EUROC Limited, which operates the EUROC Timeshare Support Hub for timeshare members and owners in Europe, has identified a concerning trend affecting former timeshare consumers.
Over the past month, our support hub has received numerous inquiries from UK-based individuals who had previously exited their timeshare agreements, possessing the necessary documentation to confirm their exit.
These individuals are being contacted by third-party organisations claiming their timeshare exit was incomplete and that additional paperwork or certificates are required. In some cases, consumers have parted ways with large sums of money to a third party offering this ‘service’ even though their timeshare contracts have ended.
The tactics of the companies contacting former timeshare members and owners include offers of home visits to check their timeshare paperwork and to commence investigations. These meetings appear to be organised by third-party marketing companies, with the people who attend the meetings claiming to work for organisations that possess contract disputes and legal experience. Reference is also being made to the impact of COVID-19, with organisations claiming that the pandemic affected the efficient management of administration for exiting timeshare members and owners.
Our initial investigations indicate that the affected individuals were indeed legitimately exited from their timeshares and hold the necessary verification documents from their timeshare provider. Furthermore, these individuals do not recall authorising third-party organisations to contact them.
Considering this developing trend, EUROC Limited advises all former timeshare members to take the following precautions:
- Safeguard Documentation: Retain all timeshare exit paperwork in a secure location.
- Exercise Caution: If contacted by an unfamiliar organisation regarding your timeshare exit, exercise extreme caution and avoid engaging in extensive conversations or parting ways with any sums of money.
- Verify with original timeshare provider: If you have any concerns or doubts, contact your former timeshare provider (or their associated trustees) for reassurance and verification of your timeshare exit.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you are contacted without your consent, or if an organisation’s conduct raises concerns, report them to Action Fraud and the Information Commissioner’s Office.
EUROC Limited is committed to assisting former timeshare members and owners in navigating these challenges. If you require further assistance or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact our support hub.
EUROC Timeshare Support Hub: https://euroc.org/support-hub/
ICO: https://ico.org.uk/make-a-complaint/
Action Fraud: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/reporting-fraud-and-cyber-crime