Online travel giant Expedia Inc is being accused of a ‘deceitful bait and switch’ scheme.
The Buckeye Tree Lodge, which is not listed on any Expedia owned sites, is being used to redirect customers to available Expedia listed properties.
It has been described as a ‘brazen’ scheme in a class action lawsuit brought on behalf of the hotel.
"Expedia’s deceit is brazen. Expedia posts fake telephone numbers for Buckeye Tree Lodge and other class member hotels to divert callers to Expedia’s own operators, who then try to book the consumers at Expedia member hotels," the lawsuit claimed.
The complaint is seeking damages under false association and trademark infringement claims and under California state law for unfair competition, false advertising and unjust enrichment.
Attorney James Patterson alleges Expedia also buys Google and social media ads for non affiliated hotels which then shows zero availability and directs customers to other nearby hotels listed on Expedia sites.
Expedia said it is ‘investigating the allegations and whether our standard practices were followed.’
"The value of our marketplace as a fair and effective way to connect hoteliers and travelers is our number one priority," said Expedia spokesperson Tarran Street.
