August 5, 2021
Timeshare Consumer Association (TCA) was launched in the U.K. in 1997 by Sandy Grey, a timeshare owner himself who expressed the same concerns timeshare members, and some sales agents and managers express today. Sandy sadly passed away in 2013, but his legacy lives on through volunteers. Like North American, South American and Canadian timeshare buyers, European buyers question why there is so little help available for those who experienced unfair and deceptive marketing, sales and lending practices. The solution always comes round to consumer awareness and consumer education.
Timeshare Consumer Association
https://timeshareconsumerassociation.org.uk/
This week TIMESHARE TALKS compared notes on what’s right and what’s wrong about global timeshare today. Timeshare Consumer Association Director Keith Dewhurst talks about timeshare changes in Europe since EU Directives were enacted to protect consumers. Included is the prohibition to have money change hands within 14 days of signing a timeshare contract. Keith mentioned the verbal representation pitfall consumers worldwide are all too well aware of.
In Europe, contracts can be cancelled within this “cooling off” time period. Keith’s interview:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7GoHMsQi-E
Timeshare points are rapidly replacing deeds, but there are those who say – not so fast!
Some deeded owners see merit in holding onto their deed in that they are guaranteed their ocean-front holiday, especially in high-demand, short-season locations. While the points-based product offers more flexibility, there have been complaints from those who, after giving up their timeshare deeds, learned their guaranteed beach front location was no longer guaranteed – now subject to supply and demand.
Sales agents’ demand to convert deed to points have been relentless.
Any resulting enforcement action could hamper the ability of timeshare operators to continue to engage in the types of aggressive sales practices that are leading legacy timeshare owners to convert. The Capitol Forum
https://thecapitolforum.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Timeshares-2016.01.05.pdf
A 2015 report:
I was told that I should have been invited to a dinner where I would have been given options, decided by a judge in a legal ruling. They proceeded to show me a printout that said when my current term expires I would have to pay $573 per quarter. They said due to the bankruptcy, I would have no equity. Option one. Pay more, have nothing. The other option was to transfer at a cost of $12,000 plus and pay a yearly maintenance fee of $1,700. They told me I would then have equity of $41,000 that I could sell. I was in tears. I do not have any extra money. I have been looking for ways to get out. They said that was not an option and that I was now proportionally responsible for their debt. I felt trapped and signed the papers with no idea how I can pay. One of the reps assured me that she would put me in touch with someone who could help me sell my points. I am really scared. Please help! We have to do something. It seems as though they have no qualms about lying to and robbing people for their own benefit.
Aggressive hard-sell tactics have spawned a worldwide a criminal timeshare exit industry. In Europe they are called “Claims” companies falsely promising monetary legal settlements. TCA reports on unscrupulous individuals and organizations promising release from timeshares.
TCA is independent of any organization within the industry. Their objectives:
To offer clear, concise, independent advice,
To educate owners in matters relating to their ownership,
To assist other consumer associations where needed,
To liaise with Government bodies on regulatory matters,
To protect owners against fraud or malpractice within the industry,
To research and publish articles of interest on our website.
This October 28, 2020 Business 365 article, published on the Isle of Man, features interviews with Jim Ley, former Sales Director for Diamond Resorts Europe, Patricia Criado Navas: Legal champion, and Keith.
http://www.business365iom.co.uk/is-there-a-future-for-the-timeshare-industry/
The best defense is consumer awareness and education. Leveraging our time and talent by linking arms across the pond provides a clearinghouse of resources and information for all.