Annual Timeshare Maintenance Fees
This is the time of year when timeshare resorts send out their maintenance fee demands. Scam companies are aware of this, as many are created by ex-timeshare salesmen. They use the maintenance fee demands to create a false sense of anxiety and stress in order to relieve timeshare owners of more money. They make all manner of promises, none of which are correct.
How to Avoid Timeshare Scams
As a timeshare owner, you will likely be contacted by more than one of these companies. These are the questions you should ask: –
- Who is calling you?
It is illegal for a business to call someone without their permission. Did you give your personal data to this company? If not, they have acquired your personal data illegally and a complaint should be made to the Information Commissioner’s Office (the “ICO”) immediately.
- Is the business regulated?
We are regulated by the Solicitors’ Regulation Authority (the “SRA”). Other companies are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”). If the business calling you is not regulated, you have no recourse to anyone if things go wrong, and they will.
- What action do they recommend?
If they want to issue proceedings in Spain, they are wrong. Timeshare owners have been pursuing these actions for years in Spain. Silverpoint went into liquidation and left timeshare owners with pieces of paper saying they were owed money, but received nothing. The same is now true of Club La Costa. It costs money upfront and you will never receive anything in return.
If they want to pursue the finance companies then see question 2 above. Only regulated companies can do this work, like us. If the company you are dealing with is not regulated, even if they promise to send it to someone who is, you are not protected.
- Do they want money upfront for a claim?
We only pursue claims on a “no win, no fee” basis. This is also true of regulated companies. There should be no requirement to pay a fee. If they ask for a fee, then just say no.
- Do they take credit cards?
If they don’t take credit cards, then this is a warning sign. If you don’t pay by credit card, then you cannot rely on the statutory protections offered by the Consumer Credit Act 1974 if things go wrong. They almost certainly will.
This is a simple guide to being cold-called about your timeshare. Ask questions and do not believe what they tell you.
However, the best piece of advice we always give if you receive a cold-call is PUT THE PHONE DOWN. You didn’t give permission and you don’t have to speak to anyone.
What can I do about my Timeshare
Taking legal action against the timeshare company can help to get you the financial compensation you deserve and, in some cases, terminate the contract for breaching the law. Timeshare law is extremely complex and is not something that can be taken on by anybody but requires the professional expertise of a specialist timeshare solicitor.
If you want any assistance relating to a Timeshare issue, please feel free to get in touch with us on our Timeshare Support Hotline 01924 601 096, or request a call back
Finally, remember any genuine timeshare solicitor will be extremely careful to manage a client’s expectations. They will be honest and realistic with what could possibly be achieved in regard to your individual case. If someone claiming to be a lawyer or solicitor has been in contact contacted, be sure to do your research and check if they are regulated by the SRA and if the individual is registered as a solicitor.