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2.9 17 Reviews

Certs Complaints Summary

8 Resolved
9 Unresolved
Our verdict: Dealing with Certs, which has an average resolution rate, requires some diligence. Research their service in depth and read a variety of customer reviews for a balanced view. Approach any customer service interactions with detailed and well-prepared queries to facilitate a better resolution process.
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7:19 pm EDT
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Certs How I Got My Refunds Back from Certs, Inc.

Here is my posting that I've been putting anywhere I see someone trying to get a refund from this company. I got burned as well and am sharing how I was able to get my money back. Hope this helps!

Let me start by saying this actually is not a complaint but hopefully a solution to helping those that are looking for a refund from Certs Inc. I read many of the complaints on Certs Inc. collecting deposits but not getting any services and then having a near impossible time trying to get a refund. I too was in the same boat up until a few months ago.

In December 2008, my wife and I had attended a seminar for membership into their travel club which claims to offer great discounts. We were promised free airfare, car rental and hotel even if we didn't purchase. Long story short, we didn't purchase and received our vouchers. If anyone is reading this, then you already know how difficult it it to actually get the plane tickets, car rental and hotel because of all the small details that are in fine print... Pick 2 dates at least 30 days apart, travel must be at least 4 days in length, hotel date choices cannot be within 7 days of a holiday, must b Postal Service money order...You get the picture. If you don't complete any of these correctly the first time, then you receive a letter from them saying sorry, your offer is voided, thanks for playing.

I was really meticulous in following the instructions but missed some really small details. I had sent 3 deposits for plane tickets, car rental and hotel. The plane ticket and car rental deposits were actually returned once they informed me I didn't correctly complete the forms. So they did return my deposits on those offers immediately. The hotel form however, I had dead on. I received a letter saying that the dates were not available and to choose again. I resent the request with two new dates spread more than 30 days apart. Well, I never heard back. Now fast forward to Jan 2010, they still had over $100 in deposits. I had tried to call like everyone else but you always get a recording that says you have to submit in writing any request. I did that twice and never heard back. Even sent the letters Certified mail to confirm delivery. And yes, they were both delivered. This was back in 11/2009, a year later! After 3 months going by an no response, I went to the BBB of Central Florida to file a complaint. They called me back saying they can only help if the company you are complaining about cooperates with them. Well no big surprise, Certs Inc. doesn't cooperate. The BBB sent me some links to file a complaint at the state level. Here is where it gets good...

First I filed a complaint online with the Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. I got a reply several days later saying they would forward to the AG Economic Crime Section for review. The email also stated to file another online complaint with the Florida Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Consumer Services (DACS). This department is where sellers of travel have to register on the state level. The email included a link to complete an online complaint form. That link is www.800helpfla.com. I completed the online complaint form and received a letter in the mail about 2-3 weeks later stating that they sent notice to Certs Inc to respond. The company has a time frame of window to respond back explaining the situation. The letter also stated for me to send in any proof documenting my complaint. I had luckily made copies of everything, the original forms, postal money order receipts, certified mailing receipts, the whole nine yards. The day I had sent it out, I also received the same day in the mail, a letter from DACS that included a copy of a letter from CERTS, Inc., stating that my refund had been sent. About 2 weeks later, I received a check in the mail for my remaining deposit that was outstanding. So after nearly a year and half I finally had all my deposits back, minus the money I had paid for the postal money orders and the certified mailing. About $10 in the whole after all is said and done. But the important thing is I did get that last refund back.

If anyone is still having issues getting a refund from CERTS, Inc. I would heavily recommend going the route I did as it worked for me. Again, go to www.800helpfla.com. On the left hand side, there is a link to "File a complaint". This is where I got the help I needed because the company is required to respond back to that division on the state level. My remaining deposit was only $110. I read other complaints where people had said they have over $400 in deposits still outstanding. I hope that everyone out there that experienced the same issue with Certs, Inc., will find this useful and will have the same luck I had.

Would also like to hear any other success stories about getting refunds from this company. Good luck!

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7:21 pm EDT
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Certs Deposit $498 scam

Certs, Inc. has scammed me out of $498. On June 27 2008 7:45 pm I attended
a
time share presentation for Royal Palm Vacation (AKA: World Vacations) in
which
I was promised a Cruise from Bayonne, NJ. to Bermuda for both my wife and
I.
Certs, Inc. requested $249 per person for port charges, Taxes and Fees. I
sent
out full payment of $498.00 by postal money order on 8/4/08 for both my wife and I. The expected
sailing dates promised were for the following year in 2009. After waiting
a
year for this long awaited and much needed vacation we were notified by
mail 1
month prior to the trip that it was cancelled! The two options given to us
were
to choose another sailing date 1 year away in 2010 or request a refund.
Of
course we requested a refund. We signed the required form and submitted
by
registered mail to Certs, Inc. at 424 East Central Blvd. #413 Orlando, FL
32801
on 09/17/09. I was told it would take 4 weeks for a refund. I have been
waiting ever since for my refund! I must have called Cert, Inc. at phone
number [protected] over 60 times and all I get is a recording. No one
ever
picks up and you can not leave a message either. The recording instructs
you to
send your questions by email and I have done that as well several times
with no
response. It is now 7/15/10 and we have yet to receive our refund or any
correspondence from Certs, Inc. I have everything documented. I have also
filed a report with /link removed/ This company has scammed many
people
out of their hard earned money! What troubles me the most is that Certs,
inc is
collecting taxes for these cruises and not submitting the taxes which
makes
that a federal crime!

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D
Diana Myers
Tigard, US
Apr 27, 2010 3:41 pm EDT
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GREG PEADON IS NOW OPERATING AT A NEW ADDRESS IF YOU RUN THE PHONE NUMBER ABOVE YOU CAN GET HIS ADDRESS. ALSO HE WILL NOT ANSWERE BUSINESS CALLS HIS RECEPTIONIST IS SCANNING CALLS. I HAVE SENT ALL MONEY DUE AND THEN REQUESTED A FULL REFUND. HOWEVER, CELEBRTY PRODUCTIONS IS THE WEB ALSO SINCE THEY SENT US TO THEM AND TAKE NO RESPONSIBILITY. HIS NAME IS CURTIS LEMLY HIS PHONE [protected]

T
T
Tim
Duluth, US
Jan 05, 2009 3:02 pm EST

I haven't heard one thing from the Certs inc, since I sent in my check for the travel dates that I was promised. I tried to call the number he left to get a refund and it is an auto glass company. What a scam. I am going back to the golfinf company that gave the travel vouchers out and tell them what a ### they are dealing with.

R
R
Rhonda Owens
,
Oct 14, 2008 7:36 pm EDT

I agree that the Better Business Bureau needs to shut this group down. It is a scam. They have you jumping through hoops to meet their demands. This is crazy. Just some advice do not use them!

ComplaintsBoard
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10:25 pm EDT
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The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Certs waiting...

well i guess i am in the same boat, (glad i didnt book the cruise) as everyone else, i got a travel voucher from a Rainbow vaccuum salesman, and i sent the fully refundable $, got my voucher, then sent more $, now im still waiting for travel comfirmation since january 2010, its almost june, im out about $54.75 of which i paid in personal checks (which they cashed right away), not a lot of money, but if they are doing it to everyone, its probably hundreds of thousands of dollars

if i dont get confirmation soon, and its obvious the Better Business Bureau won't help us (whats the point of having a BBB? if they can't help us?) my next vacation will be to orlando via 424 east central blvd

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S. Heath
Orlando, US
Dec 22, 2010 3:54 pm EST

This company is a SCAM! They use the company name Horizon Rewards now. The office is located in Maitland, FL. The address is 2200 Lucien Way
Maitland, FL 32751. Trying to get an updated phone number for them, but I do have the office manager's personal cell phone number. Her name is Nicole and is the daughter of the owner, Greg Peadon. Her number is [protected]. These crooks took over $300 from my grandparents who live off social security checks every month. They all deserve to be in jail! God is watching though! Remember that!

D
D
DC2NYC
, US
Sep 16, 2010 7:15 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Here is my posting that I've been putting anywhere I see someone trying to get a refund from this company. I got burned as well and am sharing how I was able to get my money back. Hope this helps!

Let me start by saying this actually is not a complaint but hopefully a solution to helping those that are looking for a refund from Certs Inc. I read many of the complaints on Certs Inc. collecting deposits but not getting any services and then having a near impossible time trying to get a refund. I too was in the same boat up until a few months ago.

In December 2008, my wife and I had attended a seminar for membership into their travel club which claims to offer great discounts. We were promised free airfare, car rental and hotel even if we didn't purchase. Long story short, we didn't purchase and received our vouchers. If anyone is reading this, then you already know how difficult it it to actually get the plane tickets, car rental and hotel because of all the small details that are in fine print... Pick 2 dates at least 30 days apart, travel must be at least 4 days in length, hotel date choices cannot be within 7 days of a holiday, must b Postal Service money order...You get the picture. If you don't complete any of these correctly the first time, then you receive a letter from them saying sorry, your offer is voided, thanks for playing.

I was really meticulous in following the instructions but missed some really small details. I had sent 3 deposits for plane tickets, car rental and hotel. The plane ticket and car rental deposits were actually returned once they informed me I didn't correctly complete the forms. So they did return my deposits on those offers immediately. The hotel form however, I had dead on. I received a letter saying that the dates were not available and to choose again. I resent the request with two new dates spread more than 30 days apart. Well, I never heard back. Now fast forward to Jan 2010, they still had over $100 in deposits. I had tried to call like everyone else but you always get a recording that says you have to submit in writing any request. I did that twice and never heard back. Even sent the letters Certified mail to confirm delivery. And yes, they were both delivered. This was back in 11/2009, a year later! After 3 months going by an no response, I went to the BBB of Central Florida to file a complaint. They called me back saying they can only help if the company you are complaining about cooperates with them. Well no big surprise, Certs Inc. doesn't cooperate. The BBB sent me some links to file a complaint at the state level. Here is where it gets good...

First I filed a complaint online with the Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. I got a reply several days later saying they would forward to the AG Economic Crime Section for review. The email also stated to file another online complaint with the Florida Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Consumer Services (DACS). This department is where sellers of travel have to register on the state level. The email included a link to complete an online complaint form. That link is www.800helpfla.com. I completed the online complaint form and received a letter in the mail about 2-3 weeks later stating that they sent notice to Certs Inc to respond. The company has a time frame of window to respond back explaining the situation. The letter also stated for me to send in any proof documenting my complaint. I had luckily made copies of everything, the original forms, postal money order receipts, certified mailing receipts, the whole nine yards. The day I had sent it out, I also received the same day in the mail, a letter from DACS that included a copy of a letter from CERTS, Inc., stating that my refund had been sent. About 2 weeks later, I received a check in the mail for my remaining deposit that was outstanding. So after nearly a year and half I finally had all my deposits back, minus the money I had paid for the postal money orders and the certified mailing. About $10 in the whole after all is said and done. But the important thing is I did get that last refund back.

If anyone is still having issues getting a refund from CERTS, Inc. I would heavily recommend going the route I did as it worked for me. Again, go to www.800helpfla.com. On the left hand side, there is a link to "File a complaint". This is where I got the help I needed because the company is required to respond back to that division on the state level. My remaining deposit was only $110. I read other complaints where people had said they have over $400 in deposits still outstanding. I hope that everyone out there that experienced the same issue with Certs, Inc., will find this useful and will have the same luck I had.

Would also like to hear any other success stories about getting refunds from this company. Good luck!

A
A
alsoduped
, US
Jun 03, 2010 10:58 am EDT

I'll save you the time and frustration of visiting 424 East Central Blvd, Orlando, FL. I'm in the same boat as everyone else, being scammed by this company-not getting the travel award after repeated attempts and now the company won't respond to my letters asking for a refund. (Having no trouble whatsoever with the travel club company that offered that "award" for signing up, and they tell me they no longer use Certs Inc having gotten lots of complaints themselves about Certs Inc.) Fortunately, I'm only out $125 versus more as some are according to the other complaints I've read.
I have family who happen to live in Orlando. I was out there in April for a visit and thought I'd be so smart and show up at that address to demand my refund. Right. It's a UPS Store. Not a business office address. Obviously that makes a dead end to express my righteous indignation. So I called the BBB of central Fl only to be told that as of Oct 09, Certs has told the BBB that they won't work with them on resolving any complaints (BBB has received 356 complaints on Certs). So there's no point in my filing another complaint. I've been advised that I can continue persuing this matter through the offices of the Consumer Services of the State of FL and the FL Attorney General. I plan to do so (that righteous indignation thing).

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2:20 pm EST
Resolved
The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Certs No refund

Went to a place called Time To Go Travel in Fort Mill, S.C. for a presentation for travel presentation. We won two free airline tickets and a $50.00 dinner certificate. We needed to send a $100.00 deposit and then a $172.00 for taxes and fees. We chose two dates and they were unable to accomodate either one. They said we could chose two other dates or a refund. We chose the refund and as of yet not received it. Time To Go is no longer in business and the mailbox is full for the 866 number. I did speak to the president of the company Greg Peaden at [protected]. He is now the president of a company called Horizons Rewards. Supposedly he is contacting someone to return my refund. We will see.

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kac62881
Flourtown, US
Apr 06, 2010 3:21 pm EDT
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We went to a time share presentation and as a gift received a trip with Certs, Inc. We followed ALL of the instructions and payed 2 seperate deposits in the form of Postal Money Orders, we chose 2 dates and never heard anything. I requested a FULL REFUND of my money several weeks ago as we are not able to travel (if we ever get the dates) and have heard NOTHING. Their phone # always goes straight to their voicemail and their website is down! This company is totally fruadulant and I will be filling complaints to the BBB. THey have >$100 of mine that I want back. This is so very frusterating!

D
D
DC2NYC
, US
Sep 16, 2010 7:07 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Let me start by saying this actually is not a complaint but hopefully a solution to helping those that are looking for a refund from Certs Inc. I read many of the complaints on Certs Inc. collecting deposits but not getting any services and then having a near impossible time trying to get a refund. I too was in the same boat up until a few months ago.

In December 2008, my wife and I had attended a seminar for membership into their travel club which claims to offer great discounts. We were promised free airfare, car rental and hotel even if we didn't purchase. Long story short, we didn't purchase and received our vouchers. If anyone is reading this, then you already know how difficult it it to actually get the plane tickets, car rental and hotel because of all the small details that are in fine print... Pick 2 dates at least 30 days apart, travel must be at least 4 days in length, hotel date choices cannot be within 7 days of a holiday, must b Postal Service money order...You get the picture. If you don't complete any of these correctly the first time, then you receive a letter from them saying sorry, your offer is voided, thanks for playing.

I was really meticulous in following the instructions but missed some really small details. I had sent 3 deposits for plane tickets, car rental and hotel. The plane ticket and car rental deposits were actually returned once they informed me I didn't correctly complete the forms. So they did return my deposits on those offers immediately. The hotel form however, I had dead on. I received a letter saying that the dates were not available and to choose again. I resent the request with two new dates spread more than 30 days apart. Well, I never heard back. Now fast forward to Jan 2010, they still had over $100 in deposits. I had tried to call like everyone else but you always get a recording that says you have to submit in writing any request. I did that twice and never heard back. Even sent the letters Certified mail to confirm delivery. And yes, they were both delivered. This was back in 11/2009, a year later! After 3 months going by an no response, I went to the BBB of Central Florida to file a complaint. They called me back saying they can only help if the company you are complaining about cooperates with them. Well no big surprise, Certs Inc. doesn't cooperate. The BBB sent me some links to file a complaint at the state level. Here is where it gets good...

First I filed a complaint online with the Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. I got a reply several days later saying they would forward to the AG Economic Crime Section for review. The email also stated to file another online complaint with the Florida Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Consumer Services (DACS). This department is where sellers of travel have to register on the state level. The email included a link to complete an online complaint form. That link is www.800helpfla.com. I completed the online complaint form and received a letter in the mail about 2-3 weeks later stating that they sent notice to Certs Inc to respond. The company has a time frame of window to respond back explaining the situation. The letter also stated for me to send in any proof documenting my complaint. I had luckily made copies of everything, the original forms, postal money order receipts, certified mailing receipts, the whole nine yards. The day I had sent it out, I also received the same day in the mail, a letter from DACS that included a copy of a letter from CERTS, Inc., stating that my refund had been sent. About 2 weeks later, I received a check in the mail for my remaining deposit that was outstanding. So after nearly a year and half I finally had all my deposits back, minus the money I had paid for the postal money orders and the certified mailing. About $10 in the whole after all is said and done. But the important thing is I did get that last refund back.

If anyone is still having issues getting a refund from CERTS, Inc. I would heavily recommend going the route I did as it worked for me. Again, go to www.800helpfla.com. On the left hand side, there is a link to "File a complaint". This is where I got the help I needed because the company is required to respond back to that division on the state level. My remaining deposit was only $110. I read other complaints where people had said they have over $400 in deposits still outstanding. I hope that everyone out there that experienced the same issue with Certs, Inc., will find this useful and will have the same luck I had.

Would also like to hear any other success stories about getting refunds from this company. Good luck!

G
G
gasgro
Royal Palm Beach, US
Jul 28, 2010 6:32 pm EDT

My boyfriend and I visited Global Travel and listened to their pitch, and were then give a Voucher for a "free" cruise. We followed all the SPECIFIC directions, sent in a total of $300 in Money Orders for taxes etc. And just discovered (7mos later) that Horizons Rewards, the Voucher company, has gone out of business.
Our recourse as told to us by Global, "you can get new vouchers for the cost of tax etc". Fool me once...

Both of these companies are Scams. Horizons is under Horizons Rewards II, now. Global claims innocent as it was not there problem the company went out of business, but history on websites like this indicate that they have a long list of interactions with other companies and same outcome.

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3:17 pm EST
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The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

Certs rip off

Presented at a vacation package, one free week at a condo. Sent in the form with $75.00 postal money order & followed their instructions. Returned a form for me to pick a destination for a STUDIO (for 3 people) ...not a condo now, but paperwork said a studio. I picked a location in Feb. of 2010, and they were to call me to confirm. Nothing happened...Feb. came & gone. I tried to call them, but they have a message they are so so busy, send them a letter & hang up. I am still waiting to hear from them. This same company...I think, because there were only two forms given to us, Celebrity Productions, charged my credit card for $70.00. This is a run around from one company to another. Working on the other free offer for two airline tickets during the same presentation., and that is Grand Incentives, inc. & they are all out of Florida. So, bottom line we have 3 companies involved who say they do not know who the others are...CERTS, INC. CELEBRITY PRODUCTIONS, AND GRAND INCENTIVES, INC. SOMEBODY needs to check all these companies out. The public is being scammed.

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Certs Fraud - owes us $272.00

In April, 2009, we attended a travel club presentation in Lincoln, NE, for which we were to be awarded a 3-day-2-night trip FREE. We had to pay $50 each up front (fully refundable good faith money?!?) and later had to pay $86 each for taxes and fees.

On Nov. 14, 2009, we received a letter from Certs, Inc. saying that they could not find the "vacation" we requested, but if we would return the form, we would be reimbursed the entire $272.00 within 30 days of the letter's return. We signed and returned the letter the very next day (11/15/09).

To date, we have received nothing. We have tried calling numerous times, but cannot reach anyone. I sent a letter via certified mail and got no response. I have reported Certs, Inc. to the Better Business Bureau, but they said this company does not cooperate with them, so there is nothing they can do.

Do we have any further recourse? We would appreciate any advice.

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DC2NYC
, US
Sep 16, 2010 7:10 pm EDT
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Here is my posting that I've been putting anywhere I see someone trying to get a refund from this company. I got burned as well and am sharing how I was able to get my money back. Hope this helps!

Let me start by saying this actually is not a complaint but hopefully a solution to helping those that are looking for a refund from Certs Inc. I read many of the complaints on Certs Inc. collecting deposits but not getting any services and then having a near impossible time trying to get a refund. I too was in the same boat up until a few months ago.

In December 2008, my wife and I had attended a seminar for membership into their travel club which claims to offer great discounts. We were promised free airfare, car rental and hotel even if we didn't purchase. Long story short, we didn't purchase and received our vouchers. If anyone is reading this, then you already know how difficult it it to actually get the plane tickets, car rental and hotel because of all the small details that are in fine print... Pick 2 dates at least 30 days apart, travel must be at least 4 days in length, hotel date choices cannot be within 7 days of a holiday, must b Postal Service money order...You get the picture. If you don't complete any of these correctly the first time, then you receive a letter from them saying sorry, your offer is voided, thanks for playing.

I was really meticulous in following the instructions but missed some really small details. I had sent 3 deposits for plane tickets, car rental and hotel. The plane ticket and car rental deposits were actually returned once they informed me I didn't correctly complete the forms. So they did return my deposits on those offers immediately. The hotel form however, I had dead on. I received a letter saying that the dates were not available and to choose again. I resent the request with two new dates spread more than 30 days apart. Well, I never heard back. Now fast forward to Jan 2010, they still had over $100 in deposits. I had tried to call like everyone else but you always get a recording that says you have to submit in writing any request. I did that twice and never heard back. Even sent the letters Certified mail to confirm delivery. And yes, they were both delivered. This was back in 11/2009, a year later! After 3 months going by an no response, I went to the BBB of Central Florida to file a complaint. They called me back saying they can only help if the company you are complaining about cooperates with them. Well no big surprise, Certs Inc. doesn't cooperate. The BBB sent me some links to file a complaint at the state level. Here is where it gets good...

First I filed a complaint online with the Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. I got a reply several days later saying they would forward to the AG Economic Crime Section for review. The email also stated to file another online complaint with the Florida Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Consumer Services (DACS). This department is where sellers of travel have to register on the state level. The email included a link to complete an online complaint form. That link is www.800helpfla.com. I completed the online complaint form and received a letter in the mail about 2-3 weeks later stating that they sent notice to Certs Inc to respond. The company has a time frame of window to respond back explaining the situation. The letter also stated for me to send in any proof documenting my complaint. I had luckily made copies of everything, the original forms, postal money order receipts, certified mailing receipts, the whole nine yards. The day I had sent it out, I also received the same day in the mail, a letter from DACS that included a copy of a letter from CERTS, Inc., stating that my refund had been sent. About 2 weeks later, I received a check in the mail for my remaining deposit that was outstanding. So after nearly a year and half I finally had all my deposits back, minus the money I had paid for the postal money orders and the certified mailing. About $10 in the whole after all is said and done. But the important thing is I did get that last refund back.

If anyone is still having issues getting a refund from CERTS, Inc. I would heavily recommend going the route I did as it worked for me. Again, go to www.800helpfla.com. On the left hand side, there is a link to "File a complaint". This is where I got the help I needed because the company is required to respond back to that division on the state level. My remaining deposit was only $110. I read other complaints where people had said they have over $400 in deposits still outstanding. I hope that everyone out there that experienced the same issue with Certs, Inc., will find this useful and will have the same luck I had.

Would also like to hear any other success stories about getting refunds from this company. Good luck!

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8:14 pm EST
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Certs Cruise Fraud

Certs, Inc. has scammed me out of $498. On June 27 2008 7:45 pm I attended a time share presentation for Royal Palm Vacation (AKA: World Vacations) in which I was promised a Cruise from Bayonne, NJ. to Bermuda for both my wife and I. Certs, Inc. requested $249 per person for port charges, Taxes and Fees. I sent out full payment of $498.00 by postal money order on 8/4/08. The expected sailing dates promised were for the following year in 2009. After waiting a year for this long awaited and much needed vacation we were notified by mail 1 month prior to the trip that it was cancelled! The two options given to us were to choose another sailing date 1 year away in 2010 or request a refund. Of course we requested a refund. We signed the required form and submitted by registered mail to Certs, Inc. at 424 East Central Blvd. #413 Orlando, FL 32801 on 09/17/09. I was told it would take 4 weeks for a refund. I have been waiting ever since for my refund! I must have called Cert, Inc. at phone number [protected] over 60 times and all I get is a recording. No one ever picks up and you can not leave a message either. The recording instructs you to send your questions by email and I have done that as well several times with no response. It is now 1/12/10 and we have yet to receive our refund or any correspondence from Certs, Inc. I have everything documented. This company has scammed many people out of their hard earned money and it's not until we all file our complaints with the attorney generals office and start a class action lawsuit that we will we ever see our refunds! What troubles me the most is that Certs, inc is collecting taxes for these cruises and not submitting the taxes which makes that a federal crime!

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Dissapointed in IL
Antioch, US
Jan 25, 2010 3:23 pm EST
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Certs, Inc. took my deposit and activation fee totaling $249.95 for package code SA Serial Number 505499 in June of 2009. I have notified them three times by mail, yet they do not respond. All these attempts were done within their guidelines that a refund was possible if done before booking the trip.

C
C
Cease
,
Mar 24, 2008 1:14 pm EDT

I just received my travel voucher from Certs, Inc. on Saturday March 22nd, 2008 - I am sending in another check with my selected arrival dates... I'll let you all know how this pans out. Wish me luck!

D
D
Debra in Jacksonville, FL
Jacksonville, US
Feb 13, 2012 5:53 pm EST
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I live in Jacksonville Florida and I too bought from Certs, Inc. I came across my voucher to fly anywhere in the US of A with this voucher, was just to just give a 14 day notice and I should have been on my way but to my surprise I call the [protected] number and got a message that said something had been completed then a tone followed as the sound of a fax machine. I would love to reach this company to see what they have to say about all of this. I don't remember how much I am out but I really would like to have taken the trip to anywhere as they promised.

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DC2NYC
, US
Sep 16, 2010 7:05 pm EDT
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Let me start by saying this actually is not a complaint but hopefully a solution to helping those that are looking for a refund from Certs Inc. I read many of the complaints on Certs Inc. collecting deposits but not getting any services and then having a near impossible time trying to get a refund. I too was in the same boat up until a few months ago.

In December 2008, my wife and I had attended a seminar for membership into their travel club which claims to offer great discounts. We were promised free airfare, car rental and hotel even if we didn't purchase. Long story short, we didn't purchase and received our vouchers. If anyone is reading this, then you already know how difficult it it to actually get the plane tickets, car rental and hotel because of all the small details that are in fine print... Pick 2 dates at least 30 days apart, travel must be at least 4 days in length, hotel date choices cannot be within 7 days of a holiday, must b Postal Service money order...You get the picture. If you don't complete any of these correctly the first time, then you receive a letter from them saying sorry, your offer is voided, thanks for playing.

I was really meticulous in following the instructions but missed some really small details. I had sent 3 deposits for plane tickets, car rental and hotel. The plane ticket and car rental deposits were actually returned once they informed me I didn't correctly complete the forms. So they did return my deposits on those offers immediately. The hotel form however, I had dead on. I received a letter saying that the dates were not available and to choose again. I resent the request with two new dates spread more than 30 days apart. Well, I never heard back. Now fast forward to Jan 2010, they still had over $100 in deposits. I had tried to call like everyone else but you always get a recording that says you have to submit in writing any request. I did that twice and never heard back. Even sent the letters Certified mail to confirm delivery. And yes, they were both delivered. This was back in 11/2009, a year later! After 3 months going by an no response, I went to the BBB of Central Florida to file a complaint. They called me back saying they can only help if the company you are complaining about cooperates with them. Well no big surprise, Certs Inc. doesn't cooperate. The BBB sent me some links to file a complaint at the state level. Here is where it gets good...

First I filed a complaint online with the Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum. I got a reply several days later saying they would forward to the AG Economic Crime Section for review. The email also stated to file another online complaint with the Florida Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Consumer Services (DACS). This department is where sellers of travel have to register on the state level. The email included a link to complete an online complaint form. That link is www.800helpfla.com. I completed the online complaint form and received a letter in the mail about 2-3 weeks later stating that they sent notice to Certs Inc to respond. The company has a time frame of window to respond back explaining the situation. The letter also stated for me to send in any proof documenting my complaint. I had luckily made copies of everything, the original forms, postal money order receipts, certified mailing receipts, the whole nine yards. The day I had sent it out, I also received the same day in the mail, a letter from DACS that included a copy of a letter from CERTS, Inc., stating that my refund had been sent. About 2 weeks later, I received a check in the mail for my remaining deposit that was outstanding. So after nearly a year and half I finally had all my deposits back, minus the money I had paid for the postal money orders and the certified mailing. About $10 in the whole after all is said and done. But the important thing is I did get that last refund back.

If anyone is still having issues getting a refund from CERTS, Inc. I would heavily recommend going the route I did as it worked for me. Again, go to www.800helpfla.com. On the left hand side, there is a link to "File a complaint". This is where I got the help I needed because the company is required to respond back to that division on the state level. My remaining deposit was only $110. I read other complaints where people had said they have over $400 in deposits still outstanding. I hope that everyone out there that experienced the same issue with Certs, Inc., will find this useful and will have the same luck I had.

Would also like to hear any other success stories about getting refunds from this company. Good luck!

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Dissapointed in IL
Antioch, US
Jan 25, 2010 3:15 pm EST
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My name is Gloria Ciezadlo and I too was scammed by Cert, Inc. for $249.95. I've been attempting to get my refund since June of 2009. I call the same number over and over again, [protected] and get a recording. I too, have mailed the information several times to the FL address, with no reply.
Save yourself some time and money and don't do business with CERTS, Inc.

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Barbara T. Brown
Sarasota , US
Jan 21, 2010 3:48 pm EST

Hi,
My name is Barbara Brown and I also went to a sale speach and was told about getting a 8 day crusie for two. I sent in the money $398.00 and I have ask for my money back and they have still not send me it back. What a rip off company.
I have done everything they have ask of me and they will no respond to any of my request. I also send all letter reg. mail also and still no reply:
my e-mail (barbara4129@comcast.net)

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Derek
,
Aug 17, 2008 6:16 am EDT

I wish I had found this site prior to participating in a Certs program. Unfortunately I didn't completely follow ALL the instructions on the voucher––my wife, “the second traveling party" neglected to sign the form, thus they cancelled the offer and stated in their reply letter that the offer is void because of this. I found another posting that I think sums up this company's reputation well.

"This is not a consumer friendly company. I believe their business plan is predicated on people either not wanting to bother jumping through their hoops to receive the money or on people making a mistake. In my case I did not make a mistake. I followed their rules completely. I waited more than 30 days. Any reasonable / fair / friendly company would have allowed this. They are none of those. Their practice in this case, while following their own defined rules regarding the 30 days, borders on the unethical. They certainly are not operating in any way in the interests of the consumer. They have had 26 complaints with the BBB in less than 1 year. Only 8 of those are listed as resolved."

If you are going to work with this company please make sure you follow ALL the terms... EXACTLY: dates, signatures, POSTAL money orders, certified mail, etc. They will use every opportunity possible to avoid having to honor their agreement.

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CJ Bostic
,
Aug 11, 2008 7:51 pm EDT

CEO of his company and doesn't know the toll free prefix to his own number is 866, not 800.

Yeah - that's someone who knows what he's talking about!

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Lorna
,
Jul 30, 2008 8:17 pm EDT

Thank you so much for posting these complaints about Certs, Inc. We received a certificate for travel through them for attending a buying club presentation. Having looked at the various complaints, we're not even going to try to book anything.
Hope the watch I also received works!

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Tjernobyl's Child
,
Jul 24, 2008 6:50 am EDT

[protected] is the number for an AUTO GLASS REPAIR shop! WTF?!?!?

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1:14 pm EDT
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Certs If you Jump Through Enough Hoops...

Ok, having read all of the complaints about Certs, Inc. I just wanted to let you know it can be done. We received a Wings certificate for going to a travel club presentation 11 months ago. Despite the fact that I read all the complaints I decided to give it a try anyway. People aren't getting their travel, but at the very least the company seems to be pretty good about returning deposits. I followed all of the directions exactly. When they wanted travel dates at least 30 days apart, I gave them dates at least 35 days apart, etc. They did ask for extra money for taxes, which I sent as soon as the request arrived. Our first dates came and went without hearing from them. When the second dates were approaching I received a letter asking for 2 more dates. We finally were confirmed for our 4th choice of dates. They called about a month before the dates to confirm and officially book the flight. I was very surprized that they also booked our rental car (we had a certificate for that too) two weeks later. I figured they would try to book them for different dates so I couldn't use one or the other. The flight going left super early and we returned super late, and the rental car was booked at a downtown location, so we had to figure out how to get the 25 miles from the airport to pick up the car, but over all we received about $800 worth of flights and car rentals for less than $200. By the way, they did refund the amount that we had overpaid for taxes. Would I do it again? Maybe. It was a royal pain. We certainly couldn't have done it if my husband's job required vacation approval far in advance, or if we didn't have relatives that were willing to be "on call" to take the kids for all of those dates. So if you are up for the challenge, really flexible, can have some of your money tied up for a while, and don't expect to actually get anything, you might want to try it.

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JB Carideo
Cary, US
Sep 24, 2010 2:41 pm EDT
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[protected] Scam! Apparently the company has gone bankrupt! Called the number for what is assumed to be Horizons Travel Service, rather than give you the 3 day 2 night accommodations.. there pushing their offfers of a resort vacation or a cruise--- both for more money. You can't get your money back. Complete Joke.. Its sad that the companies who provide these certificates, arn't made aware of the scam.. and if they are Shame on them.

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Taken by Certs
Scottsdale, US
Jan 18, 2010 3:48 pm EST

This is the biggest scam! We've been waiting since August to receive our $150.00 deposit

Don't have anything to do with the Certs, Inc Company!

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Certs Save yourself the trouble!

My experience after sitting through a 90 minute presentation and was promised 2 RT Airline tickets, 3 nights stay at Hyatt, $50 gas reward and $30 Darden gift card, is one I would like to share to educate others about a lesson I learned.

Be sure when it says POSTAL money order not to get one at a bank. They will not honor it! You don't have another chance! Certs, Inc. (supervisor name is Seneca) says "You are not in compliance and the offer remains void. This information is final and do not submit any documents to reinstate your certificate. The offer remains voided due to invalid or missing information on your part." It is a very cold letter and it actually is a form letter with a place to check of that says "Deposit was not in US Postal Money Order form." If there is actually a place for them to check this off, it must happen a lot and they don't seem to be in too big of a hurry to clarify this in their initial "requirements" instructions. They could at least add a sentence that says (be sure to go to a post office for your money order and not a bank). What a let down! There is no room for human error when you send in the requirements! No heart by this company whatsoever! They say it is a "promotion" and aren't making any money from me, though they are from the travel club using them. They don't care about me at all. For 40 years I have avoided these postcards in the mail and finally decided to try one and should have waited another 40 or never at all. Just be careful out there.

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Randall C
Orlando, US
Nov 14, 2010 9:29 pm EST
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I agree. Contact the Florida Attorney General about these people!

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Certs Have not received $150 deposit

We were asked to provide $150 in order to be eligible for 2 round-trip Jet Blue airfares that we were entitled to after having listened to a lecture on becoming travel agents. Since we declined to be travel agents we were given a form to complete and return to Certs, Inc. Our $150 refund has never been returned.

Sandra & Marston Nauman
[protected]@sbcglobal.net

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vogel810
Fort Mill, US
May 26, 2010 4:19 pm EDT

I will continue to complain public and private about the scam that you are running. You do not make call back numbers or in any way respond to communications. I am searching for ways to collaborate with the many people tahe are complaining about your lack of business ethics. bobvogel@mindspring.com

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certs, Inc.
, US
Sep 29, 2009 3:07 pm EDT

That's funny, I have been fighting with Certs since June when they had 30 days to refund my $150.00. (They never would honor my travel dates, gave them 4 alternate dates! When I asked for a refund, they said it would take 30 days to get it back. When the 30 days was up I called them and they said they were going through changes in their processing dept. and it would take another 6 weeks before I saw my refund! Now its 2 months later and still no refund, I can't even get through on the phone! In the process of dealing with an attorney, sent them a demand letter, still no reply yet! Christine Lopez, Concord, California

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CERT'S, Inc. Manager
Orlando, US
Dec 17, 2008 9:01 am EST

The refund was issued in a timely manner, as all requests to Certs, Inc are. Normal processing takes 4-6 weeks, no matter what the request. The check was deposited, and posted the Certs, Inc bank account exactly 7 days after this posting.

In the future, please address Certs, Inc directly for any requests. Our toll free number is [protected].

Manager @ Certs, Inc.

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8:01 am EDT

Certs Reward for time spent viewing travel club

Having sat through several hours of twisting my arm to purchase a vacation club and forcing them to except my refusal, I agreed to take the SW Airline tickets for the taking time out of my busy day (evening). I looked at the forms and thought, "what a waste of time." But sent the first group off to VIP Travel. They returned them informing me I had forgotten to send them certified mail. I re-sent them certified. I then got the forms from Certs, Inc, I read the material over & over and highlighted what needed to be done. I could not choose a 2nd time to travel because I was being honest and that was the only time I had off from my job for the next 12 months. Three weeks later I received a non-compliance letter saying the offer was now void because I did not follow directions. They returned my postal money order made out to them of course. The post office said they would give me my money back IF I had all the documentation/receipts that they gave me. I had kept all the info because I was skeptical at the start. BUT what a waste of time, travel, and money FOR NOTHING. (4 hours of wheeling-dealing with the Resort Club, 2 hour travel time to go & return, and the post office expenses - travel, certified mail, money order.)

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eob
Punta Gorda , US
Feb 07, 2010 6:59 am EST

We had the same sad story about Certs, Inc., VIP Travel, Celebrity Productions, PTS Travel, Casablanca Express. Seems like they are all scamming together on these so called "free" vacation pkgs. We too sat through a presentation from Leisure Club and promised this 3-day 2-night vacation, with free rental car, gas card AND dinner card, with the promise of a "low" up front fee. NOT - Month after month all these companies kept asking for more and more deposits and fees, until we said enough is enough
If you have had any problems getting your refunds back, please report them to the BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU. I have started reporting on bbb.com and have gotten a partial refund from 1 company, so far.

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2:37 pm EDT

Certs Certs is a SCAM

We participated in a Strataforce Travel Presentation in Miami on 9/25/2007. They offered us a Certs hotel certificate for our participation in the Seminar.
We submitted our travel request signed by myself, missing husband's signature (our oversight). Certs invalidated certificate not allowing us to sign and resubmit. We contacted Strataforce and they sent us a new Certs Certificate.
New certificate was again submitted with two travel dates as form requires, June 24 and or July 29th. Certs responded that the chosen dates were not available and to resubmit with alternate travel dates. We re- submitted with two new dates Aug. 5 and or Aug 19th. We have now received our deposit of $75 back advising that a 30 day in between requested travel dates is required and that since we did not follow instructions that the request is null and void.
Certs is a scam and travel companies that offer Certs certificates should know that Certs makes the certificate offers knowing that they have no intention of delivering the offered travel. There should be a Class Action Suit against Certs as by looking on the complaints board, the incidents are numerous. The better business bureau should investigate their practices as they are highly impacting the consumers. Anyone interested in pursuing a class action suit, please advise as I am certainly interested in putting Certs and their questionable practices out of business!

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Gina Rosa
Miami, US
Jul 16, 2009 1:51 pm EDT

WE sent in the money orders for the cruise package, registered mail, and now Certs, 2 months later says they ' can't find them' . After reading the zillion complaints against Certs, we are to say the least, worried . This has to be a scam company to have so many complaints. Now we have to get the money order receipts to verify that they have been cashed, Certs won't own up to it, and that folder is temporarily misplaced in my home - but it's here, I just have to locate it. Meanwhile, I am out the money we sent in to Certs, registered mail thank God, and really angry at my falling for this one.

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Joel Glick
,
Jul 05, 2008 12:23 am EDT

Gregory Peaden's "response" to our complaints is both dishonest and disingenous. Allow me to address one of his statements:
"Our business is no different than any other business transaction in which both parties must comply with their agreement and adhere to the terms of service."

In fact, CERTS Inc. "business" is quite different from other businesses in many respects, the most important one being that their business model is predicated on the vast majority of its "customers" either not bothering to use the "product" or attempting to use the "product" but being unable to due to CERTS' ridiculous and inflexible "terms and conditions."

I have read that the CERTS certificates cost businesses that distribute them about $15 each. Now think about it...how could CERTS possibly afford to provide its customers with two airline tickets for $15? The fact is they can't. It would be impossible! And they don't! What CERTS does is use any and every pretext conceivable to prevent their "customers" from ever receiving their "product". Come on, Mr. Peaden. Do you really believe that other businesses operate that way?

In my case, CERTS claimed that I had violated the "terms and conditions" by leaving only 29 days instead of 30 days between my travel dates. After they sent me a refund check (with no explanation), I called them and explained that the way I counted the days, I had indeed left 30 days betweeen travel dates, but that I'd be more than willing to change my dates by one day to accommodate CERTS. (I still had a couple of weeks before the certificate expired.)

I was told, "You've violated the terms and conditions, and therefore we voided the voucher. There's nothing we can do about it."

Now let's be honest, Mr. Peaden. Would any legitimate, honest business have responded in the manner yours did in that situation? If so, would you please name that business? Sears, Starbucks, Toyota? Which other business would have prevented me from resubmitting a coupon that had not yet expired?

CERTS Inc. only gives its customers 14 days notice before it gives them the date of the flights because it knows that the vast majority of people require more notice than that before they can take up and leave on a trip. CERTS does everything possible to make sure that, for one reason or another, customers receive a "full refund of all monies paid to Certs, Inc." Why? Because CERTS wants to do everything possible to make sure that its "customers" never receive their airline tickets.

Again, what other company works on a business model that assumes that the vast majority of its customer never use its product? Insurance companies perhaps, but certainly no other business in the travel industry!

On this and other travel and complaint sites, I have asked a simple question over and over again: would someone who has successfully redeemed a CERTS travel certificate please tell me how you did it. Include all the details of where you flew from, where you went, what the dates were, how much notice CERTS gave you, etc.

It's been almost nine months since I asked that question. And I have yet to have a single person respond affirmatively! I doubt that even one percent of CERTS certificates are successfully redeemed. Am I correct, Mr. Peaden? If not, I beg you to correct me.

Mr. Peaden, do you know the meaning of the term "bunco artist"? If so, would you please explain how you are not one?

I urge anyone with a complaint against CERTS to direct it to the Attorney General's office in Florida. Maybe evenually the office will do something if it receives a few thousand more complaints!

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Certs Inc
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Jun 23, 2008 8:43 am EDT

First, we'd like to apologize for any inconveniences you may have experience redeeming your travel certificate from our company. Keeping that in mind, we'd like to point out a few important details regarding the travel certificate business.

Our business is no different than any other business transaction in which both parties must comply with their agreement and adhere to the terms of service.

We highly recommend in the future if you receive a call or postcard from a marketing company promising you a travel certificate if you attend a timeshare presentation that you ask for the name of the company responsible for providing the incentive.

We further recommend if it is a Certs, Inc. incentive, that you visit our web site (www.certsinc.biz) where you can read the entire terms of service for each incentive we offer, and then make an educated decision on whether of not to move forward with the presentation.

Certs, Inc. has no control over the presentation by the marketing company or the sales tactics used by the vacation club representative. However, we do police their activities and from time-to-time will discontinue the sales of our products to these companies if we feel there is misrepresentation.

Certs, Inc. has never, and will never, change the terms of service on our incentives "after" it has been presented to our clients customers.

If you have not received a booking confirmation from our company for the travel date(s) you provided, you are entitled to a full refund of all monies paid to Certs, Inc.

Due to the inconveniences of a large cancellation rate for booked travel, your travel dates will not be confirmed until 14 days in advance. This is to benefit you by allowing a full refund in case you an experience a life event that keeps you from traveling on the dates you provided us.

If you feel you have not received a fair chance at redeeming your travel certificate, please contact our customer service department [protected]) so we can research your situation and act accordingly based off your incentive's terms of service.

Sincerely,

Gregory A. Peaden, CEO
Certs, Inc.

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1:18 pm EDT
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Certs Unethical business practices!

The $100 of free gas must be purchased in exact $10 increments, once per month. Didn’t know about that one. Do not be 1 penny off or the entire offer is null and void! That was easier to do when gas was $1.50/gallon. How do they get away with this crap? With every $10 submission, it must be accompanied with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Of course, you don’t know about these restrictions until you actually try to take advantage of these “benefits”. My opinion is that they try to make things as difficult as they can for you so that you won’t bother trying to cash in.

Now for the one that really has got me going – the 2 free round trip flights. Again, you don’t know what this process is until you try to use it. We mailed the activation form with passport copies on 12/16 as required. We then received a reservation form and mailed it in on 1/29. How’s that for a 6 week turnaround? We also sent in 2 $50 money orders, as required. Of course, they didn’t tell us about that. Wasn’t this supposed to be free flights? Now, the mistake that I made is that they instructed the money orders to be postal money orders. Not being as savvy as I probably should be, I went to my neighborhood Safeway store and purchased 2 money orders. A money order is a money order, isn’t it? On 2/22, we called to find out what the status was. They told us that it would take 30 days for them to process. Huh? What’s with that? On 3/7, we received a letter from them stating that ‘Due to non-compliance with the terms of this offer, we are unable to process your travel request due to the following reasons: Deposit was not in US Postal Money Order form. Please do not resubmit any documents to re-instate your certificate. The offer remains void.’ That was another 5 weeks to get this response. In the meantime, another flight discount coupon that we could have used as a backup expired. So now this is actually costing us more money than it would have if we had just not gotten involved! And my wife wonders why I’m so skeptical and entrusting of such organizations. Oh. One other thing. Also stated was this: ‘We apologize for this outcome; however, there is nothing that can be done.’

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Regina Barrett
Jupiter, US
Jun 16, 2009 6:39 pm EDT

I am still waiting for my check in the amount of $150.00. I did everything your company asked.

I got my "Dear John" Letter on 3-17-09 and have not received any check yet.
Regina and Vincent Barrett
Wings22-69834

Can show all the paperwork if requested.
Sincerely, Regina Barrett

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millieglor
, US
May 03, 2009 11:43 am EDT

Certs, Inc. is perpetrating fradulent business across state lines and should be investigated by the U. S. Attorney General and sued, or sent to jail for their crimes.

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Frank
,
Nov 19, 2008 4:56 pm EST

Gregory,

Dude, when you give your number in response to at least three of these complaints and when the number is three times wrong, it is hard to call it a coincidence (the real number being [protected], making the mistake once could be interpreted as a typo). Clearly you guys are pros in the art of deceiving people. If there is one thing in business more important than making a profit, it is maintaining a good reputation. Not only these practices are ruining your reputation as a company, but it is also tainting the reputations of all companies that use you.

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Eric
,
Jul 21, 2008 1:14 pm EDT

The number provided above [protected]) belongs to SAFELITE AUTO GLASS, I called it...RED FLAG!

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joe
,
Jul 19, 2008 5:11 pm EDT

What a clown.

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PIPILONA
,
Jul 19, 2008 4:55 pm EDT

THIS IS CRAZY! Really, RUN AWAY, this company is cheating and getting our money. They just cashed my $ 30 check and are asking me for a $ 200 deposit (they say it's refundable) and you know what: the phone numbers they provide, both belong to 2 different companies. Try the phone number above: IT BELONGS TO A DIFFERENT COMPANY! Run away!

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CJ Bostic
,
Jul 15, 2008 6:56 pm EDT

It is so funny that Greg Peaden thinks he can salvage his company's reputation by posting on here that we should contact him! I worked for a company that used Certs and they did nothing but TRY to find ways NOT to fulfill (forced breakage)! Mr. Peaden is desperate and you should not believe him. I know that he intentionally creates his certificates to trick people and mislead them. Do not trust him or Certs, Inc.

RUN AWAY!

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Certs Inc
,
Jun 23, 2008 8:59 am EDT

First, we'd like to apologize for any inconveniences you may have experience redeeming your travel certificate from our company. Keeping that in mind, we'd like to point out a few important details regarding the travel certificate business.

Our business is no different than any other business transaction in which both parties must comply with their agreement and adhere to the terms of service.

We highly recommend in the future if you receive a call or postcard from a marketing company promising you a travel certificate if you attend a timeshare presentation that you ask for the name of the company responsible for providing the incentive.

We further recommend if it is a Certs, Inc. incentive, that you visit our web site (www.certsinc.biz) where you can read the entire terms of service for each incentive we offer, and then make an educated decision on whether of not to move forward with the presentation.

Certs, Inc. has no control over the presentation by the marketing company or the sales tactics used by the vacation club representative. However, we do police their activities and from time-to-time will discontinue the sales of our products to these companies if we feel there is misrepresentation.

Certs, Inc. has never, and will never, change the terms of service on our incentives "after" it has been presented to our clients customers.

If you have not received a booking confirmation from our company for the travel date(s) you provided, you are entitled to a full refund of all monies paid to Certs, Inc.

Due to the inconveniences of a large cancellation rate for booked travel, your travel dates will not be confirmed until 14 days in advance. This is to benefit you by allowing a full refund in case you an experience a life event that keeps you from traveling on the dates you provided us.

If you feel you have not received a fair chance at redeeming your travel certificate, please contact our customer service department [protected]) so we can research your situation and act accordingly based off your incentive's terms of service.

Sincerely,

Gregory A. Peaden, CEO
Certs, Inc.

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12:00 am EST

Certs Scam and cheating!

My husband and I were promised a 5 day cruise, $40.00 gas rebate and a free dinner for listening to a presentation about a vacation plan. The cruise turned out to have several hundred dollars processing fees, the gas rebate would be paid at 10.00 a month and even though we had a voucher signed by a sales representative they said they never heard of a promise of a free dinner. The post card we receive looked very official with a cruise ship on the front and the Carnival Cruise Ship logo on the back.

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Goshal
Denver, US
Nov 30, 2009 4:04 pm EST

CERTS mailed us back syaing that the Certificate issue dates were altered though the agent from TIME TO GO TRAVEL who issued us the certificate was the one who altered it and it was just one day of difference. We were denied the certificate by Certs and we were not given our cashiers check back. I just canot believe how a company like CERTS is in buinsess and a man like Gregory A. Peaden ( CEO) can sleep peacefully at night eating innocent peoples money.

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Goshal
Denver, US
Nov 30, 2009 3:54 pm EST

big scam! all teh above reviews about them are true.

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Natalie Nalbone
Holmdel, US
Oct 14, 2009 3:10 pm EDT

We were promised a cruise and had to pay up front $500 for my husband and I a year in advance. 2 months before leaving on the trip, they sent us a letter saying they could not fullfill our request, and to either pick a new date, or our money back, with an additional $100 from them as their way of saying I am sorry. We picked our money back, considering we had already put the time in at work etc.. We were promised our money in 6 weeks. I reached out twice, and was told twice, that they don't know why it is taking so long to process our money. I have been trying ever since, and have never ever been able to get through on the line. They either say they are closed, when it is clearly during working hours, or you wait hours and hours, and no one ever picks up. It is an absolute disgrace what this company has done to innocent individuals. I will never give up, and next, call radio and television stations.

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CJ Bostic
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Jul 15, 2008 6:57 pm EDT

It is so funny that Greg Peaden thinks he can salvage his company's reputation by posting on here that we should contact him! I worked for a company that used Certs and they did nothing but TRY to find ways NOT to fulfill (forced breakage)! Mr. Peaden is desperate and you should not believe him. I know that he intentionally creates his certificates to trick people and mislead them. Do not trust him or Certs, Inc.

RUN AWAY!

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Certs Inc
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Jun 23, 2008 8:42 am EDT

First, we'd like to apologize for any inconveniences you may have experience redeeming your travel certificate from our company. Keeping that in mind, we'd like to point out a few important details regarding the travel certificate business.

Our business is no different than any other business transaction in which both parties must comply with their agreement and adhere to the terms of service.

We highly recommend in the future if you receive a call or postcard from a marketing company promising you a travel certificate if you attend a timeshare presentation that you ask for the name of the company responsible for providing the incentive.

We further recommend if it is a Certs, Inc. incentive, that you visit our web site (www.certsinc.biz) where you can read the entire terms of service for each incentive we offer, and then make an educated decision on whether of not to move forward with the presentation.

Certs, Inc. has no control over the presentation by the marketing company or the sales tactics used by the vacation club representative. However, we do police their activities and from time-to-time will discontinue the sales of our products to these companies if we feel there is misrepresentation.

Certs, Inc. has never, and will never, change the terms of service on our incentives "after" it has been presented to our clients customers.

If you have not received a booking confirmation from our company for the travel date(s) you provided, you are entitled to a full refund of all monies paid to Certs, Inc.

Due to the inconveniences of a large cancellation rate for booked travel, your travel dates will not be confirmed until 14 days in advance. This is to benefit you by allowing a full refund in case you an experience a life event that keeps you from traveling on the dates you provided us.

If you feel you have not received a fair chance at redeeming your travel certificate, please contact our customer service department [protected]) so we can research your situation and act accordingly based off your incentive's terms of service.

Sincerely,

Gregory A. Peaden, CEO
Certs, Inc.

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C PALMER
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Apr 03, 2008 3:21 pm EDT

We sent in our $50.00 for each certificate to be processed. We specifically asked for dates MONTHS apart. One in May and One in September. On 4/1 we get a letter asking for an additional $25.00 for each certificate, but cannot confirm if either date is okayed. After reading all of the comments posted here I will be submitting my paperwork for a refund immediately. Has ANYONE EVER gotten a ticket out of these folks - I'm really curious. I mean, how can they make money if people cancel on them all the time because of this apparent scam. Thanks to all of you who have WARNED me :)

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Certs Travel scam!

We were lured by an advertisement mailer to attend a buying club called APS in Katy, TX with a promise of 2 round trip airline tickets anywhere in the US just for attending the presentation. We actually joined the club and soon after were required to send $29.99 for processing the "free" tickets. We sent the money to APS, then got a voucher for travel through Certs,Inc. We mailed in the request and they replied with a request for $50 deposit for each traveler to pay for "taxes". We sent the money to Certs along with the original voucher and other paperwork and weeks later it was returned with a rude letter stating our offer was void due to a minor technicality about the date on the APS voucher was a couple of days prior to the date I signed the form. I felt sick to my stomach when I received the letter knowing I had been ripped off and I stopped my payments to APS, then had to tell my wife that our 20 year anniversary trip had been canceled. To add insult to injury, now we are being hounded by the APS collection agency to pay up for the remaining balance of the bogus contract we signed.

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Stephanie & Alan Morgenstern
,
Oct 03, 2007 12:00 am EDT

Certs, Inc. - www.certsinc.biz

They sent us a postcard stating that we would get a "complimentary 3-4 day cruise or vacation, no purchase necessary, if we listened to their presentation, To sweeten the deal they promised us $40 in gas money to cover our expenses of traveling to their site presentation. After which, they sent us a form to to fill out and we were instructed to send them a US postal money order for $100. as a processing fee. There was no mention of this fee up front. They sent us a form to fill out for gas travel vouchers which had to be sent in with original receipts on a monthly basis for a max. of $10. per time. Further, there was no return address on the envelope they sent us and no contact phone number . I decided to look them up only to find out that they would not give us any information about their whereabouts and they would only accept mail-in postal money orders. This is clearly a scam operation which should be investigated by the authorities and be shut down before countless other people are ripped off!

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Worldwide traveler
, US
Dec 10, 2010 1:46 am EST

We were extremely foolish in becoming members of Pulaski. Everything they "sold" to us through the condo membership has not been as they presented. PLEASE follow-up with a claim to the Better Business Bureau as this affects the companies credit rating. Also, a letter to the Attorney General is helpful. While they cannot represent any lawsuits the complaint remains on file in their office. And if we do not receive a refund of our membership we are considering a class action lawsuit. We hope no one has to go through this struggle.

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Waste of time x 2
, US
Oct 10, 2010 12:16 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Pulaski Trave - run run away

Those "positive" comments forgot to mention that they want over $8, 000 to "join" them, and then you get restrictions. You can book travel, for yourself at good prices, but if you travel even 3 times a year, that savings adds up to the $8, 000 you put upfront. So, not really a savings. They don't show you the places they have as vacation, they make promises, but don't deliver. They are a travel company that gives away free trips through another company. Their presentation says they can book you for as little as $99 a week, but they have to use an outside company to give away a trip?

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Ann Harrell
Greenwood, US
Nov 02, 2009 1:30 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Yes I think it is a scam. You owe me $29.95 and I want to tell you, No you did not send me my money. The stress I am going through My Lawyer will take care of it very soon if you don't send my my refund!

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Ann Harrell
Greenwood, US
Nov 02, 2009 1:28 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

My name is Ann Harrell and you never sent me my refune back. And I tryed to email you at your csunderscorecertsinc @yahoo.com. I sent you $29.95 and I adked for a refund because it is to far to drive to when you live in the middle of Arkansas. You say you sent me my money but you did not. B illy and Ann Harrell 21 Grand Brook Greenwood Arkansa 72936 You said call back on this date I did and no one will talk to me. I am really sick of this I my get my lawyer for this $29.95 And I know it will it will cost you more because of my stress I am having over this. So Please send me my money!

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Dale Keel
Denton, US
Oct 14, 2009 11:01 pm EDT

We attended a 90 minute arm twisting session at a travel company broker in Las Colinas( irving) TX back in may 2009. Our friends attended the seminar too. We did everything right but our friends sent a postal money order but the postal worker gave them a international postal money order instead and they were refused. I sent in the dates for our cruise, we chose the 2nd set coming up in November for the 4 night 3 day cruise out of Galveston. On the paperwork it clearly states that they would send us confirmation travel documents within 30-45 days out from the dates we selected. I have been trying to call them for 3 days now to get a commitment from them. I sent a email to their customer service following every last detail they requested. I am awaiting a reply which they said will come within 48 hrs. I did receive a confirmation that they received the email I sent in. I am so nervous and scared after reading all these horror stories esp. now after I cannot get anyone to answer the telephones. I will contact the BBB if this goes south and the Attorney General's office as my brother is a corporate attorney that deals with scamers all day long, but I am hoping, just hoping we will get our trip. I will keep everyone posted. KH

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Gladiolus
New Bern, US
Jun 30, 2009 5:48 pm EDT

So glad I checked online before sending in my $100 money order with the certificate for a free two-night stay at a "Marriott Brand Property" and "free" airfare. My question is: Does the "Marriott, Ramada or Radisson Family of Hotels" have an integral role in this scam, or are they simply being reimbursed for providing accommodations for the victims of this scam. If they are not directly involved it might behoove them to disassociate themselves from this deceitful business called Certs Incorporated.

My husband and I wasted half of a vacation day going to this presentation. Guess we should be glad that is all we lost.

All I can say is I believe in karma. All those involved in deliberately cheating others will have it coming back to them.

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wes
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Oct 18, 2008 2:39 am EDT

Agree with all of above note ...Was promised 40 gas and a close port of call to depart from for 4 night cruise..I was told I could pick any destination fom charlston ended up getting port can or miami.Royal Palms vacations is a big ole jip..and so is certs.P.S I threw thier incentive in the trash

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me
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Aug 27, 2008 10:15 am EDT

u gotta LUV this ! ! ! the phone ## posted by the CEO above is for a call canter for a nationwide autoglass company. lolol can even reach them. UFB !

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bc
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Aug 26, 2008 4:02 pm EDT

Certs inc is evil! Customer "service" is a joke. There is no service. It is clearly set up to not give you what was promised. You can't plan a vacation getaway, since there is no assurance you get the reservation until it is too late to make plans and book a 30 ticket. What a SCAM! Stay away. It is not worth it.
These people should be closed down. In the old days, decent people would have run them out of town.

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Certs - Poor service!

Received a "free flights for two anywhere in continental US" (Wings Across America) "certificate" for attending a travel presentation. Filled out paperwork and received an "Activation Form", which was filled out exactly (two different dates, 30 days apart) and sent in. No notification was due to be sent until 30-45 days before. Three weeks before first...

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Certs - Certs is a huge scam!

This is the biggest scam incentive company ever! If you send in a bank cashier's check or money order instead of a POSTAL money order - the certificate is canceled. NO second chances. And - if you send in all the requested documents - they lie blatantly and tell you that you didn't even if you have proof. Please avoid this company - they will find a way not to honor their certificate!

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