MORE than 200 people who collectively paid over $200,000 to a WA-based Facebook travel agency for plane tickets they didn’t receive have so far been unsuccessful in gaining a refund.
According to Western Australia’s Consumer Protection authority, affected consumers allege they either could not get plane tickets for their desired dates after payment, or were not booked on return flights after travelling to their holiday destination.
Owners Nicole Bromage and Jacklene Torr, operating the unregistered business names Travel 2 Go and No Frills Travel, had initially made a commitment to pay back clients during negotiations with WA Consumer Protection, however no such funds have since been forthcoming.
“Our conciliation officers have been working hard to try to achieve a satisfactory outcome for the complainants in this case but it is not always possible to secure refunds and there is no guarantee goods or services will be provided,” Commissioner for WA Consumer Protection Penny Lipscombe said.
“Whether or not Consumer Protection is successful in conciliation depends on factors including a trader’s willingness to participate in the process and the financial situation – funds may not be available,” she added.
WA Consumer Protection has subsequently advised affected consumers of their option to take the matter to the Magistrates Court to seek a court order for any money owed, while also recommending customers do not pay additional money to the agency in a bid to secure flights or holidays.
Lipscombe also noted the matter has been raised with the WA Police Major Fraud Squad – lodge further complaints HERE.
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Source: traveldaily