Call Kurtis: Seniors Left Without Refunds After Canceled Reno Bus Trip

EL DORADO HILLS (CBS13) —  Two days before the December trip, hundreds of senior citizens found out their Reno bus trip would not happen. The trip company, Golden Gate Tours canceled without a reason.

"We are just shocked disappointed," Joann Connit said.

"And I didn't have the money to waste," said Catherine Bond.

Gathering in a room for CBS13, dozens of the disappointed seniors wanted to know why they still haven't received refunds of $179 apiece from the company. 2-Hundred people were supposed to be bussed to Reno where they'd stay at the El Dorado Hotel and Casino and get breakfast and dinner buffets and see the Spirit of Christmas show. Many say they've traveled with Cyndi, who owned the company before.

"I called her on her cell phone, business line, every number I had," said Sherri Carter.

The phone number for the Martinez based company just rings and rings. We left our business card at the address, but never heard back from anyone. We wanted to know if these seniors are out their money.

"It's not very honorable to just take the money and close up shop," said Trudy Flores with the Travelstore.

We've learned in California, each seller of travel pays a hundred dollars a year into what's called "The Travel Consumer Restitution Fund." Created in 1995, it's for consumers who lost money after a travel company went bankrupt, shut down or failed to carry out a trip promised. Currently, there is more than $2.2 million in the account.

Flores says the process takes about 45 days after you file a claim. You initially pay $35 to process it, but receive that money back once your claim is approved.

These seniors now have hope they'll see their money back. Upset they missed their holiday trip, some are now dealing with losing something even more valuable.

"We are no longer as seniors able to trust," Bond said.

Before booking a trip, make sure the agency is legitimate and registered with the California Attorney General's office.