Orlando Promotion Center Free Cruise Scam

How the Scam Works

• The Pitch: You receive an unsolicited call, text, or voicemail—often from a representative named "Bonnie"—claiming you were selected because of a recent stay at a partner resort like Hilton, Wyndham, or Holiday Inn.

• The Hook: They promise a "complimentary luxury cruise for two" aboard a ship like the Margaritaville at Sea Islander, complete with meals and entertainment.

• The Catch: When you call back, you are pressured to pay hundreds of dollars in upfront "activation," "registration," or "port" fees.

• The Aftermath: Victims who pay report being unable to book actual dates, getting ghosted by customer service, or being subjected to high-pressure sales presentations for vacation ownership plans.

How to Protect Yourself

• Do Not Pay Upfront: Real cruise lines and legitimate giveaways do not require hundreds of dollars in activation fees over the phone.

• Verify Directly: If a call claims association with a brand like Wyndham or Hilton, contact their official corporate customer service directly—not the number provided in the robocall.

• Check Reports: You can read similar consumer warnings or file a report on the Better Business Bureau Scam Tracker.