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Specific Timeshare Advice

11/21/2012

25 Comments

 

Unique Situations with Your Timeshare Company Call for Specific Actions

Timeshare AdviceTimeshare Advice
When providing valuable timeshare advice, the most common approach is attempting to be as specific as possible, because that is the way the industry works. This is true of many business strategies, and this sector of the real estate industry is no different. Timeshare advice can be excellent when applied to certain situations, but horribly misguided in others.

Attempting to sell a timeshare may be great advice if there are many buyers are looking for a specific property, but this is rarely the case. The timeshare advice of trying to sell only works in unique circumstances, and these cases are few and far between.

Overarching timeshare advice may be what is sought, but the answers only apply if certain criteria are met. Understanding this truth is one of the most important pieces of timeshare advice to follow when dealing with the industry. The advice is only as good as the understanding of the specifics of the situation.

If success and financial help lay in the details, providing specific timeshare advice for unique situations is perhaps the most noble cause an expert can undertake. Providing timeshare advice that seems like a cure-all to a desperate timeshare owner can have devastatingly negative consequences.

This article is meant to help those who are caught in these specific situations with these circumstances only. Even if these criteria are met, it is still advised that one seek the counsel of an experienced company that provides timeshare advice for little cost. Nothing can compare to the personal touch an experienced timeshare expert can provide when dealing with timeshare troubles.

This all being said, these pieces of timeshare advice can be life savers and can provide real insight into the industry you are dealing with. Timeshare advice should always be taken with a grain of salt, but if these situations apply to a specific consumer, a lot can be gained from listening to timeshare advice tailored to what you are going through.

If You are Thinking of Buying a timeshare, Avoid the Presentation

Most experts advise against purchasing a timeshare. However, a great piece of timeshare advice for those first entering the industry is avoiding the presentation. If a consumer is serious about buying a timeshare, research should be done on their own, without the pressures of a presentation that can be filled with quick sales pitches and underhanded schemes.

If You can no Longer Afford the Timeshare Contract, Legally Cancel

There are many theories when it comes to finally getting out of the timeshare contract. While you were likely told by timeshare salesmen that selling is easy and can be done for a profit, it is highly likely that this is untrue. In reality, the timeshare market is flooded with sellers and contains very few buyers. Selling a timeshare is highly unlikely, and finding a profit is virtually impossible.

If an owner needs to get out of a timeshare contract, their best best is legally cancelling it with the help of a timeshare service company that understands the industry and has a long history of success. A highly regarded timeshare aid company can fight back against an imposing timeshare company and can cancel the contract relatively quickly, releasing the owner from ever-increasing hidden fees and maintenance costs.

If You are Selling a Timeshare, Aim Low

Selling a timeshare is actually not the best timeshare advice out there, because many owners will find it infuriating and difficult to accomplish. Timeshare salesmen make selling sound like a great chance for a profit, but this process is almost certainly going to end in a net loss for the owner. The major difference between a quality sell and a negative one is the length of time it takes to accomplish it due to the continued costs. It is incredibly difficult to sell a timeshare, and great advice is pricing the ownership low to entice a buyer quickly.
25 Comments

Prevalence of Timeshare Fraud

11/20/2012

5 Comments

 

Many Owners are Victims of Fraud and Do not Know it

Timeshare Presentations
Timeshare Fraud
Timeshare fraud is a common topic in the real estate industry because it happens to be so widespread and timeshare owners are often confused as to whether or not they are actually victims of it. Timeshare fraud can come in many forms, and sometimes timeshare companies are not even the perpetrators. Timeshare resale companies are the hottest trend in timeshare fraud today, affecting timeshare owners all across the United States and the world as owners try desperately to sell their unwanted timeshares. Timeshare fraud is rarely clear and often difficult to prove in open court, increasing the confusion consumers have about this common practice within the timeshare industry.

If an owner or consumer wonders whether or not they are a victim of timeshare fraud, they have likely been exposed to it on some level. While some timeshare fraud is quite blatant, the great majority comes in a legal gray area that only legal experts and insiders understand. A large portion of this misunderstood timeshare fraud comes in the form of the timeshare presentation. These timeshare sales meetings occur when a timeshare company offers a prize or “gift” to a consumer in return for attending a timeshare presentation.

Sometimes the offering of a prize, insinuating that the consumer has won something, is a level of timeshare fraud in and of itself. These consumers did not win anything. They were in fact chosen based on a certain list that the company compiles in order to lure consumers into the timeshare presentation. By telling the consumer they have won something, this is borderline fraud, and at the very least dishonest.

The timeshare presentation can be fraudulent in many ways that the consumer may be slightly aware of, but they do not know that any formal law has been broken. These presentations are often much longer than advertised. At times, the attendee will be berated and pressured into signing the timeshare contract, which is the entire purpose of the presentation in the first place. If the presentation was advertised as three hours yet lasts five, is this not timeshare fraud? While not as serious as other offenses, this can be categorized as misleading consumers for a profit, which is the very definition of fraud.

Blatant Timeshare Presentation Fraud

The more serious timeshare fraud that occurs that these presentations involves the misrepresentation of timeshare ownership in order to convince consumers to sign the contract. This timeshare fraud is very serious and extremely common at presentations, and is actually a large reason why so many contracts are signed. Perhaps the most common lie told at the presentation is that timeshare are investments that can be sold easily and at anytime for a profit. This is a complete falsehood, and any salesman who tells an attendee this is guilty of a level of timeshare fraud because it simply is not true.

Timeshares are absolutely not investments and can be incredibly difficult, if not impossible to sell. Owners who attempt to sell their timeshares can spend years trying to do so, as the market is filled with other sellers and very few buyers. Sellers are lucky to recoup even half of what they originally paid for their timeshare at the time of signing. This does not even take into account all of the fees paid to the timeshare company over the course of ownership. Timeshares are not investments or easily sold, and if this lie is told at the presentation in order to convince anyone to sign a contract, they have become the victim of wholesale timeshare fraud.

There are many types of timeshare fraud, and some are more easily recognized and proven in court. However, even the obvious “timeshares are an investment” fraud may not be easily used against a company due to a lack of evidence. It is always good to look out for signs of timeshare fraud and document any suspected wrongdoing. No timeshare owner knows exactly when they might need to use it.
5 Comments

Timeshare Reviews Show Massive Problems in Industry

11/16/2012

3 Comments

 

Owners Enraged and Unsatisfied with Timeshare Companies

Timeshare Reviews
Timeshare Reviews
Timeshare reviews throughout the internet offer unprecedented access to information regarding this highly mysterious yet often discussed industry. While some timeshare reviews are mixed and contain quite a bit of confusion, once again consumers seem more angry than anything else regarding resorts, presentations, and actual timeshare ownership. While nearly every company has at least one positive timeshare review, the vast majority contain several anger-filled reviewed reviews by consumers who simply cannot receive the answers they seek regarding their timeshares.

Many of the outraged timeshare reviews deal with the timeshare presentation. It seems as though those timeshare owners who decided to do research on certain companies by reading user-submitted timeshare reviews were much more pleased with their ownership, even if these were commonly negative as well. However, those who have attended timeshare presentations have been continuously subjected to some of the more brutal experiences in the real estate industry.

“However we do not make any snap decisions and told the sales people that, well you would have thought the world was ending....all of a sudden the higher up sales person accuses us of not being truthful with them, of not making sense since we want to go on more vacations and wanting to spend more time with family....why would we not want to buy into their vacation club....we had to suffer through 2 other sales people and say NO like 10 times before they would let us leave.   

It was more stressful that it should have been....and after being treated that way will never buy anything from Westgate Resorts...  You just don't treat people like that.”

-Carey F, Yelp


This is not an isolated incident, and Westgate resorts is a very common target for outraged consumers through online reviews. Many of those who attend timeshare presentations have miserable experiences and vow to not only never attend one again, but to warn others against making the same mistake.

Westgate is notorious for terrible timeshare presentations throughout the online community, but they are certainly not the only company to be accused of fraud and deceitful sales tactics. Most large timeshare companies have scathing reviews regarding these presentations, and consumers are often warned to stay far away. This is even true when considering the large prizes offered for attending these presentations.

Better Business Bureau Timeshare Reviews

The Better Business Bureau is a household name for filing complaints and constructing a rating system for businesses in any industry. Part of this complex rating system involves which industry the business is engaged in, and the timeshare industry is one of the most notorious for fraud and scams. 

Timeshare companies are especially targeted by the Better Business Bureau for receiving a high volume of complaints and never responding to them. While the number of complaints levied against a company holds some sway in the final score, how the business responds has a great effect on the outcome. Timeshare companies commonly do not respond to the formal complaints lodged against them, which has hurt their standing with the Better Business Bureau.

Yelp Timeshare Reviews

While Yelp is commonly known as a website that reviews restaurants and other food and dining businesses, they have grown into a forum for rating businesses in every industry. Timeshare reviews posted on yelp are astoundingly low, showing many problems with this industry.

“...this place would have been nice if:
1. the hot water heater worked
2. the room was closer to the pool and spa
3. the spa was hotter
4. instead of what was supposed to be in the shower, they had three huge rings...
5. the sofa bed was broken
6. the tv was broken
7. the shuttle service to the strip was slow
8. housekeeping didnt clean but expected a tip
9. did i mention the room was bad?”

-Senna H.


While anyone is able to leave a timeshare review on Yelp, this is not an isolated incident. Many timeshare companies hold low ratings on Yelp’s user-based website, showing time and time again a pattern of distrust and dissatisfaction with the industry. Not all timeshare reviews are bad, but the overwhelming majority on some of the most popular consumer websites paint a very dark picture of this industry, warning consumers to stay as far away from timeshare ownership as possible.
3 Comments

Universal Timeshare Advice

11/14/2012

3 Comments

 

Advice for Surviving Such a Fraudulent Industry

Timeshare Advice
Timeshare Advice
Every business expert seems to have an opinion when it comes to the timeshare industry, and this timeshare advice comes from many different sources. These experts within the industry can be consumer advocacy groups, timeshare attorneys, and professional timeshare aid companies, all with their own form of timeshare advice. The unfortunate problem is that a lot of this timeshare advice comes with a bias, as these organizations often have something to sell you.

Timeshare attorneys may tell you that your timeshare company is being very serious when they send threatening letters attempting to coerce payments for their hidden fees. This timeshare advice is not completely true, as many threatening letters are sent out without any real merit or legal action behind them. This timeshare advice is provided because the timeshare attorney is trying to sell a timeshare owner on the need for their services, which are only necessary in the most serious of situations.

However, consumer advocacy groups often do not have this serious bias when it comes to providing timeshare advice, for they have no ulterior motive. Because these groups and online organizations do not provide any products or services, they have nothing to sell you. This timeshare advice can prove to be the most trustworthy, because while they may have a negative view of the timeshare industry, this perspective comes with serious merit.

The timeshare industry is a cold and dark sector of the real estate market. Consumers struggle with timeshare ownership constantly, as rate hikes often make the payments nearly impossible to keep up with. Furthermore, many of these payments are not known to the consumer at the time of the signing of the timeshare contract, which usually takes place at a high-pressure sales meeting. Timeshare salesmen lure consumers in with promises of easy ownership, benefits that are over exaggerated, and false claims; this includes the idea that timeshares can be an investment that helps the consumer’s financial situation.

Because of the nature of the industry, timeshare advice is highly sought after and should always come with a grain of salt. In fact, a lot of timeshare advice that truly offers insight into the industry involves particular situations. Timeshare owners deal with different companies and types of ownership, so often the timeshare advice is not made up of overarching rules. However, there are a few rules within timeshare advice that can work for consumers no matter the specific situation.

Understand the Math

Perhaps the most quintessential piece of timeshare advice is knowing and understanding the numbers behind the timeshare contract. Comprehending the hard data involved with the timeshare industry goes a long way towards making a sound financial decision. This is true for many situations in business, but is especially important when dealing with the timeshare industry.

The timeshare contract is often complex and is comprised of confusing legal language not commonly understood by the average consumer. If you do not understand the numbers behind this document, another great piece of timeshare advice is having an expert review it. Having someone well-versed in finance will often reveal the true nature of vacation ownership, and just as often advise consumers to stay far away from it.

Perhaps this is the most important timeshare advice of all, and is almost universally agreed upon by financial experts. Timeshares are absolutely not physical purchases, and should never be considered an investment. The problem with this business is that is affiliated with the real estate industry, perhaps the most appreciating asset one can purchase. However, timeshare advice from financial experts reveals that is this not the case with vacation ownership. The purchase of a timeshare should be considered much like a hotel room. The consumer is paying for a vacation accommodation, not making an investment. Understanding the math is always sound timeshare advice, and may prevent you from making a catastrophic financial mistake.
3 Comments

Where to Lodge Formal Timeshare Complaints

11/13/2012

11 Comments

 

Having your Voice Heard Against a Titanic Industry

Timeshare Reviews
Timeshare Complaints
Complaints against the timeshare industry have been rampant within the consuming community for decades. This dark sector of the real estate market has long been plagued by rumors, accusations, and allegations of fraud and timeshare scams since its inception. Some complain that the entire industry runs of some level of fraud leveled against the consuming public. It is no wonder why so many consumers are looking for a place to lodge formal timeshare complaints.

The problem with timeshare complaints is that many believe they will fall on deaf ears. Timeshare resort reviews are a good example of this fear. Many timeshare owners have dreadful experiences with timeshare companies, and some are enraged enough to provide scathing user-submitted reviews online. However, the majority of these consumers do not launch this type of internet protest because they believe that no good can possibly come of it. The timeshare owner may feel a little better, less heated, but a timeshare resort complaint will do little for the benefit of the consumer, right?

This is actually not the case. Many timeshare complaints written as public reviews have not only damaged the reputation of timeshare resorts, but have revealed defrauded timeshare owners all across the internet. A peculiar thing happens when a public timeshare complaint is created. Other timeshare owners search for the company online and view the timeshare complaint, realizing they have gone through a very similar experience. Soon enough, the timeshare complaint has spread like wildfire throughout the consuming public and online media. The source of timeshare fraud is exposed by larger entities such as the FBI and Federal Trade Commission, and the timeshare owners win massive legal battles through fair trade laws. This can all occur because of one public timeshare complaint that a struggling owner finally decided to create in the right place at the right time.

While this type of action resulting from timeshare complaints may be rare, it happens a lot more than one might think. The biggest difference between timeshare complaints that make a difference and those that are stored away never to be seen again is exposure. This exposure is a direct result of timing and location of the timeshare complaint. It is also important to know that not all timeshare complaints need to be made public in order for them to make a difference in your voice being heard online. Lodging the right formal timeshare complaint to the right agency could mean more than any online review.

Companies that Make a Difference

The exposure that your timeshare complaints receive have a lot to do with the companies with which they are filed. The main factor one needs to consider when making a formal timeshare complaint is how active these websites are in terms of consumer rights. If the company has many advertisements and are simply trying to drive traffic, they may not be the right place to make a timeshare complaint because nothing will be done about it. Even though your review or complaint will be visible, little will be done to create action because of it. However, those websites and companies that do tend to be more active in terms of consumer rights are much more likely to take a timeshare complaint and run with it. Furthermore, these sites often have more active users, leading to even greater action.

Credibility is another very important aspect of a company to consider when lodging a formal timeshare complaint. Websites such as the Better Business Bureau are household names that, while perhaps not being extremely active, are highly respected and nearly immune from pressure or bias. Many consumers trust websites like these and your timeshare complaint will receive much more exposure by being placed on a website with a well-known name and reputation.
11 Comments

Timeshare Advice from the Experts

11/12/2012

4 Comments

 

Tips for Surviving a Fraud-Plagued Industry

Timeshare Advice
Timeshare Advice
The timeshare industry has become so notoriously filled with fraud and resale scams that perhaps the greatest timeshare advice of all is avoiding this potential money-trap at all cost. Consumers file for bankruptcy due to timeshare ownership constantly, showing the negative way this industry has affected the public. The financial burden the timeshare contract places on consumers is rarely worth the vacation time. Hidden fees, maintenance costs, and rate hikes are extremely common experiences when owning a timeshare, and these add on to already enormous annual fees. Common timeshare advice is to avoid all of these money traps by simply going with a traditional vacation process.

However, if you are determined to deal with the timeshare industry in a meaningful way, you should do your research and seek out as much expert timeshare advice as possible. The only worse thing than engaging in a timeshare contract is doing so without any insider knowledge. The internet has provided a method of gaining timeshare advice from experts in the field like never before. Instant access to free information and timeshare advice makes it so that there is no excuse for being uninformed in this day and age.

Timeshare contracts and companies vary greatly, and there is different appropriate timeshare advice for every situation. The specifics of a particular situation should usually guide your personal timeshare advice, and consumers are encouraged to ask questions with as much detail as possible for a quality answer. However, there are a few rules that are generally true for the entire industry, and this kind of timeshare advice is perfect for any consumer. There are a few tips that always seem to work out for consumers when dealing with the timeshare industry. While there are always exceptions to the rule, this timeshare advice is solid for nearly any situation.

Avoid the Timeshare Presentation

This timeshare advice is very disappointing to many consumers, but there is a reason it is listed first. Perhaps the greatest rule of the timeshare industry is avoiding the timeshare presentation at all cost. The majority of timeshare contracts are signed at timeshare presentations where consumers are blindsided by harsh sales tactics, bullying, and misrepresentation. These presentations are often much longer than advertised, many running as long as 5 hours or more, where consumers are pressured into making a purchase that many eventually regret.

Timeshare presentations are so alluring because they usually offer a fabulous prize for attending them. However, the majority of consumers not only advise against attending, they also say that they would never again go themselves. These presentations can be dreadful experiences, where attendees may also be served alcohol, further impairing judgement. This piece of timeshare advice is almost universally accepted in timeshare circles, lending credence to its truth. If you are really thinking about purchasing a timeshare, do thorough research, seek expert timeshare advice, and do it from the safety of your own home. Never attend the high-stakes timeshare presentation.

Do not Accept Financing

To be clear, the best timeshare advice when it comes to your financial health is to avoid purchasing a timeshare altogether. This advice is in no way an endorsement of buying a timeshare. However, if you do decide to opt for timeshare ownership, do so upfront and with cash. It is very common for a timeshare company to offer financing if you are unable to pay the large fees at the outset of your ownership. However, timeshare financing is often very pricey  and timeshare companies will do everything they can to collect.

Timeshare companies have massive legal divisions that are very good at making their clients pay their large and ever-expanding fees. Financing your new timeshare is a great way to start out in a hole with your timeshare company that only gets worse over time. One piece of timeshare advice that nearly any expert would agree with is avoiding financing options if you do decide to buy a timeshare.
4 Comments

Timeshare Scams Plague the Entire Industry

11/10/2012

1 Comment

 

Knowing your Timeshare Scams

“Timeshare scams” is one of the most highly searched terms regarding this section of the real estate market, and for very good reason. Timeshare scams are common, widespread, and claim more and more victims every single year. With the high level of timeshare scams occurring across the nation and the world, one would think that the timeshare industry is becoming weaker. Unfortunately, this is not the case, as the timeshare industry is actually expanding rather than shrinking. Furthermore, timeshare scams become more prevalent as the industry grows, leading more and more consumers down a financially destructive path.

With the huge number of timeshare scams that have popped up in recent years, the Federal Trade Commission and FBI are finally starting to take notice. Many believe that this has not happened soon enough, but the problem with many of these timeshare scams is that it is had to prove that fraud has taken place. The amount of physical evidence is actually miniscule despite the fact that timeshare scams are common knowledge to the consuming public. While it is certainly true that organizations are starting to realize and safeguard consumers against timeshare scams, one should not think that they are safe from becoming a victim, because more and more become just that every single day.

While timeshare companies are involved with scams, this is not precisely what we are speaking of here. Timeshare presentations can be brutal experiences that consumers would not dare to try twice. Many attendees are lied to, bullied, and pressured for hours on end in order to receive timeshare contract signatures. These underhanded tactics involve timeshare fraud because many are told lies about the nature of the industry and timeshare ownership itself. Consumers are told that they will be able to sell easily and transfer ownership without incident should the timeshare become financially burdensome on the owner. Nothing could be further from the truth. This timeshare fraud can certainly be viewed as a scam, but can be very difficult to prove once the contract has been signed. This is a very common timeshare scam, but there are others that plague all corners of the industry.

Timeshare Resale Scams

Timeshare Scam
Timeshare Scams
Resale scams do not involve resort companies themselves, occurring instead when a timeshare owner looks to sell ownership to a third party. Selling a timeshare can be an incredibly difficult task, and many decide they need help finding a buyer for their property. Timeshare resale scams work by a company telling an owner they will be able to sell their timeshare with ease, know how to market effectively, and have a large pool of qualified buyers. 

Owners are desperate, and transfer a large sum of money in order to sell their timeshare quickly. However, the company does nothing to sell a timeshare, and keeps the money that has already been transferred. This is a terrible timeshare scam for owners because they have now lost even more money while they are already experiencing a strenuous financial situation.

Timeshare Exchange Scams

This timeshare scam occurs when an owner, in an attempt to boost the value of their timeshare, joins a timeshare exchange program. The largest and most well-known timeshare exchange companies are Resort Condominiums International and Interval International, with countless members all across the world. These programs allow members to trade or exchange timeshares with other members to allow for more diversity in vacation time and location. 

At first glance, this is a wonderful idea that could greatly benefit any timeshare owner. However, many timeshare exchange programs are considered to be scams because trading a timeshare is a very difficult process with little chance of success. If one is lucky enough to find an acceptable exchange, there are huge fees associated with any member-agreed transaction. Couple these charges with the already substantial annual fees, and you have the recipe for a textbook timeshare exchange scam.
1 Comment

Finding a Company that is not a Timeshare Scam

11/8/2012

1 Comment

 

True Help when you Need it

Timeshare Scam
Timeshare Scams
There is so much talk online about not being taken in by a timeshare scam that one often wonders if there is an honest company out there at all. Much of this advice about avoiding a timeshare scam is very valid, and there is little hyperbole involved. There is indeed rampant timeshare scamming everywhere you look. This all begins with the timeshare companies, which many call the biggest global timeshare scam of all time. 

The timeshare presentations are filled with half-truths and sales pitches that many consider to a scam in and of itself. Once the contract is signed, hidden fees emerge that owners cannot afford to pay, so the legal document upon which ownership is based is considered to be a timeshare scam. Finally, when owners decide they want to sell a timeshare, they learn the market is horribly depressed and there are very few buyers out there. Owners are lucky to sell a timeshare at half of its original value, making the “investment” theory perhaps the most blatant part of the entire timeshare scam process.

Without an ability to sell the timeshare, the financially desperate owners decide they need help in selling their timeshare. This part of the industry has so many scams it can be downright frightening. Timeshare resale scams plague the market in all areas of the country. Because owners are so desperate, they will give a large sum of money to a timeshare resale scam artist, who then takes the money and does nothing to help the owner sell their unwanted timeshare. So many of these companies are considered scams that it is perilous to even attempt to sell a timeshare at all. Furthermore, by attempting to sell, an owner is taking up precious time while still legally responsible for the ever-increasing fees involved in the contract.

If all of these timeshare scams weren’t enough, timeshare attorneys and other timeshare aid companies can be involved in scams as well. In recent days, there have been several reports of timeshare scams being conducted by individuals claiming to be timeshare lawyers and receiving money for posing as such, pretending to facilitate a timeshare transaction. Even legitimate timeshare attorneys are considered by some to be a scam, as they charge a massive amount of money for their services, which many experts claim to be unnecessary. With the seemingly endless amount of timeshare scams in the industry, it is no wonder why owners can often feel alone and powerless. The question is not how one can tell if a company is a timeshare scam, it becomes how can one find a company that is not a timeshare scam?

Verifiable Claims, Accurate Information, Client Options

These three principles are a great way to determine whether or not a timeshare company is a scam. Against such a mightily powerful industry, struggling owners absolutely should seek timeshare help from legitimate organizations, but discovering one that is not a timeshare scam is not easy. The first and most important aspect of this search involves verifiable claims and promises. If a company is able to provide concrete guarantees that are transparent in nature, they will likely follow through on these promises, because they are explicit in the contract.

Furthermore, companies that provide real, accurate information are much less likely to be timeshare scams. Beware of businesses that claim they can sell your timeshare with ease, because this is simply not possible. Selling a timeshare is a very difficult process, and a company that is providing services in the interest of their clients will tell them the truth.

Finally, a contract should help both the consumer and company, and there should be specific clauses that protect you if things go sour. This consumer protection indicator is a great sign that the company is not a timeshare scam. If a business is really looking out for you enough to tell the truth and offer you options, you can be assured this is not a timeshare scam, even if a company like this is rare and difficult to find.
1 Comment

RCI Timeshare Exchange Program a Scam?

11/7/2012

2 Comments

 

Online User Reviews Tell a Dark Tale

RCI Timeshare Scam
RCI Timeshare Scam
It is quite often that timeshare companies become so large that they become labeled as a gigantic scam, especially when they come from such a dark corner of the real estate market. Resort Condominiums International (RCI) has been under fire from consumers for a very long time, and many have questioned whether or not they engage in timeshare scams. It is difficult to ascertain if the timeshare exchange giant is truly a global timeshare scam, as their massive amount of users and followers seems to lend credence to their legitimacy. However, their online presence is fraught with anger and bitterness, and their reputation has certainly taken a massive hit because of it. While supporters of RCI claim that some users simply do not know how to take advantage of their timeshare exchange program, many online reviewers claim that not only is there a huge RCI timeshare scam, they accomplish it though numbers rather than service.

While taking advantage of RCI’s timeshare exchange service may be a difficult process, this certainly does not mean that the worldwide company is a timeshare scam. However, some claim that the services are so unusable, it is not a matter of user-friendliness. These online reviewers claim that this is a matter of a business being set up in such a way that it siphons money from innocent, struggling timeshare owners in order to advance their own profits. This review from the United Kingdom, entitled “RCI-What a Waste of Time,” outlines the problems a family has had with booking a simple one-night stay in Orlando:

“I have been trying to find out how much it would cost me to book a hotel in Orlando International airport for 1 night in the Ramada with our families' RCI points (they are clocking up as everytime we try to book something it is unavailable or else better value to buy direct.) In this case, I was told that my hotel room would cost 18,648 POINTS PLUS £102 booking fee. I can buy direct for under £60 on laterooms! What a scam! Sadly every call I make to RCI seems to end up causing a similar amount of frustration.”

Not only does this review imply a difficulty with using the RCI exchange program due to their point system, it also accuses the company of being unresponsive when attempting to resolve this through communication. A great trademark of timeshare scams is a company being unavailable when a user attempts to call, and it seems as though RCI is guilty of this very act.

Claims of RCI Causing Users to Overpay

2 Comments

Westgate Timeshare Reviews

11/6/2012

21 Comments

 

Consensus from Around the Internet

Westgate Resorts began in the garage of David Siegel as Central Florida Investments, (CFI) but has since grown to become the largest privately-held timeshare company in the entire world. While the company has achieved titanic business status, the organization has long been the subject of consumer outrage, which can be most explicitly seen in online Westgate timeshare reviews. There are many websites that allow consumers to submit timeshare reviews, and the aggregate of these reviews relates to an overall score that determines an online presence and reputation for the company. While no one Westgate timeshare review can determine an accurate depiction of the company, the sum total tell a very frightening story, one that should drive many potential timeshare owners away from this company.

David Siegel has recently come under fire from employees, consumers, and other activists for his announcement that he would fire employees if Obama was elected. No matter one’s political views, this is seen as a coercion tactic to perhaps sway his own employees into voting for Romney, because their own livelihoods depend on this. Westgate Resorts employs over 6,500 people across the United States, with an annual revenue stream of nearly $1 billion. Needless to say, there are many employees out there who are frantic on this election day, and we will see if Mr. Siegel carries through on his imposing threats. While recent Westgate Timeshare Reviews have focused on this piece of information and have a taken a downturn in recent months, their online reputation was never glowingly positive. In fact, Westgate timeshare reviews have been some of the most devastatingly negative for the entire online community, and this began long before Mr. Siegel’s inflammatory remarks.

There have been many events over the course of Westgate’s history that has lead to such negative Westgate timeshare reviews. In 2009, Westgate Resorts was found guilty of violating the United States Telemarketing Rule in United States of America versus Westgate Resorts Ltd. Siegel had to pay a $900,000 settlement, and many Westgate timeshare reviews had complained of their telemarketing practices before this case was brought to light. Westgate Resorts was found guilty primarily on the charge of violating stipulations of the national “do not call” register. This was the largest subject of consumer outrage in Westgate timeshare reviews for quite some time, but it certainly has not been the last.

Recent Westgate Timeshare Reviews

Westgate Timeshare Review
Westgate Timeshare Reviews
Westgate timeshare reviews have not been flattering in recent days, even discounting those that focus on David Siegel’s recent election-based threats towards his employees. In fact, many of the recent Westgate timeshare reviews are based against these employees, who are often accused of bullying and pressuring consumers into purchasing their timeshares.

“We got three different people who came to our table and asked us over and over to buy some property that we NEVER even saw. I was so disappointed with this behavior and will NEVER tour with them again. They got mad and even rude with us for not buying what they had to offer but couldnt explain why everyone else got a tour and we didnt.”

-Quienna (Pissedconsumer.com)

While many Westgate timeshare reviews complain of similar interactions with disorganized and pushy sales people, the majority complain of actions that were taken after the contract was signed. Many consumers claim that Westgate Resorts is involved with timeshare fraud and make it a regular practice to scam their clients.

“The shower leaks, the toilet runs all night long, and the dishwasher leaks. I called maintenance and even talked to owner services - no fix and no new room. I repeat: if you are an owner, get everything in writing. When you make a reservation, have them send it to you in what actual building you will be in. I can't believe this is really happening. I can go on about once you're an owner, you're treated like **.”

-Dean (Consumeraffairs.com)

While no singular Westgate timeshare review tells the entire story of the company, the aggregate score and overall online reputation is staggering. Through research into user-based online reviews, Westgate Resorts will have to make major changes in order to negate their building reputation with the consuming public. This is especially true if David Siegel’s threats are carried out, and they will fire their employees based on the results of the national election.

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