EHIC Scam website www.ehic.org

M4RKM

Maybe some people like to plan things, read things, before clicking that last submit button.

More fool the people who can't be bothered in my opinion, I just wish i had the nerve, and the idea to make a website like portcreek did for the EHIC, and other companies have done for the ESTA..

M

abarthman

I can't believe that some posters are actually defending Portcreek.

They are obtaining money by misleading people into believing that they have to pay for this card - pure and simple.

The fact that some posters fell for it already clearly demonstrates that it is misleading.

The arrogant attitude of all those posters who claim that it is not a scam, leaves a bit of a bad taste in my mouth. Not everyone is so internet and T&C savvy.

M4RKM

abarthman.. the thing is, people click and agree to things without reading terms and conditions.

The small print is there for a reason, it gives you plenty of information of what you are signing up for.

People buying non refundable flights are a prime example, when they complain that the flight they've bought is non refundable. Is it our fault that we like to read things, and some people just click on the first thing they see, thinking it is the right website, and then pay their money.. it's their choice... misleading maybe, scam no, but i'm sure that even if they put on the website, a link to the correct page, for free, they would still get people paying.

I honestly have no sympathy towards people who don't have the time to read in detail what they are buying.

However, I do and will spend time and help people if they ask. People don't, they jump into the deep end and just hope and assume everything is ok, and waste money. Who's fault is that? a company set up to make things easier for people, or the person who didn't read what they were clicking YES to?

M

moonrakerz

markymoo wrote: »

I honestly have no sympathy towards people who don't have the time to read in detail what they are buying.

Come on Markymoo, you've been on this site long enough to know that anything headed "scam", "con" or "rip off" is invariably caused by the poster's own stupidity !

Don't waste your "breath" !

Sheilsy

I've just applied for an EHIC and was nearly caught out by this cheeky site asking for payment for passing on the form. If you don't pay attention, as I wasn't at first, it's easy to get caught out and end up paying for a free service. Good advice given on this forum, i.e. read what's on the screen and don't just go to the first site Google presents to you. I knew this service was free, so when I saw the mention of payment, I realised I was in the wrong place.

M4RKM

again.. how can people get caught out?! is it because they google, and click SPONSORED LISTINGS..

"Healthcare abroad" is the first LISTING of google, and the 2 above it in a yellow box, clearly say SPONSORED....

*head against brick wall*

saying that, i did have a tech support call today and someone "forgot" to plug the ethernet cable into their laptop to get on the network, so maybe it can happen..

*shakes head*

moonrakerz

you are a glutton for punishment !!!!

odowdchr

markymoo wrote: »

abarthman.. the thing is, people click and agree to things without reading terms and conditions.

The small print is there for a reason, it gives you plenty of information of what you are signing up for.

People buying non refundable flights are a prime example, when they complain that the flight they've bought is non refundable. Is it our fault that we like to read things, and some people just click on the first thing they see, thinking it is the right website, and then pay their money.. it's their choice... misleading maybe, scam no, but i'm sure that even if they put on the website, a link to the correct page, for free, they would still get people paying.

I honestly have no sympathy towards people who don't have the time to read in detail what they are buying.

However, I do and will spend time and help people if they ask. People don't, they jump into the deep end and just hope and assume everything is ok, and waste money. Who's fault is that? a company set up to make things easier for people, or the person who didn't read what they were clicking YES to?

M

Quite agree with you, but all they need to do is to have a note on their home page explaining who they are and what they do....but they can also link back to EHIC and be advertised as their partners.
That stuff shouldn't go into small print and that's where TS will get them and make them change their website. They just need to be more transparent and offer consumers clarity, not just refer to small print.

It's big business with forms these days, especially with VISA's and cost-cutting Embassises and High Commissions not having the staff or technical savvy to produce online forms that can be processed in-house and returned. Outsourcing is the way to go to remove the problems of dealing with "people"...but their "partners" are normally advertised on the websites so you know it's legit.
A good one to look at is Cambodia.......every VISA app. redirects to a Government website, you submit your details, photo and payment online...and they send you a barcoded photo VISA which you print and scan at the incoming airport. Saves time on staffing, passport control, delivery and put's much bigger countries to shame (like India for example) and removes the need for partners jumping on the bandwagon and helping them out for a cost.

PolishBigSpender

odowdchr wrote: »

A good one to look at is Cambodia.......every VISA app. redirects to a Government website, you submit your details, photo and payment online...and they send you a barcoded photo VISA which you print and scan at the incoming airport. Saves time on staffing, passport control, delivery and put's much bigger countries to shame (like India for example) and removes the need for partners jumping on the bandwagon and helping them out for a cost.

India and Russia (to name two) are involved with VFS, who have...shall we say dubious ownership?

oh-oh

I fell for this one, as well. but I need to know, did you get the EHIC card promptly?