Holiday Club Scams
Have you been approached with a scratch card while on holiday or asked to fill in a form at the airport or supermarket to win a complimentary holiday?
If the answer is yes, you have probably also received a phone call congratulating you on the ‘complimentary holiday’ you have won. Typically, this is followed by an invitation to attend a meeting to claim the holiday to enroll you into a holiday club.
The process:
You might be tempted by glossy brochures presenting you with exclusive vacations in 5-star resorts and hotels in tropical destinations at a fraction of the usual cost. The crucial aspect is purchasing the membership, which will grant you access to affordable luxury holidays worldwide.
Once you have signed up, you realise the destinations are not assured, availability is limited, you have to book months in advance and the prices are not fantastic as advertised.
By now, you’ve likely already agreed to the contract because the salesman sounded so genuine and convincing and the idea of plush affordable holidays sounded exciting at the moment.
Keep in mind that Holiday Club contracts signed in a European Economic Area (EEA) nation are regulated by the Consumer Rights Act 2015, along with Timeshare Regulations, and you are entitled to a two-week cooling-off period.
The tactics:
The presentation can endure all day, and eventually, you agree just to leave the room. Remember, you have 14 days to cancel the agreement.
Alcohol may be provided for relaxation.
You’re presented with an exclusive discount, applicable only at that moment.
You could be discouraged from speaking to other couples who are attending the meeting and you’re not provided with an opportunity in private to discuss the offer.
You are requested to sign the contract there and then without explaining it to you properly or giving you time to review it at your leisure.
If you are already an owner of a Holiday Club product, beware of companies that contact you and propose to purchase or trade your membership. You will very likely end up losing funds or acquiring another product you don’t require.
Check Using Our Claim Calculator to check if you qualify for a Timeshare Release
Our timeshare claim calculator is a fast and easy way to find out how much you could receive in compensation from your mis-sold timeshare.