Expedia like the Cruise Industry?

[Farbin Kaiber]

Now, I don't know if you guys know what the Cruise Industry does, examples here; http://www.consumeraffairs.com/trave...se_safety.html , and by charging upwards of $20,000 on things like a strong case of the flu, I have avoided them for fear of getting dragged into some bankrupting cough or cold.


I received an e-mail today about something similar, and I don't think it should be stood for.

I booked a trip through expedia in January 2009. I went on my trip in February, and returned in March. After my arrival back home, I came to find out that there was $439 and change for one unauthorized charge by the hotel. The hotel is claiming these as smoking fees; however, I quit smoking in September of 2008. Due to me fighting Expedia and the hotel over this my banks overdraft fees have not been paid, and I am now facing felony charges under federal law. If convicted that's the rest of my life practically down the drain. Please help me avoid these charges and force Expedia out of buisness.
My name is Sean Crystal and you can verify this information with me if you like feel free to e-mail me at tampabay_bucaneers2006@msn.com

Phony "Smoking" charges? WTF? I cannot understand why a company that touts themselves as respected in their industry could try to rip off customers in such a shifty, underhanded manner. Your thoughts?

[Alkasquawlik]

What felony charges is he facing?
Seems like there is more to the story.

[z31maniac]

Overdraft fees are a felony if not paid?

[mrsleeve]

Ummm its considered theft or burglary when you skip out on bills.

and IIRC high school law class anything over 100 bucks is a felony, so I assume thats where the charges are stemming from

[Raxe]

Classy email address.

[Alkasquawlik]

that would make sense then.

i wonder how much his overdraft was.

[decay]

the hotel and expedia are two separate entities. expedia is just an online travel agent. sounds like he needs to be directing his ire at the hotel.

BofA has been shitty a few times, but the one instance in which i had series of fraudulant charges from england that caused an overdraft, they took care of it on the same day.

agree w/ Alka, i think there is more to the story.

[///e30freak]

he probably was smoking.

[jrobie79]

i had upwards of 300 dollars in overdraft fees from BoA when i was back in college (bounced a bunch of checks and automatic payments, complete BS but i dealt with it), the only thing that happened by not paying was closure of my account and reported to a collection agency for repayment... never was charged with anything

[Farbin Kaiber]

Maybe this was an International issue?

[Matt-B]

I heard that if something like this happens and you go across another state or country, the offense turns into a worse offense

[mar1t1me]

An uninformed consumer is the worst kind of sheep.

The moment he was aware of the charge, he should have notified the CC company/bank IN WRITING that the charge would be disputed. While the charges are being investigated, he would not be responsible for them. CC companies/banks nearly always side on the side of the customer in these cases. Even if they didn't, there would be no overdraft fees accruing while the charges were disputed.

Accountability anyone?