Zirfa Travel Network (San Mateo, CA)

Update March 2012: Zirfa Travel no longer exists. The date of the company shutdown is unknown.

Always do your research. Some advertisers really are scams. If the job ad does not "look right", looks vague or deceptive, or the company website looks cheap with stock photographs, use caution and beware before you send your resume.

The blog entry below was originally published on 04/24/2011.
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Be cautious of home-based travel business opportunities. Read all the "fine print" in the contract (Terms & Conditions). Zirfa Travel Network may be a legitimate start-up business, but their website is missing some very important information such as company information and management information.

This blog is not intended to defame or libel any legitimate business. The purpose of this blog is to present publicly available information so that job seekers can make informed decisions regarding interviews and job offer acceptance.

Why is the Zirfa Travel Network website called zirfa.net instead of zirfatravel.com?
http://zirfa.net/amember/signup.php 
New Zirfa Independent Agent
$59.95 accreditation fee plus $24.95 monthly access fee
 SAVE! Annual Plan $319(First 12 months, no additional monthly fees)

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According to the CareerBuilder job ads, Zirfa Travel Network is now Zirfa International.

CareerBuilder.com, Zirfa
650-227-3130
Contact: Kelly Anderson

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http://www.homebasedtravelagent.com/scams.htm 

Real Information about becoming a Legitimate Travel Agent
http://www.travellaw.com/page/travel-law 
Which states presently require registration or licensing for Travel Agents?
     Every state has general consumer disclosure and fraud statutes, and refund policy requirements, some specifically addressing in part travel services companies, which are applicable to any business that arranges, markets or sells travel services. Some of these statutes even specify the activities of companies that provide travel services.  However, the following states are examples of states that have specific laws for the regulation, registration, licensing, or bonding of sellers of travel:

          CALIFORNIA
          FLORIDA
          HAWAII
          ILLINOIS
          IOWA
          LOUISIANA
          MASSACHUSETTS
          MICHIGAN
          NEVADA
          NEW YORK
          PENNSYLVANIA
          VIRGINIA
          WASHINGTON (STATE)  

The Travel Institute
Established in 1964, The Travel Institute serves as a community of knowledge and insight for all travel professionals. Through innovative education programs, professional certifications and customized learning solutions, The Institute fulfills its non-profit mission to promote a standard of industry knowledge and excellence.


http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-become-a-travel-agent 
This guide will help teach you how to become a travel agent. Learn the real way to become an authentic travel agent and avoid the scams.

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Note, after this blog's posting on 02/15/2011 about Zirfa Travel Network, Zirfa  has since removed "Home Travel Port" and the picture of the store front with the palm tree.


http://www.zirfa.net/aboutus.php 
There is no information about the company or company management.

This stock photograph on the Zirfa.net website appears to be a shopping center storefront. Are people supposed to be impressed by a palm tree. How many shopping centers have palm trees? Shopping centers in Hawaii?

Google search of Zirfa Travel Network address. This is their office.


Warning: a Google search of "Home Travel Port" found no company listings.
http://www.zirfa.net/beinginbusiness.php 
Home Travel Port, a financially strong, debt-free company with 5 years of success has already helped over 7,000 people, just like you begin to achieve their goals. There's nothing like opening your mail and finding a check from Home Travel Port! 


http://www.zirfa.net/howitworks.php
How To Get Started? 
Try out this amazing home-based business travel venture for 15-days RISK FREE!* 
If you are not completely satisfied, Zirfa Travel Network will refund* the cost of your membership. 
*Some restrictions may apply. Price does not include a one-time, non-refundable activation fee. Monthly payment option requires a 12-consecutive-month commitment of service. This membership term will renew automatically for your convenience unless you or we elect to discontinue the membership in accordance with the Membership Terms and Conditions. Cancellation refund will be less any shipping, handling and if applicable, application or activation fees. Commission percentages are calculated from Base Commission, which ranges from 5 - 10% of the price of travel, excluding any applicable taxes, charges and fees.


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Zirfa-Network/177780082262170?v=info 
ZIRFA.COM is a great opportunity for people to start their own home based travel business to earn commissions, get rebates on everyday purchases and save on travel. 
2600 S. El Camino Real Ste 230
San Mateo, CA 94403
877-805-1029 Toll Free


http://www.facebook.com/pages/FlyTelligent-Travel/287445175266?v=info 


http://www.FlyTelligent.com 
2600 S. El Camino Real Suite 230 
San Mateo, CA, 94403


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Domain name: zirfa.net
Administrative Contact:
Zirfa
Ruslan Zats (team@zirfa.com)
+1.6505760610
Fax: +1.6506381979
2600 S. El Camino Real STE.230
San Mateo, CA 94403
Creation date: 24 Jan 2011 
Expiration date: 24 Jan 2013 

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Domain Name: ZIRFA.COM
Created on: 08-Jan-11
Expires on: 08-Jan-12
Last Updated on: 08-Jan-11

Administrative Contact:
Makarov, Yegor team@flytelligent.com
FlyTelligent Travel Services, LLC
2600 S. El Camino Real
San Mateo, California 94403
United States
(650) 759-1514


Is this the same Yegor Makarov? 
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/yegor-makarov/14/484/77b
Yegor Makarov
Branch manager/Assistant Vice President at Wells Fargo Bank
San Francisco Bay Area
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Domain Name: flytelligent.com
Administrative Contact:
Zirfa
Ruslan Zats (team@zirfa.com)
+1.6505760610
Fax: +1.6506381979
2600 S. El Camino Real STE.230
San Mateo, CA 94403

Created on: 8/26/2009 

Expires on: 8/26/2011 


http://www.flytelligent.com/
As of 02/17/2011
This Website Has Expired
Admin Please Contact Billing

The following web pages work:
http://www.flytelligent.com/faq.php?p=faq

Why can't I book online? Why do I have to call?

We are not an online travel agency. The value that FlyTelligent offers its customers is in the form of live travel agents who will manually scan our global registration system in order to find you seats that are unobtainable through the internet due to the limitations of an automated website. 

http://www.flytelligent.com/contact_us.php?p=contact_us
http://www.flytelligent.com/about_us.php?p=about_us