Richard Ptacek doesn't consider himself a gambler. The offer, he says, seemed like a sure thing.

"It was a voucher, of sorts, for $1600," said Ptacek.

The voucher was for a Florida vacation, including a Bahamas cruise. Ptacek thought it was just the ticket.

When he called the company, Ramada Plaza Resorts, he learned the voucher wasn't for a free trip after all, just a $1,600 "discount."

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Even so, he agreed to a $698 charge to his credit card, to be followed by another $698 for his wife.

"And the man said 'If you say no and hang up, you've lost this offer,'" said Ptacek.

The company sent him a video which promised good times ahead.

But instead of fun, Ptacek was having second thoughts. For one thing, he discovered air fare was not included.

"Air fare for the two of us to go to Florida topped off at about $1,000. It's not at all what it appears to be," said Ptacek.

Our investigation turned up literally hundreds of complaints like Ptacek's.

At least 17 states, including Washington, have sued Ramada Plaza Resorts for "deceptive marketing practices" and for offering "substandard vacations."

Four years ago, the company agreed to tone down its pitches.

Even so, vouchers are still luring people like Richard Ptacek.

He says that after several calls he was able to get his $698 refunded but he has advice for other vacation seekers.

"Put it in the round file and let it go at that," said Ptacek.

Despite several calls and e-mails, we were not able to speak with anyone from Ramada Plaza Resorts. In the past, the company has denied its mailings are deceptive in any way.

Ramada Plaza Resorts is not affiliated in any way with Ramada Inns.