If your timeshare or travel club salesperson lied to you and misrepresented what you were buying, then you can get out of your contract and get your money back.
I have been collecting owner complaints for years where the salespeople have lied to clients. Sothe resorts no longer can use the excuse "you must have gotten a rogue salesperson" we are sorry but too bad. Not when there are hundreds of innocent owners at all of their different resorts telling the same lies. Or omitting information that would have stopped you from buying.
I can help, I do all of the work. Gathering the research, ordering court records and running background checks on the salespeople.
All you have to do is print, sign and mail. I am with you until the end. No matter how many letters. We won't take no for an answer.
Showing posts with label festiva. Show all posts
Showing posts with label festiva. Show all posts
FROM JACKSONVILLE POST
The Florida Attorney General recently
shut down six travel companies that made deceptive claims about vacation club
memberships.
BE PART OF THE 15%
Timeshare Resorts know they will have to refund and cancel 15% of their owners. That's just the cost of doing business.
Sounds like a large number until you realize 85%of owners are stuck with their timeshare purchase. Granted some owners actually love their timeshares.
Sounds like a large number until you realize 85%of owners are stuck with their timeshare purchase. Granted some owners actually love their timeshares.
WYNDHAM OWNERS TO SEE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT
Wyndham Resorts is planning a major overhaul, and you're paying for
it. 14 of Wyndham's older resorts (Fairfields mainly) need to have major
work to revitalize them. Remember when the salesman promised you that
the maintenance fees would keep the resort looking as good as the day
you toured it. That was a lie.
TIMESHARE BILL OF RIGHTS
“Moving
timeshare from exploiting its customers and members to servicing its customers
and members. Everybody wins”.
A Timeshare Tricks client is working on getting changes passed in the timeshare industry. He has a Petition at www.timesharerights.com, this petition is for the State Attorney Generals across the United States. Take time to sign this, it is going to take each and every one of us to make a change that will protect honest, hardworking people.
Timeshare Bill of Rights For
Members
Timeshare companies and their antecedents (i.e. maintenance
fee termination companies) have become increasing exploitive
of timeshare customers and members. I propose protection for
TS consumers now and in the future for these services.
Timeshare companies and their antecedents (i.e. maintenance
fee termination companies) have become increasing exploitive
of timeshare customers and members. I propose protection for
TS consumers now and in the future for these services.
1. Timeshare points should not be equated with real estate,
because they have little or no value in that area.
2. Maintenance or membership fees should be for use only
and limited to a 10-year span.
3. Timeshare companies should recognize that a customer
has free will and human rights and he/she can decide to be
member of a timeshare club or not.
4. Anything related to maintenance or membership fees must
be explained and understood.
5. Exit policy for members must be known and any fee
associated with it should be made known as well.
6. Complaints concerning timeshare should be handled by an
ombudsman of the state.
7. All of these issues would be retroactive from the date of
implementation.
Be Part of the 15%
Timeshares and Travel Clubs know they are going to have to refund 15% of owners. Its the cost of doing business. Sounds like a large group unless you think about the fact that 85% of owners will continue to pay for the timeshare. And they will spend thousands to sell it, which works into thousands of dollars down the drain.
Not everyone who wants out can get out, but if you were the victim of misrepresentation, you can force them to let you out and refund your money.
Email timesharetricks@gmail.com now and find out if you qualify.
Not everyone who wants out can get out, but if you were the victim of misrepresentation, you can force them to let you out and refund your money.
Email timesharetricks@gmail.com now and find out if you qualify.
FESTIVA rip off - stay away!
Below is a post from TripAdvisor posted with permission of the author:
FESTIVA rip off - stay away!
May 11, 2015, 4:15 PM
disastrous experience today with a company called FESTIVA today in Charleston, SC:
A marketing rep near Market Street promised me a $100 Visa Card if I attended a 2 hour presentation. It was 12:05 and though another tour had just started 5 minutes ago and still had open spaces, I was told I had to come back at 3. I rearranged my afternoon of 2 day stay in Charleston, and when I arrived the sales staff tried to turn me away, because I was engaged (and my fiancee wasn't with me) - seriously??!!!! - Are we still in th 19th century, where a woman can't make her decision without "her man" present? - Really offensive and sexist!!
Secondly, I was told the marketing rep should have asked that - which isn't my problem. I rescheduled my afternoon to make the presentation possible, even though I was in Charleston only for 2 days, and then I am not even allowed in - due to a mistake of their staff!!!! - In any honest store, if an item is mislabeled you still only pay the price that is on the label. Even more amazing, given that the $100 Visa Card is tax deductable for the company .....talking about amateurish business practices....
Superbad customer service and despicable (and very arrogant and snotty) treatment by the staff. As a former CEO of my own international music company I know the old business adage of "nothing worse for a business than an unhappy cusomter" - and I will now surely use the power of the internet and social media to spread the word about the fraudulent schemes and disrespectful treatment of customers by FESTIVA (I have several thousand followers on both facebook on Twitter who will be more than happy to pass this info on to their large following. And my fiancee who owns a computer software company will happily make sure all the bad reviews will reach the top of the search engines. Takes us 10 min. to do - what a stupid and offensive business move by this (obviously) fraudulent company.
To CEO Don Clayton who offers his assistance in other forums, what is your direct email address?? - I don't want to deal with some rude, untrained middle man/woman, such as my encounter today. If you want to resolve this, provide a direct, personal email address!
Edited: 4:18 pm, yesterday
Tripadvisor
A marketing rep near Market Street promised me a $100 Visa Card if I attended a 2 hour presentation. It was 12:05 and though another tour had just started 5 minutes ago and still had open spaces, I was told I had to come back at 3. I rearranged my afternoon of 2 day stay in Charleston, and when I arrived the sales staff tried to turn me away, because I was engaged (and my fiancee wasn't with me) - seriously??!!!! - Are we still in th 19th century, where a woman can't make her decision without "her man" present? - Really offensive and sexist!!
Secondly, I was told the marketing rep should have asked that - which isn't my problem. I rescheduled my afternoon to make the presentation possible, even though I was in Charleston only for 2 days, and then I am not even allowed in - due to a mistake of their staff!!!! - In any honest store, if an item is mislabeled you still only pay the price that is on the label. Even more amazing, given that the $100 Visa Card is tax deductable for the company .....talking about amateurish business practices....
Superbad customer service and despicable (and very arrogant and snotty) treatment by the staff. As a former CEO of my own international music company I know the old business adage of "nothing worse for a business than an unhappy cusomter" - and I will now surely use the power of the internet and social media to spread the word about the fraudulent schemes and disrespectful treatment of customers by FESTIVA (I have several thousand followers on both facebook on Twitter who will be more than happy to pass this info on to their large following. And my fiancee who owns a computer software company will happily make sure all the bad reviews will reach the top of the search engines. Takes us 10 min. to do - what a stupid and offensive business move by this (obviously) fraudulent company.
To CEO Don Clayton who offers his assistance in other forums, what is your direct email address?? - I don't want to deal with some rude, untrained middle man/woman, such as my encounter today. If you want to resolve this, provide a direct, personal email address!
Edited: 4:18 pm, yesterday
Tripadvisor
YOU CAN GET OUT OF THAT TIMESHARE AND GET YOUR MONEY BACK
If you purchased and have figured out that the salesman and sales "closer" lied to you. And then the Verification Officer who helped with your paperwork rushed you through it. You are not alone.
Timeshare Tricks can't help you if you have owned your timeshare for 15 years, used it and suddenly don't want it. But if they lied to you, lets get you out and demand your money back.
Contact me at timesharetricks@gmail.com and lets get you out before summer.
Timeshare Tricks can't help you if you have owned your timeshare for 15 years, used it and suddenly don't want it. But if they lied to you, lets get you out and demand your money back.
Contact me at timesharetricks@gmail.com and lets get you out before summer.
FESTIVA SALESMAN ARRESTED FOR GHB
This is why Timeshare Tricks does background checks.
HPD arrests 2 in after-hours club raid
Posted: Tuesday, June 13, 2000 12:00 am
Hammond police
found small amounts of assorted drugs and drug paraphernalia in an
after-hours nightclub raid early Sunday in what club owners termed
"harassment."
The Edge, an
alcohol-free nightclub on West Thomas Street that is frequented by
teen-agers, was closed for an hour while police searched it and its
patrons, Sgt. Chuck Muse said. Two people were arrested.
"We want to make the public aware that we're
aware and let parents know that this is the kind of place they're
sending their kids to go out at night," Muse said.
Muse said the 2:40 a.m. raid was part of an ongoing undercover operation at the nightclub in response to public complaints.
While police had no search warrant, they were able to search the club because it is a public place, said Capt. Kim Barker, adding officers only frisked patrons and did not check pockets.
Police seized close to 2 liters of GHB, three tablets of Ecstasy, a small envelope of cocaine and almost an ounce of marijuana, Muse said. All were found discarded inside the club.
The GHB, or gamma hydroxybuterate, was found in four water bottles, police said. It is a clear liquid and a central nervous system depressant that has been linked to comas, seizures and death.
Muse said police also found discarded inhalers and decongestants used to enhance the high of Ecstasy, a euphoria-inducing drug.
"In raids like this, you find it on just a few people. They just get it off their person, walk off and leave it," Muse said.
About nine police officers blocked exits and bathroom doors while police sent each patron outside the club to be searched one at a time.
Two 15-year-olds were cited for curfew violation and released to the custody of their parents.
Police determined by a computer
search that more than 15 people without identification were over 16 and
therefore allowed to enter the club, but they wondered how the Edge
knew.
Father and son Terry and Brian Pettigrew opened the club in September. On weekends, it stays open until 6 a.m. and sells water and soda but no alcohol. They said the club has a dance license and is not regulated by the Alcohol Beverage Control Board. An average night features DJs, a light show and a $2 to $4 cover.
Terry Pettigrew said his club is relatively clean, and the amount of drugs found in the Edge is on par with any local bar on any given weekend.
"There will be some people selling drugs, but if you're smoking a marijuana cigarette, they're smuggling it in," he said. "We don't sell drugs. We don't advocate doing drugs. Still, we've had trouble with the police since we've been there."
Pettigrew added that the police search was conducted unprofessionally and illegally.
"They banged our equipment while they were searching. They ransacked my concession stand, stuff they didn't have to do," he said.
Barker countered that even one joint is too much and that the Pettigrews should be aware of any drug use in their clubs.
"We go into barrooms on a regular basis and don't find that much drugs," he said. "They should be aware of what's going on in their place of business. It's unusual for all those people so young to be sniffing on Vicks inhalers."
Brandon Sharpe, 19, of Branson, Mo., was charged with possession of GHB. Jason B. McLain, 22, Covington, was charged with simple possession of marijuana
Muse said the 2:40 a.m. raid was part of an ongoing undercover operation at the nightclub in response to public complaints.
While police had no search warrant, they were able to search the club because it is a public place, said Capt. Kim Barker, adding officers only frisked patrons and did not check pockets.
Police seized close to 2 liters of GHB, three tablets of Ecstasy, a small envelope of cocaine and almost an ounce of marijuana, Muse said. All were found discarded inside the club.
The GHB, or gamma hydroxybuterate, was found in four water bottles, police said. It is a clear liquid and a central nervous system depressant that has been linked to comas, seizures and death.
Muse said police also found discarded inhalers and decongestants used to enhance the high of Ecstasy, a euphoria-inducing drug.
"In raids like this, you find it on just a few people. They just get it off their person, walk off and leave it," Muse said.
About nine police officers blocked exits and bathroom doors while police sent each patron outside the club to be searched one at a time.
Two 15-year-olds were cited for curfew violation and released to the custody of their parents.
Police determined by a computer
search that more than 15 people without identification were over 16 and
therefore allowed to enter the club, but they wondered how the Edge
knew.Father and son Terry and Brian Pettigrew opened the club in September. On weekends, it stays open until 6 a.m. and sells water and soda but no alcohol. They said the club has a dance license and is not regulated by the Alcohol Beverage Control Board. An average night features DJs, a light show and a $2 to $4 cover.
Terry Pettigrew said his club is relatively clean, and the amount of drugs found in the Edge is on par with any local bar on any given weekend.
"There will be some people selling drugs, but if you're smoking a marijuana cigarette, they're smuggling it in," he said. "We don't sell drugs. We don't advocate doing drugs. Still, we've had trouble with the police since we've been there."
Pettigrew added that the police search was conducted unprofessionally and illegally.
"They banged our equipment while they were searching. They ransacked my concession stand, stuff they didn't have to do," he said.
Barker countered that even one joint is too much and that the Pettigrews should be aware of any drug use in their clubs.
"We go into barrooms on a regular basis and don't find that much drugs," he said. "They should be aware of what's going on in their place of business. It's unusual for all those people so young to be sniffing on Vicks inhalers."
Brandon Sharpe, 19, of Branson, Mo., was charged with possession of GHB. Jason B. McLain, 22, Covington, was charged with simple possession of marijuana
Tenn. AG sues timeshare club Festiva
Cooper
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Legal Newsline) – Tennessee Attorney General Bob Cooper announced a lawsuit on Tuesday against multiple entities operating a timeshare and membership vacation club that allegedly used deceptive techniques to market the operation’s products.
The lawsuit against the entities operating Festiva alleges the operators used fraudulent and deceptive telemarketing and direct mail tactics to lure Tennesseans into attending high-pressure sales presentations to buy vacation memberships. Festiva allegedly misled consumers into believing they won or were selected for a valuable prize, but the company failed to disclose multiple requirements, including the lengthy sales presentation.
In December, the states of Louisiana and Maine also filed suit against Festiva.
“If you are tempted by a travel or vacation company that uses high pressure sales, it’s probably best to take your time and do your homework before you pay thousands of dollars and commit to paying maintenance fees and special assessments,” Cooper said.
Festiva also allegedly used confusing terms and conditions to make membership to the vacation club difficult to use and to sell more products, made it almost impossible to book a vacation at Festiva resorts and surprised consumers with bills for increasing maintenance fees and special assessments.
The lawsuit, which was filed under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act and the Federal Telemarketing Act, named multiple associated businesses, affiliates and principal operators as defendants in the lawsuit.
The defendants include Escapes! Inc., Escapes Travel Choices LLC, Etourandtravel Inc., Festiva Development Group LLC, d/b/a Festiva Adventure Club, Festiva Real Estate Holdings LLC, formerly known as Festiva Resorts LLC, Festiva Resorts Adventure Club Members Association Inc., Human Capital Solutions LLC, formerly known as Festiva Resort Services LLC, Resort Travel & Xchange LLC, also known as RTX, formerly known as Festiva Travel & Xchange LLC, also known as FTX, Patton Hospitality Management LLC, formerly known as Festiva Management Group LLC, Zealandia Capital Inc., formerly known as SETI Marketing Inc., Zealandia Holding Company Inc., formerly known as Festiva Hospitality Group. Inc., Donald Clayton, Herbert Patrick and Richard Hartnett.
Couple sued for scamming 30,000 timeshare owners
SEATTLE (AP) - An Olympia couple is being sued by the state of Washington for scamming 30,000 timeshare owners.
The civil lawsuit announced by Attorney General Bob Ferguson on Thursday is part of a national crackdown coordinated by the Federal Trade Commission.
The attorney general's office says Jonathan and Christine Gibbs fooled elderly consumers into paying them thousands of dollars to transfer ownership of their vacation timeshares to shell corporations.
Ferguson describes the scam as a large, complicated scheme that harmed about 30,000 consumers nationwide, including 1,500 people in Washington state. He says the couple collected more than $70 million while operating as 25 different companies.
It took Washington investigators 18 months to investigate and shut down the scam.
The Federal Trade Commission is announcing more than 80 civil lawsuits in 27 states.
The civil lawsuit announced by Attorney General Bob Ferguson on Thursday is part of a national crackdown coordinated by the Federal Trade Commission.
The attorney general's office says Jonathan and Christine Gibbs fooled elderly consumers into paying them thousands of dollars to transfer ownership of their vacation timeshares to shell corporations.
Ferguson describes the scam as a large, complicated scheme that harmed about 30,000 consumers nationwide, including 1,500 people in Washington state. He says the couple collected more than $70 million while operating as 25 different companies.
It took Washington investigators 18 months to investigate and shut down the scam.
The Federal Trade Commission is announcing more than 80 civil lawsuits in 27 states.
DIY MADE EASY
With my DIY Book you can follow the easy step by step guide to build a winnable case against your timeshare or travel cub.
I also have hundreds of pages of research that includes: Complaints by owners, court records where the resorts have been sued for misrepresentation, news articles from media investigations and who's who behind the resorts and clubs.
Click here Resort and Club Research to check out what's available.
Have you hired an attorney already? This research will help him prepare your case. If your attorney put the hours required into gathering all this information it would cost you a small fortune in billable hours.
I also have hundreds of pages of research that includes: Complaints by owners, court records where the resorts have been sued for misrepresentation, news articles from media investigations and who's who behind the resorts and clubs.
Click here Resort and Club Research to check out what's available.
Have you hired an attorney already? This research will help him prepare your case. If your attorney put the hours required into gathering all this information it would cost you a small fortune in billable hours.
It Works
You can get out of that timeshare or travel club. When you do they will make you sign a nondisclosure and retract any posted complaints on the internet,
Order my book or email me at notimeshare@gmail.com
Order my book or email me at notimeshare@gmail.com
Order Research on Your Timeshare or Travel Club. http://timesharegetout.blogspot.com/2013/06/get-research-on-your-resort.html
Thinking of buying a timeshare or Travel Club? Do you
have an appointment for a sales presentation scheduled? Planning a
lawsuit against your timeshare?
I have worked several years and countless hours researching complaints, court records, news articles and emails from timeshare and travel club owners who were tricked and lied to during their sales presentation.
You can now buy the past research on your resort or club. All research is compiled from public records, internet and newspapers. If you are ordering the DIY Get Out book then the research with save you many hours of work.
If your resort or club is not listed to the right please email me at notimeshare@gmail.com to find out what research is available. I have information on lots of resorts, too many to list on the Buy Now buttons.
Order Research
I have worked several years and countless hours researching complaints, court records, news articles and emails from timeshare and travel club owners who were tricked and lied to during their sales presentation.
You can now buy the past research on your resort or club. All research is compiled from public records, internet and newspapers. If you are ordering the DIY Get Out book then the research with save you many hours of work.
If your resort or club is not listed to the right please email me at notimeshare@gmail.com to find out what research is available. I have information on lots of resorts, too many to list on the Buy Now buttons.
Order Research
Get Yourself Out - The Timeshare How To Book for Getting Out
USE THE "BUY NOW" BUTTON ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE PAGE AND LEARN THE SECRET TO GETTING OUT OF THAT TIMESHARE OR TRAVEL CLUB WITHOUT SPENDING A TON OF MONEY. ONLY 49.95 THROUGH PAYPAL.
Ready to get out of that Timeshare or Travel Club? My new book will guide you step by step on how you can get that fraudulent contract cancelled and get money refunded.
My book will guide you step by step on how to present your case to the resorts or travel club demanding out of your contract and money back.
It includes letters you need to cancel your autodraft, stop harrassing collection calls, contacting the proper government offices and how to get help from the media.
You will start by sending a dispute letter stating your intentions, and informing them to stop the auto payments and you will be sending evidence to back up your claim.
The book also includes a questionnaire for you to answer that will remind you of your sales presentation and what promises we're made that we're just not true.
Don't pay some company 1500-2000 dollars to get you out of your contract. You can do it just as effectively at a fraction of their cost. Besides most of these companies list in their fine print, if you are foreclosed on, then they have gotten you out of your timeshare.
Follow these steps and get free of that burden before your next maintenance fees are due.
Email notimeshare@gmail.com for more information or order using Paypal button at right.Book will be delivered in two to three weeks on disk in a pdf format.
Timeshare Datashare: Resort Occupancy Remains Strong in 2011
Provided by ARDA International Foundation
According to the newly released State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry: United States Study, 2012 Edition, the timeshare industry reported an average 78.9% occupancy rate in 2011, compared with a 60% occupancy rate for the hotel industry. (Source: "STR Monthly Hotel Review: December 2011" Smith Travel Research)
Owners, their guests and exchange participants accounted for about 64% of available intervals. Renters accounted for another 12%, while marketing guests contributed another 3%. The percentage of occupancy related to rentals is up this year from 10% last year.
Occupancy Breakouts
Source: State of the Vacation Timeshare Industry: United States Study, 2012 Edition, conducted for the AIF by Ernst & Young
With numbers the industry is seeing, why can't you get into the resorts? The average is 21% vacant. With 3% being used for marketing guests, why are they letting potential members stay at the resorts and telling the owner there is no room for him.
FOX 8 Defenders: Travel company doesn't deliver on promises
New Orleans - Many of us are looking forward to vacations as summer kicks into high gear. But as we plan our getaways, others are plotting too.
The FOX 8 Defenders and the National Council of Jewish Women are getting complaints about everything from mis-leading travel deals to full-fledged scams.
Three different consumers have called the FOX 8 Defenders for help dealing with the same company, an adventure travel outfit that may be offering deals too good to be true.
Every year, people across the world lose millions in travel related scams or vacation packages with hefty, hidden catches aimed at folks looking for a great deal.
The FOX 8 Defenders are trying to help three people who bought into a company called Festiva offering deals like a seven day Caribbean cruise that members would pay just nine dollars for, a savings of 63 percent.
Also offered is a week at a two bedroom Florida condo that most people would pay $899 for, but members could get for just $49 a week. Each one of these people says Festiva initially contacted them, saying they were winners.
All three of the consumers say they were told to come to an office in One Canal Place to receive a free prize. But when they arrived, all three say what they received was a high pressured sales pitch.
All three consumers bought in, signing contracts agreeing to buy memberships worth about $8,000. All three now want their money back, complaining they've not only been hit with surprise fees, but they've also never been able to redeem those free gifts or any of the vacation deals they were told about in the sales pitch.
The Better Business Bureau says, with some companies, that free gift can be a warning sign of problems to come.
After repeatedly calling but getting no answer, the Defenders went up to Festiva's sales office in Canal Place looking for answers. No one was there, but the hallway door was open and the office appeared ready for business with presentation rooms set up and advertisements touting Festiva's vacation getaways.
After multiple tries, the Defenders finally reached someone at Festiva's corporate office who explained Festiva uses third party vendors for many services like those promised "free" gifts.
Festiva says it will review the individual details of each of our consumers' complaints to see if there's been a mis-understanding.
The BBB recommends people always pay with a credit card when purchasing travel packages. Most credit card companies offer the consumer a chance to dispute the charges if the services are never received.
If you have a consumer problem, call the FOX 8 Defenders at 1-877-670-6397.
The FOX 8 Defenders and the National Council of Jewish Women are getting complaints about everything from mis-leading travel deals to full-fledged scams.
Three different consumers have called the FOX 8 Defenders for help dealing with the same company, an adventure travel outfit that may be offering deals too good to be true.
Every year, people across the world lose millions in travel related scams or vacation packages with hefty, hidden catches aimed at folks looking for a great deal.
The FOX 8 Defenders are trying to help three people who bought into a company called Festiva offering deals like a seven day Caribbean cruise that members would pay just nine dollars for, a savings of 63 percent.
Also offered is a week at a two bedroom Florida condo that most people would pay $899 for, but members could get for just $49 a week. Each one of these people says Festiva initially contacted them, saying they were winners.
All three of the consumers say they were told to come to an office in One Canal Place to receive a free prize. But when they arrived, all three say what they received was a high pressured sales pitch.
All three consumers bought in, signing contracts agreeing to buy memberships worth about $8,000. All three now want their money back, complaining they've not only been hit with surprise fees, but they've also never been able to redeem those free gifts or any of the vacation deals they were told about in the sales pitch.
The Better Business Bureau says, with some companies, that free gift can be a warning sign of problems to come.
After repeatedly calling but getting no answer, the Defenders went up to Festiva's sales office in Canal Place looking for answers. No one was there, but the hallway door was open and the office appeared ready for business with presentation rooms set up and advertisements touting Festiva's vacation getaways.
After multiple tries, the Defenders finally reached someone at Festiva's corporate office who explained Festiva uses third party vendors for many services like those promised "free" gifts.
Festiva says it will review the individual details of each of our consumers' complaints to see if there's been a mis-understanding.
The BBB recommends people always pay with a credit card when purchasing travel packages. Most credit card companies offer the consumer a chance to dispute the charges if the services are never received.
If you have a consumer problem, call the FOX 8 Defenders at 1-877-670-6397.
FOX 8 Defenders: Investigation launched into travel company
After the FOX 8 Defenders first report featured three consumers who allege Festiva Adventure Travel scammed them, 15 more complaints, all mirroring the originals, came to the Defender's attention.
In October 2009, Ronald Dwyer says he received a phone call from Festiva that intrigued him.
"When they contacted me, they told me I had one of three prizes; A Ford Explorer, a 42 inch TV or a seven day cruise," Dwyer recalled.
Hoping they'd won the SUV, Dwyer and his wife came to Festiva's offices in One Canal Place to claim their prize.
"The first thing they asked me was if I had a major credit card. I didn't know what I needed a credit card for. I just came to see if I won a prize," said Dwyer.
Dwyer says he ended up sitting through a Festiva vacation plan explanation lasting several hours.
"It's a high pitch sale. They usher you from one room to another room trying to get you to sign something because they sweeten the deal, you know."
Eventually, Dwyer signed the deal to finance a vacation plan after he says he was offered one more free gift.
"Another guy came in there and he says this is what we can do. We can give you a cruise for three days free," Dwyer says.
At 17 percent interest, Dwyer put $1,600 on a credit card, then agreed to pay monthly payments of $134. His membership is for 40 years. two months later, Dwyer says he received a bill for a maintenance fee which he says he was never told about.
"I'm like, I haven't even gone anywhere. What's the maintenance fee? What are y'all maintaining?" Dwyer wondered.
Dwyer also says he either never received or was never able to use his free gifts, so he tried to contact Festiva.
"I wasn't able to talk to anyone. That's another problem I had with them. When you call, you just get an answering service. You wind up just talking to machines. I'm like, this ain't getting nowhere and that's when I contacted the FOX 8 Defenders."
It turns out the FOX 8 Defenders aren't the only ones looking into Festiva.
Louisiana's Assistant Attorney General David Caldwell says his office's consumer protection division has opened a civil investigation into Festiva as well as attornery's general offices in seven other states.
Caldwell says a confidentiality agreement bars him from disclosing the specifics of the investigations, but that it, like all civil investigations, seeks to make those who have filed complaints whole.
But Caldwell isn't stopping there.
He's also opening a criminal investigation into Festiva to determine if there's been any theft by fraud.
In a written response, Festiva says these are false allegations and that its sales staff goes to "great length to ensure out interactions with consumers are fair and accurate."
Festiva says an internal survey shows customer satisfaction in the New Orleans sales site is above 95 percent.
Festiva says it carefully reviews every customer complaint. The Festiva staff determined Mr. Dwyer did not have a legitimate complaint.
Meantime, the Louisiana Attorney General's office would like to hear from you if you have a complaint against Festiva.
If you have a consumer problem, call the FOX 8 Defenders at 1-877-670-6397.
In October 2009, Ronald Dwyer says he received a phone call from Festiva that intrigued him.
"When they contacted me, they told me I had one of three prizes; A Ford Explorer, a 42 inch TV or a seven day cruise," Dwyer recalled.
Hoping they'd won the SUV, Dwyer and his wife came to Festiva's offices in One Canal Place to claim their prize.
"The first thing they asked me was if I had a major credit card. I didn't know what I needed a credit card for. I just came to see if I won a prize," said Dwyer.
Dwyer says he ended up sitting through a Festiva vacation plan explanation lasting several hours.
"It's a high pitch sale. They usher you from one room to another room trying to get you to sign something because they sweeten the deal, you know."
Eventually, Dwyer signed the deal to finance a vacation plan after he says he was offered one more free gift.
"Another guy came in there and he says this is what we can do. We can give you a cruise for three days free," Dwyer says.
At 17 percent interest, Dwyer put $1,600 on a credit card, then agreed to pay monthly payments of $134. His membership is for 40 years. two months later, Dwyer says he received a bill for a maintenance fee which he says he was never told about.
"I'm like, I haven't even gone anywhere. What's the maintenance fee? What are y'all maintaining?" Dwyer wondered.
Dwyer also says he either never received or was never able to use his free gifts, so he tried to contact Festiva.
"I wasn't able to talk to anyone. That's another problem I had with them. When you call, you just get an answering service. You wind up just talking to machines. I'm like, this ain't getting nowhere and that's when I contacted the FOX 8 Defenders."
It turns out the FOX 8 Defenders aren't the only ones looking into Festiva.
Louisiana's Assistant Attorney General David Caldwell says his office's consumer protection division has opened a civil investigation into Festiva as well as attornery's general offices in seven other states.
Caldwell says a confidentiality agreement bars him from disclosing the specifics of the investigations, but that it, like all civil investigations, seeks to make those who have filed complaints whole.
But Caldwell isn't stopping there.
He's also opening a criminal investigation into Festiva to determine if there's been any theft by fraud.
In a written response, Festiva says these are false allegations and that its sales staff goes to "great length to ensure out interactions with consumers are fair and accurate."
Festiva says an internal survey shows customer satisfaction in the New Orleans sales site is above 95 percent.
Festiva says it carefully reviews every customer complaint. The Festiva staff determined Mr. Dwyer did not have a legitimate complaint.
Meantime, the Louisiana Attorney General's office would like to hear from you if you have a complaint against Festiva.
If you have a consumer problem, call the FOX 8 Defenders at 1-877-670-6397.
$40 Dollar Gas Card Gift
Resorts are calling on people and promising them a $40 Gas Card for sitting through a 90 minute presentation. If only it were that simple, first off the 90 minute presentation lasts 3 to 4 hours, then when it comes time for the gas card you instead get a certificate, where you put ten dollars in your gas tank, mail the certificate in and the gas receipt and they will send you a ten dollars gas card. This goes on until you have redeemed the 40 dollars. Most people send off for maybe one and then it's forgotten. Hmmm you think that's what they count on? A lot of people drive to the resort expecting the $40 for gas to get back home, well be prepared the resort doesn't care and they claim they have nothing to do with it. Lie, they know exactly what will happen at the end of the tour, and will laugh about it. Do not rely on having an extra 40 bucks to get you back home.
Get Out Now
Most timeshare resorts will refund a member if it means stopping lots of bad publicity and a nasty lawsuit that will make public, their dirty little secrets.
They don't want you to know this, and will make you sign a "gag" agreement not to disclose any settlement. And they will sue you if you break the agreement.
I have helped owners get out of their contracts using the Breach of the Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing clause. I also will list your timeshare for sale for NO Money up front. You pay a 6% commission when it sells and you have the money in your hands. If you wish to just get rid of the timeshare and give it away, I charge nothing. No tricks, no scams. Email me at notimeshare@gmail.com
This is why we are so successful, we research every aspect of the resort, from business dealings to background checks on salespeople. We find the information that will get you, your money back.
They don't want you to know this, and will make you sign a "gag" agreement not to disclose any settlement. And they will sue you if you break the agreement.
I have helped owners get out of their contracts using the Breach of the Implied Covenant of Good Faith and Fair Dealing clause. I also will list your timeshare for sale for NO Money up front. You pay a 6% commission when it sells and you have the money in your hands. If you wish to just get rid of the timeshare and give it away, I charge nothing. No tricks, no scams. Email me at notimeshare@gmail.com
This is why we are so successful, we research every aspect of the resort, from business dealings to background checks on salespeople. We find the information that will get you, your money back.
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