PHOENIX (Legal Newsline) — Arizona Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced a lawsuit Oct. 14 against Phoenix-based Arch Vacations Inc. and its president, Darlene Ziebell, alleging violations of the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act.
According to Brnovich’s office, the defendants used deceptive sales tactics to convince consumers to buy vacation packages. They allegedly used telemarketing to sell “Arch Travel certificates,” which they said would “lock in” the price of a vacation. Brnovich argues, however, that consumers actually had to pay significantly more in costs and fees.
Brnovich also says the defendants did not disclose important facts about redeeming the certificates, including that the defendants could wait until a day before departure date to confirm reservations. In some cases, according to the lawsuit, consumers who purchased the certificates were not able to take their vacation because the defendants failed to make travel reservations.
Brnovich’s office seeks injunctive relief, consumer restitution, civil penalties, disgorgement of profits and the costs of the case.
Assistant attorney general Evan Daniels is handling the matter for the state of Arizona.