CashCashPinoy's Bad Reputation: Deceit, Deceit, Deceit

I really do not want to write this post, because there's just too much negativity in this world and I'd like to channel good vibes.  But CashCashPinoy has left me with no choice.  It's time to put their deceitfulness to an end. 

About a month ago, I read an article concerning CashCashPinoy's untruthful travel deals.  In the article, it was mentioned that 2 people bought coupons from them for an all-inclusive trip to Japan at a mere Php 20,000++ (sorry, I forgot the exact amount) from the original price of Php 40,000++.  Sounds like a good deal.  But the problem started when they contacted the travel agency to fix their schedules, only to find out that there are certain charges that are NOT included in the price, and those charges would mean that they'd have to pay an additional Php 20,000++!  Now, where's the deal in that?!

I myself has signed up with CashCashPinoy, and has bought several deals from them.  It is their regular practice to send deal promotions through email several times a week so that their customers are aware of their new deals.  So when I received an all-inclusive travel deal email a few weeks ago, I checked and found out that indeed, their travel deals are misleading.  Putting the matter into my own hands, I emailed their customer service to tell them to please take out the "all-inclusive" part of their travel deal if it isn't true, to which the reply was a playing dumb "which travel deal are you pertaining to?"  Let's just say that the conversation did not end well and I threatened to report them to DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) the next time I see these false deals.

Come last Friday, I received CashCashPinoy's newsletter again.  And surprise, surprise!  Another all-inclusive travel deal (encircled).  I logged on and tried to see if they've already corrected their crooked ways.  Read on to see:

Look closely at the encircled area below.  If you're too excited, or just not fond of reading fine prints, chances are that you won't even notice that part.

...and voila!  One click and you'll see all of the non-inclusions (see encircled part below).  Seems like they haven't change one bit.   I called Alva Travel Corp., the travel agency listed to inquire.  The guy who answered was not only unprofessional (kept on putting me on hold, talking to other people), but he was also rude and impatient.  It appears that you'd have to pay an additional Php 15,000-Php20,000 for this specific travel deal (depending on your travel dates), and the visa and travel tax is not even included yet.  WOW.

 

So what happened to those poor customers who fell into their trap, you ask?  Nothing.  CashCashPinoy refused their request for a refund for the reasons that it is stated in their terms and conditions that their vouchers are not valid for cash back and that the deal has been "diligently explained" to the customers.  Diligently explained?  I.  Don't.  Think.  So. 

I am fully aware that it is not entirely CashCashPinoy's fault.  It really pays to click and read everything before forking over your hard earned cash, but my problem is that they put in the words "ALL-INCLUSIVE" and that is purely bullsh*t. (sorry!)  Where I come from, all-inclusive means I don't have to pay a single cent more after I buy something.  Have you ever experienced a sale wherein you're asked to pay more than the sale price at the check out counter?  Hell no.  NEVER put all-inclusive if it is not.

Now, it appears that the CEO of CashCashPinoy has already responded to the site that exposed their travel scam.  As stated in his response to the article, he claims that DTI has approved this kind of deceit.  Tsk tsk.  Now where's the justice in that?  Poor customers.  I hope one day they get their justice.  CashCashPinoy is liable and should not get away with cheating their customers.  And yes, I hope this post goes viral so that more people are aware of this kind of biased practices by the so-called "deal" site.