Timeshare Scam - A friend in need
 

I very good friend is going crazy trying to get out of a timeshare signed up in Mexico. He realized it was a bad move and tried to cancel within the 5 days allowed by Mexican law. The sales rep didn't turn in the cancelation paper to the office, now my friend feels stuck and not sure where to turn. Tried to cancel the charge card he used, but that doesn't sound like it will work to cancel the contract. Also contacted a Mexican government agency Profeco to try to get out that way, but not hopeful there either. ;( Has anyone else been in this situation and been able to get out of it? How??? Thanks and hugs to any of you that may have some words to help.

I would have them dispute the charge with the credit card company. Usually they will be on your side. Also contact the consumer protection agency or attorney general in your home state. Good luck.

I went to Cancun with BFF about 4 years ago and got roped into taking a tour of a time share property. It was huge and just not something I would be interested in. The time share people had picked us up at our hotel, about a 30 minute drive to the time share resort and we received a buffet brunch (no charge to us). We took the tour which lasted about an hour. We told the tour guide that we weren't interested, she kept pressuring us and we kept saying no. She then had us go into an office with another representative (male). He kept pressuring us but we stood our ground. Finally, I told him that I was unemployed (not a lie at that time). He became angry and we were actually a bit scared. He slammed our folder down on his desk and told us we could leave. They refused to take us back to hour hotel (as they were supposed to do). We wound up having to take a cab at the cost of $60. I tell everyone to beware of these situations. I was scared until we got off their property. Good luck to your friend, hope everything turns out well for him.

that is scarey. it is a shame sometimes how
the world is turning out.

Well, if she has it paid in full, she can get rid of it quickly by contacting http://www.donateforacause.org/index.php. They will let you donate your timeshare to charity, and in return you get a tax receipt, which usually amounts to a few thousand dollars back at tax time. They were recently on today show too, http://video.today.msnbc.msn.com/today/45582580

I wonder what charity does with it?

That doesn't always work either. From what I understand until the charity sells the timeshare you are still responsible for the payments and yearly maintenance fee.

I can't imagine Mexico coming after your friend for breach of promise. Tell him to tell them there's no extradition policy on his card........which I would cancel. I think I would stay away from Mexico if I was him.

Remember the old saying...IF IT TO GOOD TO TRUE, THAN IT IS NOT TRUE ( or a good deal)

Thank you for the thoughts. The folks he delt with threatened him with turning it over to a collection agency. It is in dispute with the charge card company, but no word yet. This has taken a toll on him, he's not himself for fear of what trouble he may headed for if the Mexican govt. agency PERFECO can't/won't force the timeshare company to cancel without further harrassment.