They are angry, distressed and heartbroken. Their dream holidays crushed and family reunions ruined.
More than 70 Filipinos fell victim to a Liverpool-based travel agent who scammed them of thousands of dollars.
Complaints are being filed against G’day Philippines, a travel agent, who
owes more than one million dollars in flights and accommodation expenses to many customers.
Originally known as Aeon International Travel, now trading as G’day Philippines has been put on voluntary liquidation and is currently under external administration.
Scam victims Neri and Ray Moncay seek legal advice
Neri and Ray, a couple from Green Valley, paid $20,000 for their Eastern Europe trip. The money was entrusted to an employee of the travel agency who has also been their friend since 2007.
They were scheduled to leave late September to meet friends and family.
“It is [more] about the deception,” says Ray. “The breach of trust is the one that hurts the most.”
“If my husband did not email them to follow-up on payments, I would not have known they were being liquidated,” says Neri.
G’day Philippines continues to do business in the community while Aeon has declared bankruptcy.
They have also tried to use the credit card charge-back provisions as a cheat system to scam customers, passing on the responsibility back to the credit card companies.
[Another victim] Mila from Seven Hills has lodged legal action against Aeon International but she is still awaiting positive results.
“I have done everything,” says Mila. “They made me a written promise that they’d pay me, but they haven’t.”
“They’ve even taken my account number and bank details.”
The agency uses tactics as information nights at local RSL’s, word-of-mouth and using Filipino courtesies to lure people in.
How else can you help but feel cheated?
Some customers who paid in full have not received compensation or documentation to alert them of Aeon’s bankruptcy.
Could it be that this is planned to protect the diverted funds to G’day Philippines and to the director’s personal accounts to escape unfair trading claims?
[Scam victims] Eleanor and Antonio from Wakely said they want retribution and for Aeon’s activities to be terminated.
Owing $20,000 to Eleanor and Antonio for travel expenses and travel insurance to visit their daughter in London, Aeon has not bothered to inform them about their insolvency.
Public servers have advised victims to collectively report Aeon to Australian Securities and Investments Commission and for federal authorities to bring back travel compensation.
Further comment from Aeon director Rosemarie Delos Santos with the customers has yet to be made.
It’s a sad fact of modern life. Scammers are trying to cheat honest people of their money.
When you’re looking to book your next holiday, you must be wary of scammers who will try to suck you in with travel offers.
If you believe you are a victim, public servers advise to file a report online to ASIC and the Australian Financial Security Authority or contact them on 1300 300 630.
Hi we have been trying to get our refund for over 3 months. Has anyone had any luck recovering their money? All they do is hide from us…
Try getting back your money from G’day Philippines. Same directors. Read related article “Class Action suit planned” in January 2016 issue of Philippine Sentinel. – Editor
I paid for mine using s credit card and made a claim through my bank (ANZ) ???? “Paid for goods/service without receiving in return”
ANZ had the money back in my account the next day pending investigation. 60 days letter I had the money back permanently. We all hate the banks and their greed but credit where credit is due. Good one ANZ!
Try that avenue
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