Timeshares were hugely popular in the 1970s and 1980s, giving many people the opportunity of a regular holiday abroad in sunnier climates when they might not have otherwise been able to afford it. Although timeshares, and their associated scams, don’t hit headlines as much as they used in the past, they are still popular today.
Whilst still giving people a chance to own their own ‘bit of paradise’ abroad, the main difference between the timeshares 30 or 40 years ago and now is that they are far more complex and convoluted. This means that getting out of a timeshare is, in many cases, far harder and often requires the help of solicitors that specialise in timeshare scams.
That’s what we do at Sarah Waddington Solicitors. We focus on timeshare scams and are here to help people deal with the problems associated with timeshare selling scams.
How timeshare scams evolve
Most timeshare scams come via cold calling; this is when you receive a call from someone or a company you don’t know who promote a service or product. However, not all services are truthful or legitimate. Whilst they might claim to be genuine, in reality they are timeshare companies. In addition, they don’t like taking ‘no’ for an answer, which means they can become forceful, aggressive and even threatening.
They will often add an incentive you can’t refuse or persuade you that they will buy your timeshare back if you decide it’s not for you. Actually, this doesn’t happen; usually because you are tied up in so much legal ‘red tape’ that it’s almost impossible to get out of your timeshare commitment. In fact, you could end up paying out far more money than you originally planned.
How do I get out of my timeshare?
If you’re stuck in a timeshare and can’t get out, or you think you’re in a timeshare scam, it is always better to seek legal help. Timeshare contracts are usually very long, highly complex and diverse documents that are often difficult to follow, let alone understand.
You may also find that your attempt to get out of your timeshare is actually making the situation even more stressful as you find the timeshare company has an answer to every issue. Chances are, you have been mis-sold a timeshare by a company that may not have been as truthful and legitimate as they initially inferred.
At Sarah Waddington Solicitors, we specialise in timeshares and are equipped with the right knowledge and experience to deal with contract law and timeshare cancellations. In many cases, we find that timeshare companies are keen to resolve your issues quickly when you involve a solicitor as they want to avoid any potential litigation.
If you have been approached by a timeshare company and are thinking of going ahead, before you sign any paperwork or contracts, make sure you have read the documents thoroughly. You should have a clear understanding about your commitments, including your total financial responsibility and the full costs involved, such as fees, maintenance and assessments. You should also know your options should you wish to sell your timeshare at a later date, as well as understanding your legal rights and obligations in the country you are buying your timeshare.
If in any doubt, please contact us first.
