Timeshare Scams and Fraud

We have been Disney Vacation Club members since 1998. Living in Florida, historically we would book an extended weekend four times a year. Now, in 2014, I have to book at least 12 months in advance, according to the employee at Disney Vacation Club in order to reserve a room. In March, I attempted to book a room at either Vero Beach or Hilton Head for the months of June, July or August. I was willing to take any day of the week for all three months. I should be able to book either a 1, 2 or 3 bedroom villas 6 months in advance. But NOTHING was available! When I spoke with Disney Vacation Club they quickly sent me to a third party timeshare re-seller. Disney Vacation Club has obviously sold more timeshares than they have rooms available.

The worst resort we ever visited! It is definitely NOT a 4 or 5 star hotel as stated. Overall, I might give it a 1. First, the place is old and in need of a major make-over. Food was somewhat ok. Better food off premise. Water was a murky brown not the crystal clear blue in pics. Room service was horrible. We received the wrong item and it took 45 min. to receive the correct order. Then I had to fight for them to issue a credit for the wrong item. The people who manage the outside activities are a separate entity. Staff was unfriendly unless you helped them earn a commission or purchased a time share. Room smelled like urine for all of the 7 days. We opened windows, sprayed & alerted staff but no relief. There seems to be a tier system. Everyone involved in this scheme receiv... Read More

Signed the "vacation package" contract after a good sales pitch. Later that evening read horrible reviews, had a sleepless night and figured out that it was likely a scam. The following day I contacted the US Consulate, who advised that I had 5 days to cancel, and that mailing a letter would likely not get there in time, but rather we should return to the resort and demand a cancellation. We brought a pre-filled form, which they would not sign, but they did give us a properly dated cancellation letter stating our credit card charge would be refunded within two weeks. I also advised my credit card company the same day that I was disputing the charge. Two weeks have passed and so far the money has not been refunded. I phoned Royal Diamond Resorts after two weeks. ... Read More

About 2 Years ago we purchased a membership with OVC. Recently we have been receiving many phone calls from people offering to buy our membership or to rent our membership out for us. They have all of our information including what unit we purchased, our contact information and what it cost us, they have informed us that our information was given to them from Occidental itself. We were considering renting so we called Occidental to confirm that these companies were associated with them and they informed us that they were not. That people were making arrangement and signing agreements and then not seeing the money for the units. We asked the next one who called how they received our contact information (our private cell numbers and were asking for us by name) and again were told O... Read More

9/24/13 Destinations (CED) contacted us telephonically. Claimed to have a client that wants to rent one of our vacation weeks at Grande Luxxe for the next 10 years. Initial sale price of $32,950.00
11/9/13: Contract was emailed, reviewed, signed and sent back.
11/13/2013: We were instructed to pay $13250.00 for the 10 Maintenance fees. Upon inquiry it was explained to me that Mexico needs proof that the payments come from the actual owner’s account to abide with the new laws and regulations to prevent money laundering by drug cartels. I was also insured that the “buyer” has set up an Escrow account in my name in the US and every time I make a payment, the buyer deposit the same amount into this account, from which I will be reimbursed after closure, as the contract stat... Read More