I am cursing the day when I got a call to receive a free gift and attend a presentation by "Progressive Times Planner Pvt. Ltd", I-11, LGF, Lajpat Nagar-II, New Delhi on Oct 1, 2006. They are authorised agents of "Grand Heritage Vacations" and RCI. I was given a very rosy picture of the worldwide Timeshare Resorts of RCI and I was lured into booking a base resort at "Fort Chanwa Luni", Jodhpur, which is affiliated to RCI. I paid Rs.10, 350/- and applied for a red card membership(offering booking within 48 hours notice) with an 8 year Open Monthly Installment Plan). But after a few days, when I requested to book room at Heritage Village, Manesar, 8 days before the desired date, then they made 100 excuses and did not book the hotel, e.g., this resort is not affiliated to RCI(then why it’s name is included in the list), you have not paid the full amount of Rs. 1 Lac(then why EMI option is provided)?.
So, I filled the membership cancellation form on Oct 11, 2006. I was told that I will get the refund in 45 days. More than 7 months have passed but I have still not received the refund. I contacted the head, i.e, Mr. Sunil Ahuja(Mobile: 9910891482) hundreds of time but he makes excuses all the time. On detailed investigation it was confirmed that he did not even send my documents and money to "Grand Heritage Vacations" and RCI and spent the money themselves.
Although, the main culprit in this case is the Agent, i.e., "Progressive Times Planner" but since they are authorised agents of "Grand Heritage Vacations" / RCI, these companies should take strict action. I have sent E-Mails / made phone calls to them but they are only giving verbal assurances and not taking strict action against the agent to refund my money.
I request everyone to beware of such fraud agents.
Sunil Mathur
Updated on 29/06/07
At last, after 9 months of frustration, I was able to recover my money from them, just by luck. I had to lodge Police Complaint twice and inform the press but even that was not yielding the result. They even dodged the Police by promising to pay me on a particular date after receiving a call from them but then did not pay on that date also. I was again and again sending the cheque to the bank, given by them three months back, and it was bouncing every time due to insufficient funds but today good luck smiled on me and the cheque was cleared by the bank. I advice to all that they should never get entrapped by such cheaters.
Sunil Mathur