Timeshare Scam.....Help Required

raptorman

Last year some relatives of mine were in Gran Canaria and unfortunately succumbed to the scratch card timeshare scam. They paid a large deposit via c/card but when they returned home from holiday decided they had done the wrong thing. They called the contact/rep to cancel but were told that that person was not there and to call back another day. Suffice to say they were being fobbed off to stall until cooling off period ran out.

My relatives have since contacted a solicitor to see where they stand legally and have been told they should just pay up. Is this right?

I would like to know if there is anything they can do legally, or will they have to pay up. The name of the company is DESIGN VACATION.

All answers will be greatly appreciated.

mike_paterson

If their phone records show them calling several times before the cooling off period ended than they may have a good case. The fact that the company has made it difficult for them should actually extend the cooling off period (I was told this by CAB when I got scammed by a company selling 3 phone contracts). They should contact the Citizens advice bureau.

Middle_Sister

They should contact the credit card company immediately and tell them what's happened. If they have taken the money you can claim against the CC company if you told them within the cooling off period.

payless

are you sure it a timwshare and not an holiday club... used to get around cool off rules

raptorman

Update..

Apparently my relative has paid the full amount requested and will try booking a holiday next year and see what happens. I tried to tell her not to pay anymore but she had got so upset over it she paid and put it down to experience. It was her OH who originally fell for it thinking it sounded like a bargain (as they do).

I guess we will wait and see.

Note. The company in question DESIGN VACATION is listed on the crimeshare.com website as being dodgy.

Thanks for your replies

MrSmartprice

Oh dear! It's when you actually try and book holidays with these cowboys that the full impact hits home. I fear that they have thrown good money after bad. It is appalling that these scams are still running, but the warnings over the years have been loud and clear.