We've been gypped - Pioneer Communications / Direct Line Phils / Westwood Intl

Philippines
July 19, 2008 10:57pm CST
I need help about this. And I hope people will take note of the companies too and avoid dealing with them. We've been buying phonecards from Pioneer Communications (based in CA) to call overseas since 2005. This year, their sister company, Westwood International, tells us that we "won" a Holiday Adventure Package. We pay them $499 and in return we get free airfare to various destinations, free cruises, and free hotel accommodations. What they did NOT tell us was that: 1) we have to buy something to be able to avail of any of the freebies in their package; 2) the holiday package will be handled by Holiday Travel of America that has numerous complaints against it in the internet; 3) that there will be a $150 cancellation fee. They took our money out of our account on the SAME day they sold us the product WITHOUT telling us all of the information above. 2 weeks after they take our money, we first learn that there is a cancellation fee. Since we trusted them with providing phonecards, we figured we can rely on this product. They did NOT mention "Holiday Travel of America" in the confirmation letter. 1 month after they took our money, we get the package and this is the FIRST TIME we see that all travel arrangements will be made with "Holiday Travel of America". I googled that company and I was surprised that there are rip-off reports about it and its non-delivery of services. This was early to mid-June already and I called them to get a refund. First of all, they refuse to acknowledge that they clearly misrepresented their product to us. They keep insisting that they were transparent about Holiday Travel of America but I have a copy of the confirmation letter and it was never mentioned there. I asked to hear taped conversations but they just change the subject. Second, they refuse to waive the $150 cancellation fee even if I pointed out that they took our money without disclosing this information. Third, they are suddenly so difficult to get a hold of. They called us at 8pm EST to sell us the product. Now, that I'm complaining, I am blocked from calling them after 5:30 EST! Lastly, they are delaying the refund! I sent the package and tracked it online. They got it on June 20. Only July 3, I call them to confirm that they received it. They tell me it will take 3-4 weeks to process the refund. It's now July 19 and I have yet to see a check! They told me today that since I called on July 3, it really isn't 3-4 weeks yet. It sounds like if I never called, they would never beging processing even if they got the product back 2 weeks before! I'm in NJ; they're in CA. What else can I do to get what is due us? I've filed with the BBB and nothing seems to be happening. I have also tried to write to newspapers being distributed for free to Filipinos (because overseas Filipinos are their target market). Any other suggestions? Also, please avoid dealing with these companies if you can. I can only vouch for their phonecards. Their other services are really hazy especially if they try to sell you products like the Holiday Package.
3 responses
• United States
21 Jul 09
By the way, here's their California address: Pioneer Telecom, 15500 Erwin Street, Suite 4007, Van Nuys, CA 91411...Their Philippine address is in Ortigas, Pasig...I know somebody who used to work with them long time ago in the Philippines...One of the bosses there is a famous showbiz reporter...Good luck again!...
• United States
21 Jul 09
Thank you for posting this...I am from California and has been a customer of this telecommunication company for direct dial IDD calls to the Philippines...I have been a victim of their early morning calls and late evening calls and has been offered the same package but I will always say no...I will ask them, what is the catch, but they will always say, nothing...obviously, they are lying...Now that I have read your experience, the next time I would be able to answer them, I will tell them that I know already about the scam...I don't answer calls on my cell phone and landline if I don't recognize the number, in that way, I avoid marketing calls...Goodluck!...I hope that you'll be refunded in time...
• United States
20 Jul 08
Thanks I'll watch out for them.