Blueroadrunner often receives email from people who
have fallen prey to a timeshare fraud in other parts
of Mexico. They all voice the same chorus of despair:
"Help us get our money back!"
If
you purchase a timeshare in Mexico, you should know
that Mexican law requires a 5 business day cooling off
period for timeshare purchases. This is known as the
rescission period. However, much like the mail-in-rebate
stratagem, getting the people at the other end to honor
their part of the bargain can be a contentious nightmare.
Somewhere in your contract, probably in its smallest
typeface, will be buried information on your right to
rescind, along with the procedure and the number of
days you have in which to act. Be sure to read this
section thoroughly and follow the procedure as listed
in your contract to the letter if you want to have a
valid rescission. And above all, document everything.
If you have a Mexican contract, even if it does not
list this information -- you have FIVE DAYS. And that's
five calendar days, not five business days, so the sooner
you act, the better. If the Mexican resort had you sign
a waiver to waive your right to rescission, please note
that it is NOT VALID. Mexican law does not allow the
rescind period to be waived. So you can rescind even
if you sign one, though you may have a bit of a battle
ahead of you.
Here are 7 things you can do to avoid timeshare
scams:
1. Don't ever, ever buy (or sell) 'on the spot.' Sleep
on it, and take the time to evaluate whether the deal
is a good one.
2. If you are offered a prize as an incentive, read
the 'fine print' on the prize, and DON'T PAY for anything.
3. Read the contract and have it reviewed by an attorney.
If the sales person promised you something that's not
in the contract, don't sign the contract!
4. If the presentation is too high pressure, leave.
You have every right to leave when you want. Simply
stand up and politely say 'thank you very much but we're
leaving now.' Then go -- don't let them argue with you.
5. Ask for references -- and call them. Ask for folks
who have been happy and unhappy with the previous service.
6. Don't ever call a 1-900 number to book a trip --
it's very likely a scam.
7. Consider a timeshare the same way you'd consider
any other real estate investment. Do research and educate
yourself on the market and the value.
.If you have fallen victim to a timeshare fraud, please
don't email Blueroadrunner.com asking for advice. You
need to contact PROFECO, your
credit card company (if you paid by credit) and quite
likely you will require a lawyer, not a tourist town
information website.