Usually we start with the beginning of a case, but this time we’ll start with a testimonial received from Ron Graham of Cape Elizabeth at the conclusion of his frustrating encounter with a Florida “free vacation” scam.

“As a businessman, I confess that I had a negative opinion about COMBAT. I knew little about you, but I just felt that way because you are a consumer group and I assumed you were anti-business. But after I found myself in the shoes of a ripped-off consumer and you helped, you have made me a believer.”

COMBAT loves converts, and here’s what changed Graham’s mind.

Shortly after attending a trade show in Augusta, Graham received a letter from Sun Tours of Boca Raton, Fla., telling him he had won the trade show’s “grand prize” – a Florida vacation. He was given a toll-free number to call to make arrangements to claim his prize. When he called, he was told he had won “an all-expense-paid vacation that includes a coupon book worth $500 in meals, shopping and entertainment.”

The caller told Graham that his only cost would be $159.95, payable to Sun Tours, to cover travel agency expenses.

“Once we have received your check or money order, we will send you the vacation plan for your examination,” the company representative said, assuring Graham that if not completely satisfied, he would receive a full refund.

So Graham sent his check for $159.95 to Sun Tours and the vacation plan arrived within two weeks.

But upon examining the documents, Ron found that the “free” vacation was not so free. To get his “expense-paid” trip, Graham was required to pay the airfare and ground transportation, accept travel dates specified by Sun Tours, and use his prize within 60 days. He immediately called Sun Tours demanding a full refund. They asked that he return the vacation plan package and put his request in writing. He did so, wisely using certified, return receipt requested mail.

One month passed, and there still was no word from Sun Tours. Graham called again and was told his request was being processed.

After several more attempts, Graham became convinced that Sun Tours had no intention of responding.

“From Maine to Florida, I have contacted everyone but the Joint Chiefs [of Staff],” he said in his letter to COMBAT. “Better-business bureaus, chambers of commerce, attorney generals, Federal Trade Commission, you name it. I even called the FBI, but no one could help. In desperation I finally called Sen. Susan Collins’ office and they told me to call COMBAT. I felt stupid, but I was at the end of my rope. I am enclosing $25 because they said I have to be a COMBAT member before you can go to bat for me.”

A COMBAT dispute intervention volunteer wrote Sun Tours on Graham’s behalf demanding that they honor their agreement and refund his $159.95 or we would contact state and federal authorities requesting an investigation of the company’s business practices.

Not surprisingly, Sun Tours responded promptly, blaming a computer malfunction for their delayed response and promising that a $159.95 refund would be on the way to Ron shortly.

“I’m way past impressed,” Graham wrote COMBAT when he received his refund. “For all of the taxes I pay, not one government agency would help. But with a single letter, COMBAT got the job done. The year is ending and I’m thinking about April 15. Here’s another $100 for your good work. Better you get it than Uncle Sam.”

We like the way you think, Ron. Happy New Year to you and to all our Forum readers.

Consumer Forum is a collaboration of the Bangor Daily News and Northeast COMBAT-Maine Center for the Public Interest, Maine’s membership-funded nonprofit consumer organization. Individual membership costs $25; business rates start at $125 (0-10 employees). For help and information write: Consumer Forum, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402-1329.