It is no secret that timeshare owners are some of the hardest hit consumers out there. Not only are the vast majority mis-sold expensive and lengthy contracts but they are also then often victimised by scammers looking to take advantage of their desperation to be free from their lengthy and expensive contractual obligations.
Unfortunately, many clients come to us after having endured years of trying to get rid of their unwanted timeshares through the resort only to be scammed by companies offering to help them. This is incredibly common and often victims are targeted again and again by such fraudulent schemes. The ban against cold calling was bought in to try to tackle such behaviour, but this doesn’t deter a seasoned scammer and because of a lack of awareness of these laws people are often scammed repeatedly out of thousands of pounds. The effect of this can not only have a financial impact on a victim but can also be an extremely emotional and distressing time for many who have been subjected to it.
Mercantile claims are experts in dealing with these types of claims and we have successfully helped thousands of people who have either been mis-sold timeshares and holiday products and those that have been the victim of fraudulent companies. Our latest success story comes after our clients were subjected to a high-pressured sales presentation, that lasted hours, selling them a lifestyle and concierge service. In 2016 our clients were invited to attend this presentation after they were told the company could help get rid of their unwanted timeshare. They were made to believe this would be a short meeting and they would be getting some helpful legal advice about their situation. What they were not prepared for was a highly pressurised sales pitch which lasted nearly an entire day. They were advised at this meeting the company would legally terminate their timeshare and they would also be able to have access to a variety of products as part of the package. These services included discounted holidays, flights, and other offers exclusive to them.
After hours and hours of relentless pressure our clients agreed to pay the fee but explained they simply could not afford the £10,000 price tag. The seller agreed to lower the price and stated this was a one-off deal and was only available there and hen, yet another sales tactic. Eventually our clients agreed to pay the reduced price and handed over their credit card to pay the deposit. Our clients later learnt that the company they had handed over thousands of pounds too had gone out of business and the directors of the company were being investigated by authorities. None of the services the company offered were available when they tried to use them and in fact the ‘Lifestyle and Concierge’ package had no merit whatsoever and was completely worthless.
Thankfully, they were put in touch with the team here at Mercantile and we have been able to claim back their money for them plus interest. If this scenario sounds familiar to you, get in touch with us today for some free advice. Our team have great success in dealing with these types of claims and are experts in timeshare.
People who enter into timeshare agreements often find it difficult to keep up with the mounting maintenance fees and simply cannot afford it any longer. They may also find that the timeshare no longer suits their needs and simply want to end the contract. There are too many individuals who are willing to take advantage of timeshare owners and offer fake products, along with timeshare exit schemes. Before agreeing to any timeshare termination or exit procedure with an individual or company, seek independent advice and fully research any company you are thinking of working with.
It is also important to remember that purchasing a timeshare should NEVER be viewed as a financial investment. Timeshare is an investment in lifestyle, in future holidays and family time together. There is almost no resale value to a Timeshare.
The mis-selling of holiday products is, unfortunately, common practice within the holiday industry and these types of crimes often go unreported by the most vulnerable in our society and criminal convictions are few and far between.
If you have purchased a Lifestyle / Concierge Service, a timeshare or a ‘holiday points’ based product from a resort or company and feel unhappy with the service, or feel you have been mis-sold this product, please get in touch with us to discuss how we may be able to help you with a possible Money Back Claim.
