A travel agency in Sydney’s west has been accused of siphoning money after four families claimed they paid for air tickets that were never issued to them.
Dial A Ticket website claims to be a smarter way to travel – ‘We provide you the most cheapest travel deals at the best prices, with outstanding customer service.'
But Melbourne-based Arslan Qureshi is not impressed the way he was treated by this company.
Mr Qureshi told SBS Punjabi that he lost nearly $2,000 in a recent air travel debacle.
“I used Dial A Ticket’s online booking to reserve air tickets to Pakistan. But it was a terrible experience,” he said.
“My family was stuck at an airport in Pakistan. We were told at the airport that our air tickets we cancelled, and the booking company had claimed a refund.
“They operate from Schofield in Western Sydney. I am not sure if the operators are based in Sydney or in India. But they do have a toll free Australian phone number.
“I am really annoyed. They are not responding to my phone calls.
“I am not the only one they treated in this manner. I am in touch with two more victims who have also lost thousands. They are also from Pakistan.
“Mr Tahir Baloch and Kasim Bhatti were supposed to get their tickets issued after 10th November but it never happened. I am aware one of them has also made a police complaint against this company.
"RR Patel is also in a similar situation. He has also lost thousands of dollars.
“I don’t know if refund will be possible but I wanted to share my story to warn others about this travel agency."
“I made my payments through credit card. I have informed the bank about this dispute and now they have put my details into claim resolution.
Four of the alleged victims have expressed their dismay and anger on two separate product review websites. SBS Punjabi has contacted them and still waiting for a response.
A.A mentioned on Whirpool forum - “I booked my tickets by them at the beginning of this year they charged me $4500 in January 2017 and didn't issue me the ticket till last day of my flight.
“Please keep away from these s***s as many peoples have been ripped off by them.”
MRRA wanted to make other people aware – “Please don't deal with them at all regardless of discount they may offer. I got in touch with them in September 2017 for buying tickets to go to overseas. But they never paid to the airline to issue the final tickets.
“They have stopped taking calls on the toll free number provided on the website. Thought to write this so that others can be protected.”
RR Patel is also upset over his recent experience with the company – “Hi, I was victim of this company they do not pick up calls after taking money lodged a police complaint and will be going through lawyer for refund.”
Source: Supplied
Mr Patel also lodged a complaint with the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) regarding the travel booking he made through Dial A Ticket.
However, AFTA found that Dial A Ticket is not a participant in the AFTA Travel Accreditation Scheme (ATAS) nor are they an AFTA member, which makes this complaint ineligible for a review.
SBS Punjabi has contacted ‘Dial A Ticket’ and is still waiting for a response.
