willing to admit that a company is trying to make an effort to satisfy their customer base. Shame on tyou. Mr. Baxter – I am familiar with what you have outlined.

Did you know that in order to keep an above average rating with the BBB you basically have to bend to whim and will of the consumer. Meaning ever a time a complaint is made, regardless of whether it is warranted or not, the BBB will not be satisfied until you provide a refund to the consumer – that’s it.

As a business owner I have experienced the unfairness of the BBB towards small business owners for many years. I continue to pay my dues because it helps me, in the long run.

I see from their website that LJ is not a BBB member – I can only assume that is because of the stringent requirements they make towards business owners.

As to your other claims – I guess they are just that, claims. How could any company sell an illegal product for more than 8 years and suffer no consequences? I think you are just a bitter man not willing to admit that a company is trying to make an effort to satisfy their customer base. Shame on tyou.

]]> By: David http://www.elliott.org/blog/florida-orders-travel-agencies-who-sold-unlicensed-insurance-to-stop-transacting-business/comment-page-1/#comment-18117 David Sun, 15 Mar 2009 00:13:18 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=5996#comment-18117 It is with great sadness that I inform you one of the pioneering "group" has passed on. I cannot mention the name without family approval. For months he waged a war against PTP and his travel agent and was determined to reach a resolution. His spirit was an inspiration to the hundreds of us who are seeking recompense from travel agents. His belief and ours is that an agent who was new to the Watson scams has some sympathy, although they also broke the law. For the others who followed Watson from one crooked company to the next, that is inexcusable. The group will continue relentlessly to obtain satisfaction for ourselves and our departed colleague. It is with great sadness that I inform you one of the pioneering “group” has passed on. I cannot mention the name without family approval. For months he waged a war against PTP and his travel agent and was determined to reach a resolution.

His spirit was an inspiration to the hundreds of us who are seeking recompense from travel agents.

His belief and ours is that an agent who was new to the Watson scams has some sympathy, although they also broke the law. For the others who followed Watson from one crooked company to the next, that is inexcusable.

The group will continue relentlessly to obtain satisfaction for ourselves and our departed colleague.

]]> By: George Fredrickson http://www.elliott.org/blog/florida-orders-travel-agencies-who-sold-unlicensed-insurance-to-stop-transacting-business/comment-page-1/#comment-18115 George Fredrickson Sat, 14 Mar 2009 20:48:24 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=5996#comment-18115 Al Ferguson, I'm one of the clients that are effected from 2008 that had a valid claim and have not yet been paid. You said that "as near as we can determine that is approximately 20 to 25 reservations. We are reviewing and trying to satisfy all of them." When am I going to hear from you? Stew Carrier of your office has emailed me twice over the last two weeks that you are working on it. How long does it take to write a check and refund my money? Al Ferguson,

I’m one of the clients that are effected from 2008 that had a valid claim and have not yet been paid. You said that “as near as we can determine that is approximately 20 to 25 reservations. We are reviewing and trying to satisfy all of them.”

When am I going to hear from you? Stew Carrier of your office has emailed me twice over the last two weeks that you are working on it. How long does it take to write a check and refund my money?

]]> By: Harry Baxter http://www.elliott.org/blog/florida-orders-travel-agencies-who-sold-unlicensed-insurance-to-stop-transacting-business/comment-page-1/#comment-18100 Harry Baxter Fri, 13 Mar 2009 22:53:21 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=5996#comment-18100 With all due respect, Mr. Reiner, your defense of Mr. Ferguson is as strong as Mrs. Madoff's defense of her husband, Bernie. Did it occur to you that he might treat you, as a Friend, quite a bit nicer than he'd treat the "22,000 yearly customers that he's serviced? Do you, in fact, know ANYTHING about this case? Your screed shown above doesn't indicate that you do. Do you know about: Mr. Ferguson's "F" rating with the Better Business Bureau? His eight year pattern of selling NOTHING but illegal insurance products? His eight year association with Jerry Watson, a convicted felon, who tried to stay one step ahead of Insurance Authorities by moving to another state every couple of years, and changing the name of his company? His acting as a "Judge and Jury" for claims than any legitimate insurance company would approve immediately? No; I didn't think that you did. Continue to have a friendly drink with Al whenever the mood strikes you, but buy your travel insurance from an outside source. With all due respect, Mr. Reiner, your defense of Mr. Ferguson is as strong as Mrs. Madoff’s defense of her husband, Bernie. Did it occur to you that he might treat you, as a Friend, quite a bit nicer than he’d treat the “22,000 yearly customers that he’s serviced?

Do you, in fact, know ANYTHING about this case? Your screed shown above doesn’t indicate that you do. Do you know about:

Mr. Ferguson’s “F” rating with the Better Business Bureau?

His eight year pattern of selling NOTHING but illegal insurance products?

His eight year association with Jerry Watson, a convicted felon, who tried to stay one step ahead of Insurance Authorities by moving to another state every couple of years, and changing the name of his company?

His acting as a “Judge and Jury” for claims than any legitimate insurance company would approve immediately?

No; I didn’t think that you did. Continue to have a friendly drink with Al whenever the mood strikes you, but buy your travel insurance from an outside source.

]]> By: John Reiner http://www.elliott.org/blog/florida-orders-travel-agencies-who-sold-unlicensed-insurance-to-stop-transacting-business/comment-page-1/#comment-18099 John Reiner Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:50:05 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=5996#comment-18099 I am sincerely confused by everybody is on this blog basing these Travel Agencies. If you sincerely feel that you have been hoodwinked into buying an illegal insurance policy then you should, obviously, excercise your right to legal action and pursue these companies in a court of law. If, however, you as a consumer did not research the product you were buying, make an intelligent, and informed, decision, or ask the correct questions when purchasing your product then you made the initial mistake. In this instance both the consumer and supplier would be at fault. However, it is clear from all of the information provided that: 1. These travel suppliers did what all smart business persons due - attempted to make the most money they could from a struggling market. 2. Attempted to provide a value ladened product to a notoriously stingy consumer base (meaning us - the seniors). 3. Comments on this blog, and towards the ONLY travel provider that has made an effort to respond to any claims are increasingly unfair. We hide behind our computer screens, and curse, and say negative things, but never consider the positives. I have personally worked with and traveled with Al Ferguson both as a professional and a customer. I can attest to his knowledge, kindness, and ability to package an incredible travel product. Al is a great guy, with a wonderful heart, and he is doing the best (I assume from reading this) that he can do while also attempting to keep his company ahead of the struggling market. If you all can't understand than then shame on you. I, however, will continue to purchase my travel through Legendary Journeys because they provide amazing value and travel packages you can't get any where else. Sincerely, John Reiner Sarasota, FL I am sincerely confused by everybody is on this blog basing these Travel Agencies. If you sincerely feel that you have been hoodwinked into buying an illegal insurance policy then you should, obviously, excercise your right to legal action and pursue these companies in a court of law.

If, however, you as a consumer did not research the product you were buying, make an intelligent, and informed, decision, or ask the correct questions when purchasing your product then you made the initial mistake. In this instance both the consumer and supplier would be at fault.

However, it is clear from all of the information provided that:

1. These travel suppliers did what all smart business persons due – attempted to make the most money they could from a struggling market.

2. Attempted to provide a value ladened product to a notoriously stingy consumer base (meaning us – the seniors).

3. Comments on this blog, and towards the ONLY travel provider that has made an effort to respond to any claims are increasingly unfair. We hide behind our computer screens, and curse, and say negative things, but never consider the positives.

I have personally worked with and traveled with Al Ferguson both as a professional and a customer. I can attest to his knowledge, kindness, and ability to package an incredible travel product.

Al is a great guy, with a wonderful heart, and he is doing the best (I assume from reading this) that he can do while also attempting to keep his company ahead of the struggling market.

If you all can’t understand than then shame on you. I, however, will continue to purchase my travel through Legendary Journeys because they provide amazing value and travel packages you can’t get any where else.

Sincerely,

John Reiner
Sarasota, FL

]]> By: James http://www.elliott.org/blog/florida-orders-travel-agencies-who-sold-unlicensed-insurance-to-stop-transacting-business/comment-page-1/#comment-18096 James Fri, 13 Mar 2009 19:44:48 +0000 http://www.elliott.org/?p=5996#comment-18096 Mr. Ferguson will you take responsibility for supporting the sale of Trip Assured prior to sales of VPS and PTP? You seem to continually avoid that issue. Mr. Ferguson will you take responsibility for supporting the sale of Trip Assured prior to sales of VPS and PTP? You seem to continually avoid that issue.

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