Postscript on becoming your own YTB travel agent

I wrote earlier today about an investment opportunity in an on-line travel agency offered by YTB (YourTravelBiz.com) and here's an interesting twist that appeared in my email inbox this morning.

On Wednesday August 6th California Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. announced a lawsuit against the company. The lawsuit, which seeks $25 million in fines and restitution, charges YTB with operating a “gigantic pyramid scheme” that recruited tens of thousands of members with deceptive claims that members could earn huge sums of money through its online travel agencies.

“YourTravelBiz.com operates a gigantic pyramid scheme that is immensely profitable to a few individuals on top and a complete rip-off for most everyone else,” Brown said. “Today’s lawsuit seeks to shut down the company’s unlawful operation before more people are exploited by the scam.” The attorney general’s office issued a statement that said YourTravelBiz.com and its affiliates operate an illegal pyramid scheme that only benefits members if and when they find enough new members to join the scam.

Carnival, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and other travel industry suppliers have already pulled YTB's credentials and do not permit YTB agents to sell their products.

I'm glad that I opted out of this investment opportunity!

Got travel questions? Email thetravelprofessor@gmail.com.