Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

An expatriate in Dubai said he lost Dh13,000 to a discount promotion that turned out to be a scam. Rajan (full name withheld) said his “horrible experience” with a Dubai-based travel agency started when he bought their leisure package for free travels and other offers. “They offered so many things like trip to Georgia and Armenia, 15 percent discount on flight tickets and live concert vouchers, and hotel stays for 21 days,” he said. Rajan said that when he asked to avail of the promotion in February, he was told that “allocation” will open in May. “There was no response from them after that, until my voucher expired in August. I went to their office and met their manager who promised to call me. She never did,” Rajan said. The company also allegedly refused to give him a 15 percent discount on flight tickets. “They said they have their own agent, but their rates are double what we are getting online,” Rajan said. Dozens of other victims have also taken to social media to recount similar experiences, with one user saying he paid Dh7,500 for deals that he couldn't use. A Reddit user said the victims are first lured with calls that they have won prizes, and are then invited to collect their prize at a hotel. There, they are asked to subscribe to membership packages for travel and leisure deals. Another user said the company “loots” people using their credit cards. “These companies make false commitments to sell their package. They will deceive you or use convincing tactics. But they are not transparent with their services. Don't ever sign up for their membership package offers,” the user warned. ICA/Expat Media
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