If you have had any problems with Travel Club International,
please inform CPA by completing the "You Blew It!" form below.

According to Dr. Ray Bruce, President, “The application by Travel Club International (TCI) for membership in Consumer Protection Association of America (CPA) was rejected by action of the membership committee on Wednesday, June 20, 2001 and was effective as of 5pm, MDT on that date. We find it regrettable to be forced to take this action, however, the leadership of TCI left us no choice after mis-representing their association with CPA in printed documents without our permission, presenting a marketing plan that appeared to be in conflict with established guidelines provided by the Federal Trade Commission and ignoring our requests for specific operating policies and additional information regarding their intentions and provisions for protecting their customers.”

Dr. Bruce further indicated that CPA received a letter from Mr. Louis Petrossi dated June 22, 2001 withdrawing Travel Club International from Consumer Protection Association of America. In his letter, Mr. Petrossi stated, “We have had a number of negative comments concerning Consumer Protection Association following your recent appearance in Anaheim. Some participants expressed that you had taken that opportunity to convert our forum into that of Consumer Protection Association. Moreover, after viewing your web site, a number of our distributors have cancelled or threatened to cancel memberships based upon what can best be described as negative information concerning Multi-Level Marketing Companies.”

Dr. Bruce concluded his remarks regarding the status of TCI with, “We support legitimately operated travel clubs and network or multi-level marketing as a marketing channel when they are operated legally and with a commitment to their customers and distributors. Our issue is with the ease with which this product and means of distribution and opportunity for success and profit as a result of hard work and personal integrity can be mis-used for the benefit of a few.”

Consumer Protection Association of America reminds all consumers to thoroughly research any business opportunity or concept before making a purchase or commitment to participate.

The following links provide additional information on related topics…

For information on what constitutes fraudulent pyramid and “Ponzi” schemes: http://www.ftc.gov/speeches/other/dvimf16.htm

For information on previous concerns about and recommendations for legally operated Travel Clubs by the Federal Trade Commission:
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1997/9705/wcn-2.htm
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1997/9703/tripup1.htm

For additional information and a forum for multi-level marketing:
http://www.mlm.com

Other CPA links and support…
CPA’s Sample Complaint Letter
CPA’s You Blew It! notice
CPA Complaint Form