How to Stay Safe

Yourtimeshare recommends that consumers should be extremely cautious of resale companies that:

Make an unsolicited contact i.e. a cold call

Request any form of upfront payment:

Common reasons for an upfront fee are: deposits, administration fees, bonds of trust, surety against withdrawal, insurance cover, validity survey, land registry tax, certificate charge and VAT.

Ensure you always make a payment with your credit card as you would be fully protected under laws governing the use of Credit Cards (Consumer Credit Act 1974 section 75).

Ask for assurances that they will not take any upfront payment.

Never send them your Ownership or Reclaim Certificate.

These people have unlimited imaginations when it comes to stealing your money so don’t trust them – no matter how convincing and reassuring they may seem.

If you have been contacted by any company regarding Reclaim Certificates or CashBack schemes.

Please do not hesitate get contact us directly: yourtimeshare@hush.com

Kelly Consultants

Another cold caller for our lists: Kelly Consultants from Ireland. They have started their campaign not so long ago and are keen to offer their help with a reclaim.

No explanation on how they obtained the details from the timeshare consumer of course!

Kelly Consultants is actually a UK Companies House registered entity and the registration number is NI055159

Their address Drummore Road, Kilkeel, Co Down, BT34 4LU, Ireland

Contact number 003453 14428617

The person calling Kelly Consultants is Ann Connor, who explains that they are duly registered as a tax consultancy and is very insisting on the fact that the consumer can verify that they are a “Bona Fide” company. The consumer can do this by calling another number and speak to a so called “Legal Advisor”. The name of this legal advisor is Lucy Alexander and the number to call 03300010329

After calling the legal consultant, Kelly Consultants calls back the consumer and continues the previous story about the reclaim and the fact that they have recovered money from the Spanish Government to be paid out to the victims of the scam.

For them to process the claim the consumer has to purchase £500 worth of UKASH Vouchers, give them part of the numbers but hold on to the vouchers until they have completed the claim.

Oops, that sounds familiar and rather worrying!

Did we not see this story already on this blog? Indeed we did!

There are two more companies that actually use or used the same method to convince consumers that they would recover money for them through a claim.

Asset Accounting Services Ltd
Financial Associates Ltd

We appreciate the fact that Kelly Consultants is registered as a company, but the fact that they cold call a timeshare consumer, have his personal details and membership details, claims to recover money from a claim nobody knew about and ask for UKASH vouchers to be purchased..Well it sounds very worrying!

Have you been called by Kelly Consultants from 00345314428617 ?

Please let us know: yourtimeshare@hush.com

“We are sorry but the sale has fallen through?” Sound Familiar?

How many consumers have heard this in the past months / years, after dealing with a resale company and worse of all, after paying an upfront fee?

It all starts off so easy, this nice lady or man calls up with this incredible but yet very serious looking offer for a (guaranteed) timeshare resale.

They present the company credibility’s by explaining how successful they are in resale, their connections to large companies or resorts and their flashing website.

Even the question on where they obtained the consumers details is answered with a logical explanation, and anyway the consumer is actually keen to sell so this must be his lucky day, why question it?

Sometimes because of the need or urgency to sell, consumers do not hear the alarm bells ringing when the agent asks what the membership is, should they not know if they have a buyer lined up?

But the sales price sounds right, well a bit more than expected, but he ho, we’re not going to complain are we?

And then John, Clare, Terry, David, Louise or whatever name they give, is breaking the last bit of news about the sale.

We need a deposit. We need a security fee…WHY?

Well, it has happened in the past that people agreed to sell but once they received the money in their account the refused to send off the deeds.

So in order to make sure the sale is finalized correctly we need to take a refundable deposit.

Well, that sounds reasonable, no? Why should they trust you?

So the credit card comes out and the money is taken straight away..

After this call, most of the consumers have the funny feeling something didn’t go right there, but of course after paying the money and thinking you are finally going to sell the timeshare…let’s hope for the best.

The contract arrives by email. And a credit card receipt to be signed off.
Few people actually notice the clause in the contract that states:

“The company acts solely as an agent and therefore cannot be held liable in the event that a purchaser fails to complete. Should this be the case, The Company will continue to market the ownership for the duration of the contract terms of one year”

After the 4, 6 or 8 weeks the long expected phone call does not arrive and neither the cheque in the post. For those keen to know what is going on, the numerous phone calls start here, and the few times the calls are actually answered.

Then the news…the sale has fallen through!

Bang, that’s it..

And here you are with a marketing contract for a certain period of time, for which you paid a large sum of money and of which we know already no successful sale has ever come out…

Claiming back your money for the credit card payment is possible. But please note that neither the bank nor your credit card company is jumping up and down to refund you. They will question the contract, as after all you signed for a 1 year marketing agreement, no? Or the money has been taken by a third party company…and the bank denies a refund due to the different name on the receipt…

Please don’t let them fool you with their smooth talk, guaranteed sales and illegal upfront fee! And less when they even have the nerve to say the payment is protected…because the resale company will protest as much as they can to the bank to avoid the refund, believe me!

Is the above your story and you are still waiting for this sale to happen?

Don’t be ashamed to tell us. They should be ashamed by defrauding you in such a bad manner!

Please let us know and we will do all we can to help you!

Have you received a Membership fee bill from Pro Travel Solutions?

In the past weeks we have received numerous emails from consumers who were surprised by receiving a Membership fee bill for their DWVC membership, requested by a company called Pro Travel Solutions.

But who is Pro Travel Solutions?

Pro Travel Solutions is the former Timelinx Group. They have been slowly replacing its main holiday club membership Designer Way Vacation Club for the Marketing Agency Agreement Personal Travel Group – http://www.personaltravelgroup.com for which the inventory is provided by the travel agency Pro Travel Solutions Plc.

Incentive Leisure Group Ltd in Gibraltar ceased trading in January 2011. This company was Timelinx´ last marketer using such name which was operative, as the listed ones at UK Companies House had also been dissolved earlier – i.e. Incentive Leisure Group (Milton Keynes) Ltd. & Incentive Leisure Group (U.K.) Ltd.).

It seems now that in spite of ILG going into liquidation, Pro Travel Solutions is trying to continue their business and is doing mailings to DWVC members asking for the £75 membership fee.

Pro Travel Solutions states their address in the emails they send out as; Waterpark Business Centre, C/Rio Darro 2, Mijas Costa, Málaga, 29649, Spain. But this is very strange as these offices were abandoned last year when ILG went into liquidation and have been empty ever since.

Their contact number is 0871 971 1170

The email they send out includes the following information:

“We have lots of fabulous special offers on http://www.thetraveller-online.com or if you have any special requests, just give one of our travel consultants a call on 0871 971 1170 and they will search out the best offers.
Remember booking now for your summer holiday means you can take advantage of the Early Bird Discounts, email reservations@protravelsolutions.co.uk”

Do they really pretend as if nothing has happened and DWVC is going on and people are “happy members” of their Holiday Club?
Who are they trying to fool?

Have you received an invoice from Pro Travel Solutions?

Please let us know!

Incentive Leisure Group, DWVC, Timelinx, Reclaim Ltd (UPDATE)

To the best of my knowledge, Incentive Leisure Group Ltd Gibraltar – main marketer of Timelinx Group – http://www.timelinx.com/en/ – has ceased trading early this year. Even Incentive Leisure Group´s site includes more information about its alleged current legal status, and of its cashback scheme, Reclaim Ltd – http://www.leisuregroup.net/.

The following article published in the Daily Mirror last January would support the view that ILG is not active anymore in the UK soil. Some comments added to the article would show that ILG had sacked its entire staff, and closed down their offices in Costa del Sol, and the UK. We also have other sources who would confirm this information.

Incentive Leisure and Personal Travel go AWOL – January 19th, Daily Mirror

http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/investigations/2011/01/incentive-leisure-and-personal.html

However recent information obtained in March which still needs verification would tell us that although the Timelinx Group has closed its UK operations; still its Personal Travel Group (PTG) scheme – http://www.personaltravelgroup.com – is still operating from Gibraltar.

As indicated Incentive Leisure Group Ltd in Gibraltar ceased trading last January. This company was Timelinx´s last marketer using such name which was operative, as the companies listed with the same name at the UK Companies House had been dissolved earlier – i.e. Incentive Leisure Group (Milton Keynes) Ltd. & Incentive Leisure Group (U.K.) Ltd.).

Moreover the Office of Fair Trading had announced last December that it was taking to Court to Incentive Leisure Group, Personal Travel Group, and Geo Demographic Market Research Ltd (previously known as the Direct Marketing Partnership Group Ltd), although this is a matter about which we do not have further information though – http://www.oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2010/146-10

On 21 January 2011 the Gibraltar Chronicle published a Legal Notice – http://www.oft.gov.uk/shared_oft/consumer-enforcement/gibraltar-chronicle.pdf – stating that Incentive Leisure Group Limited, would be wound up by way of creditor’s voluntary liquidation.

The OFT has informed the liquidator about its action in the UK and its interest in the proposed liquidation. In the meantime, the OFT claims that it will continue its action against ILG, and other defendants in the UK, and monitoring the place in Gibraltar.

Another worrying sign that tell us that the Timelinx Group might not have completely stopped trading, it is that besides the information gathered that tell us that Personal Travel Group (PTG) might be still operating from Gibraltar, it is also that we have detected a warning on cold callers published on the website of the bogus holiday club membership, Designer Way Vacation Club (DWVC) – http://www.dwvc.com/en/ – marketed until recently by ILG itself.

We have also some evidences that tell us that the Incentive Leisure Group might have ceased trading in South Africa late last year, as a result of the death of Garry Leigh – Timelinx Group´s top guy and founder – closing down its two sales decks, located in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and transferring at the same time, the handling of the holiday bookings of the DWVC Members, to Pro Travel Solutions, in the UK.

This is the information we have currently about ILG, and other Timelinx companies, however it would require further investigation to be 100% certain about the current status of the Timelinx Group.

Please, if you have some new information about this group of companies, contact us.

yourtimeshare@hush.com

Has Incentive Leisure Group ceased trading?

To the best of my knowledge, ILG Ltd Gibraltar has ceased to trade. Even Incentive Leisure Group’s site includes more information about its alleged current legal status – http:/www.leisuregroup.net/.

This is the information provided by Incentive Leisure Group last January 25th, 2011:

INCENTIVE LEISURE GROUP LIMITED
(In Creditors Liquidation)

On 25 January 2011, at a meeting of the members of Incentive Leisure Group Limited, Keith Lawrence FCA was appointed Liquidator of the company. This was then confirmed by a meeting of the creditors held on the same day.

Any creditors with a claim against the Liquidation should send an email to liquid.ilg@keithlawrence.gi with details of their claim. However the Liquidators initial review of the information provided to him would seem to indicate that there will not be any funds available for distribution to creditors of the company.

Please note that the liquidation refers solely to the Gibraltar registered company, Incentive Leisure Group Limited.

We are aware that clients have been contacted by individuals purporting to represent companies using various other names e.g. Future Group Administration, Travel Group Administration, Fraser & Ward, Offshore Solutions, Pro-Call Corporate Services and Reclaim Investment Bank and asking for money to be sent to them. We would strongly advise that you do not send any money and contact Reclaim Limited.

_____

Regarding that, the Office of Fair Trading is taking to Court to a number of companies, including among them Incentive Leisure Group, this is a matter about which we do not have further information though – ww.oft.gov.uk/news-and-updates/press/2010/146-10 .

Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation

On 21 January 2011 the Gibraltar Chronicle published a Legal Notice (pdf 455kb) stating that Incentive Leisure Group Limited would be wound up by way of creditor’s voluntary liquidation.

The OFT has informed the liquidator about its action in the UK and its interest in the proposed liquidation.

In the meantime, the OFT will be continuing its action against ILG and other defendants in the UK and monitoring the position in Gibraltar.

http://www.oft.gov.uk/OFTwork/consumer-enforcement/consumer-enforcement-current/holiday-products/

If you have dealt with this company and hold a Reclaim certificate and are due money back.. Then please contact get in touch as we can help with pointing you in the right direction so that you can reclaim your money back.

A good company to contact for reclaiming your money & for enquiries regarding Reclaim Certificates, DWVC Packs and CashBack is:

“CIS Ltd” 02031371898

They do charge a fee, but its not upfront.. (Upfront fees are illegal)

A consultant is sent out to your house and will sort everything for you so that you definitely receive money back.. Although you will only get approx. 62% back. Better than nothing..

Did you write to Club Class, ITRA, Cashback Europe or Reclaim using their Gibraltar address at Garrison House?

The Financial Services Commission (‘FSC’) in Gibraltar has issued a warning to the public about the address: Garrison House, Library Ramp, Gibraltar

Please read it: http://www.fsc.gi/enforcement/fscwarning0020.htm

This follows repeated references to this address as the Gibraltar office of unlicensed entities, which have been carrying on financial services business and have been the subject of enquiries received at the FSC.

The FSC’s investigations have shown that the majority of entities that claim to be at this address are not incorporated in Gibraltar and often have no discernible presence in any other jurisdiction and which may well be bogus. Their sole link to this address appears to be as recipients of a mail forwarding service.

You’ll never guess which known companies are registered or linked to this address, Garrison House, Library Ramp, Gibraltar..

Club Class International PLC
Club Class Concierge Ltd
Club Class Holdings Ltd
Club Class Services sarl
Club Class Plc
Global Vacations Ltd
Reclaim Ltd
Leisure Alliance
Casback Europe Plc
ITRA

The FSC’s link states that generally timeshare schemes and holiday clubs do not fall within the remit of the FSC as they are not carrying on a financial services business as defined in our legislation.

Then, if timeshare schemes and holiday clubs do not fall with their remit, why do they mention it?

Why do FSC invite persons with concerns about timeshare companies, cashback schemes or holiday clubs to contact the Department of Consumer Affairs (Government of Gibraltar) on (+350) 20050788 or (+350) 20044871 or by email to conaffairs@gibtelecom.net?

Yes. You are reading my mind.

Will it be because they are receiving complaints from timeshare owners and other consumers regarding companies registered at this address: Garrison House, Library Ramp, Gibraltar?

If this is your case, I invite you to contact the Department of Consumer Affairs of Gibraltar.

Barela Tovar, lawyers from Cádiz, Spain reclaiming money from your Cashback..

Amazing how many “Spanish” Lawyers office are dedicated to cold calls and reclaiming CashBacks lately! Barela Tovar is one of them and calls timeshare consumers out of the blue to bring them the good news!

Yes, Barela Tovar is able to claim money from your Reclaim Certificate which apparently wasn’t registered with the Spanish Government in the first year of its existence.

That’s a new story! And of course, here is Barela Tovar to help the consumer even without them asking for it!

Barela Tovar is based in Cádiz. Their address shown on the letter headed paper is:

Calle Acacias 15B Cádiz, 11007 Spain Telephone +34 901 00 92 94 and fax +34 956 92 19 40

Email: barelatovar@email.com

Barela Tovar is not registered with the Spanish Companies House and neither are there lawyers registered at the Spanish Lawyers registration under these surnames.

Barela Tovar goes as far as claiming that the money from the Cashback has been recovered, but due to the substantial amount it is considered as an investment and for this the consumer needs a Spanish Tax Number NIE. They send kindly a general instructions form on how to obtain the details required by the government to release the money, but who fancies queuing up for hours at a police station in a foreign country, with a translator costing a fortune per hour and having to come back 6 weeks later? Nobody!

So Barela Tovar can arrange all of this for you!

We attach to this article the documents received by a consumer where it is all explained by Elisabeth Murray from Barela Tovar.

Please note that whatever they tell you….these people are not for real, there is no money, they are not lawyers and all they want is take advantage of your situation! Do NOT pay them anything!

If you have been called by Barela Tovar from 901009294 please let us know?

“I wish I would have found the yourtimeshare blog earlier..”

How many times have we seen this comment on the yourtimeshare blog? And even more times in the emails we receive from consumers that contact us directly.

We from the yourtimeshare team are working against the clock. Each day we receive emails with names of companies we hadn’t heard from before. Some of these companies are so “openly” fraudulent that we can publish directly, others we need to verify first the facts and ask for more information.

It is therefore that it might happen you get called by a company and this company isn’t mentioned on our blog yet. But this is also why we really want to insist that each call for us is important. Your information is valuable to us and to other consumers!

With thousands of visitors a month to our blog and with just registering with facebook & twitter, we certainly feel we can reach a lot of consumers as soon as we have a new alert.

But there are so many others out there, that haven’t heard of us yet…and sometimes as mentioned above, they only find the blog when it is too late.

We need your help with this! How? Well when you visit your resort, when you speak to other owners, your resort staff, the owners committee….please mention us, and ask them to keep us in mind or even mention us in their publications to the owners.

The more people know about us the better! Let’s stop these fraudsters from taking advantage of consumers! Enough is enough!

“They told me Alberto García is a fraud …”

Another well-known phrase we receive in comments and emails. A lot of the dodgy companies are obviously getting very frustrated with the fact that consumers do their research and even mention in the calls they found the yourtimeshare blog.

Let’s get it clear here…these companies are never going to say anything positive about us, as we clearly have an impact on their dubious income. If in the past without the information they could call consumers and get the credit cards out of people’s wallet without hesitation, now it takes a lot more calls to get to that point…and even then there are so many consumers claiming refunds and banks claiming explanations!

So no, we didn’t expect anybody from the “other side” to speak highly about us. But for those who don’t really know us yet, and are in a doubt…let us just point out the following:

We have provided professional advice before going on the internet to thousands of consumers.

We don’t ask for money, all advice and guidance has been provided absolutely free of charge.

We don’t cold call!

We will continue informing consumers, and we will continue our battle against fraudulent companies!

And please remember whatever they say about us, we are on your side!

For any further info please email us: yourtimeshare@hush.com

Viva, a new cold calling company trying to buy your “DWVC Certificates” but at a cost!

I have received a few emails containing the name “VIVA”.

One email I received from “Sue D”, saying

“yesterday I had a similar cold call from a lady who said Viva would pay us £6’000 for our certificate of DWVC but we were expected to pay first 1,250 euros. I told her it is against the law to cold call and ask for money up front and she was a scam and put the phone down. Has anyone heard from Viva as well?”

So it seems there is another company trying to get money out of timeshare owners..

Why would you pay somebody so that they can buy something off you for more money.. Surely the money would just be deducted.. FUNNY!

Anyone heard from these jokers please let us know!