It seems to be that time of the year where holidaymakers are heading to destinations like Tenerife and the Canary Islands and are being ripped off by so called holiday clubs and timeshare schemes. I cannot believe that holidaymakers are still being taken by this old age scam.

Tricks of the trade

Basically, the holidaymaker is confronted and invited to a ‘party’ where they would receive free food and drink. The holidaymaker jumps at the chance, but on arrival they realise that it’s a selling ploy to promote a holiday club trying to sell timeshare holidays.

Another trick is to approach holidaymakers in public places. Potential buyers are offered scratch cards where you can win fantastic prizes such as a free holiday or a voucher towards buying a holiday. You scratch the card, and wow, you’ve won. You are then invited to go and collect your prize.

The consumer is put under immense pressure within these selling meetings.

Some people have money to burn

I have read stories of holidaymakers, who have paid up to £5,000 on the spot, by credit card which entitles them to spend a number of weeks in the club’s resorts each year. The consumer signs a contract but they fail to specify which resorts they can stay in and the dates are left vague.

The holidaymaker returns home, and never hears from the company again. It’s outrageous that this issue has not been tackled and is still going on to this day. In short do not in any circumstances sign up to a holiday club or timeshare without doing your research.

I would like to hear from consumers who have been invited or have joined holiday clubs and have negative or positive experiences.

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