Black list, grey list, white list. Timeshare Consumer Association keeps tabs on the fraudsters

Timeshare Consumer Association has catalogued many hundreds of fake timeshare law firms.  24 years of user generated feedback make TCA the number one resource when checking who can be trusted

People want out

It is no secret that more and more timeshare owners want to get out of their memberships.  The outdated timeshare model has become an expensive commitment with few real benefits, as non members can now usually book into the same resorts through regular booking sites.  

Members no longer want to be tied into annual fee payments that often rise more sharply than inflation.

Compensation claims

Due to most timeshare resorts ignoring legislation enacted in 1999 to protect consumers from high pressure sales tactics, a flood of successful claims have been made against the offenders.  Anyone who bought in Spain, during or after 1999, who paid a deposit on the day, whose contract is for points or floating time, or whose contract is for over 50 years is eligible for sometimes significant amounts of compensation.

So many fraudsters

"The trouble is," says Daniel Keating, information officer for the Timeshare Consumer Association (TCA), "that if you Google 'how to get out of my timeshare' or 'claim compensation for mis-sold timeshare,' nearly every result that shows up is a fraudulent organisation.  

"These criminals will sound genuine, and have fooled vast amounts of intelligent people already, but will do nothing but take your money.  They will not provide the promised service, rather they will disappear once you have paid.  

"Unless you have paid by credit card you will have no recourse."

Black list, grey list, white list

"The way we grade these organisations is in three lists," continues Keating.  "Nearly every single outfit out there is on our Black List, unfortunately.  This means they are 100% fraudsters.  If you give them money, you have lost that money.

"Next we have a Grey List.  This is a far smaller list.  These are firms that we don't yet have enough concrete feedback to say they are criminals.  But we certainly couldn't recommend them as trustworthy without more evidence.  Statistically speaking, Grey List firms are almost certain to end up on our Black List

"Then we have the White List.  These are what you would expect:  Firms who do what they promise, who can be trusted, and are capable of doing the work.

"The White List is incredibly small.  Currently there are only three firms that make this list.  Think about that:  From all the hundreds of firms out there that we have investigated, there are only three that can be trusted."

Check first before giving any money

"Our information is constantly updated with every new report the TCA receives daily, so we don't publish our current lists as those pages would be around as screenshots forever even if the information changes," explains Daniel.  "But anyone who wants to know who can be trusted is welcome to contact us at the TCA.  Our service is free, accurate and up to date.

"Timeshare owners thinking of retaining a firm to help them escape an unwanted membership, or to check if they may be eligible for compensation over being mis-sold, is encouraged to call or email us at the Timeshare Consumer Association first.

"Ideally, get in touch with us before you give any money to a firm claiming to be able to help you.

"Even if you have made a payment, still get in touch, and we can advise you on your next move.

"Please do contact us for free, independent advice on these subjects, or any other timeshare related issue."