The government of Canada has issued a new travel advisory for Canadians to be aware of high pressure sales tactics used to sell timeshares in Mexico.
In a new advisory, the Government of Canada is informing its citizens to do their homework and be diligent before signing any timeshare contracts.
If you’ve traveled to Mexico, you’ve most likely come across salesmen offering free meals, spa days or even free hotel stays in exchange for attending a timeshare presentation. The following guidelines will help protect you from fraud or illegal contracts.
The Government of Canada warns “Problems with timeshare arrangements occur.”
“Timeshare representatives may be very persistent. They use pressure tactics and offer free tours, meals, gifts or alcoholic beverages.”
“It is illegal for timeshare companies to ask you to sign a waiver that prevents you from cancelling a contract.” the official advisory states. “You are legally entitled to cancel a timeshare contract without penalty within five working days.”
Contracts must be cancelled in writing directly with the timeshare company.
The Canada travel advisory for Mexico also provided tips on thier website on what you should do before purchasing a timeshare.
Before purchasing a timeshare:
- gather as much information as possible
- review carefully the contract; anything not included in the contract will not be honored
- provide your credit card only if you are sure you want to make the purchase
- keep copies of all correspondence
If you suspect a fraud in the real estate procedures, contact the Mexican Government at the Federal Attorney’s Office of Consumer – immediately.
Source: https://www.traveloffpath.com
3 comments
Canadian Wyndham Carriage Hills and Carriage Resorts timeshare will not even allow a medical hardship release. The original marketing flyer said “Freeze the cost of future vacations” yet maintenance fees have risen from $600 to $1500 as retirement income drops. The flyer also said “Worry free vacations” and “Equity $ position” yet Stephanie’s grandmother Sandra is distraught worrying about vacation maintenance fees. Her husband Gary’s pension must be turned over to his skilled care facility. In response to my Inside Timeshare article back in September, I received 131 emails from Canadian residents, Carriage owners, betrayed by false advertising. On Friday I will publish my 10th article about the tragedy of Canada’s consumer protection turning their back on their residents held timeshare hostage. One symptom of Elder Abuse is Financial Exploitation. No one wants to tamper with incoming revenue so point the finger elsewhere. As the late Indian Jesuit priest and psychotherapist Anthony DeMello said, “I’m pointing to the moon and you’re staring at the end of my finger.” Reading the contract would not have helped Carriage Ridge owners. You can’t blame them for believing published marketing materials.
If more Canadian timeshare owners were aware of this article, you would have thousands of responses with the same view – Timeshare Presentations in Canada are just as high pressured, deceptive and predatorial as those in Mexico! We need our Canadian government representing Canadian victims in Canada. It is absolutely criminal that through 4 hours of a presentation you are NEVER EVER informed that an “In Perpetuity” clause is part of the deal. Definition of in perpetuity “something that lasts forever or for an indefinite period of time … where the ownership of a timeshare property extends beyond the original owner’s death”. So you (or your heirs) must pay maintenance fees forever if you can’t find your own buyer …… and at most resorts there is no secondary market demand so you basically CAN’T find someone to buy it from you. How can this continue to be allowed in our Canadian society that is supposed to be based on ethics and fairness? Seriously, don’t point the finger at Mexico because you just have to look in our own backyard to see the devastation caused by timeshare companies and their total disregard for the resulting victims. Our government needs to step in to protect Canadians right here and now to stop this practice and mandate a FAIR presentation that very clearly defines all of the terms of the “deal” you are presented, allows a FAIR amount of time for consideration and – most importantly – bans “in perpetuity” clauses.
I’m glad the government is raising red flags, but it’s rather lame to say “do your homework” before buying. We all did our homework but these companies are convincing and we (timeshare buyers) still got caught in their deceptive promises. The government should put a stop to the unethical marketing of both timeshare companies and the “exit consultants” waiting in the wings ready to take your money with more false promises.