Flyer out thousands over phony travel voucher

A Vancouver man is out thousands of dollars after purchasing a phony travel voucher on Craigslist.

Travis Blinkhorn thought he had done everything right when he went to buy the Air Canada Vacations voucher from a seller on Craigslist.

Before handing over the money he called Air Canada to verify the voucher was legit and was told it was. But when he booked a flight a couple of years later and sent the voucher to the company for redemption, he was told a different story. The airline said the voucher was actually a photocopy, and not valid.

Blinkhorn says the voucher was printed on heavy card stock and felt authentic.

“I was definitely frustrated, and feeling a little bit saddened because they weren't there for me,” said Blinkhorn.

Unable to get back in contact with the seller from Craigslist, Blinkhorn was out $2,000.

Steele on Your Side contacted Air Canada on Blinkhorn’s behalf. It told us in an email, "While the voucher number was valid, Travis did not have the original to submit to finalize the booking and we are unable to allow him to use something that is clearly a copy. This is an issue between Travis and the seller."

It's an issue Blinkhorn hopes won't happen to others out there.

“It’s buyer beware really, just be really cautious. I thought I was really cautious by calling and validating the voucher with the certificate number, but unfortunately I wasn't cautious enough. I guess I should have gone the extra step,” he said.