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February 22, 2019
New Mexico’s Legal & Financial Weekly
Vol. 9.99 No. 8
FORECLOSURE SALES: 0 PROBATE: 31 AUCTIONS: 5 NOTICE OF SUITS: 5 OTHER: 40 SPANISH NOTICES: 0
Coalition Vows To Reform Dark Underbelly Of Timeshare Industry
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he timeshare industry is infamous for perceived high-pressure sales techniques, for locking millions of people in perpetuity with noncancelable contracts, and for practices that can make it difficult for owners to vacation where and when they want. Dozens of lawsuits have alleged that consumers are subject to fraud, deception, preying on the elderly, and violations of numerous local, state and federal regulations. Now, the Coalition to Reform Timeshare (CRT) has been launched to advocate for the rights of over 9 million timeshare owners in the U.S.
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“The timeshare industry has a dark underbelly and it is time for reform,” said Brandon Reed, a founding member of the Coalition. “The Coalition to Reform Timeshare will be forcefully advocating for a strict code of ethics for timeshare companies, transparency in their sales techniques, and for the rights of all timeshare owners.”
“I mean, we got that notice and we about fell over,” said Mrs. Lusk. “Nineteen thousand−plus dollars for one year. Just maintenance fees.” Mr. Lusk agreed, “We really lost sleep over that.”
Large numbers of timeshare owners reAnd the Lusk family is not alone. Accordgret their purchases. Contributing to this ing to an August 2017 survey, 47 percent of dissatisfaction are the financial burdens timeshare owners want out of their contract of steadily growing maintenance fees because of money-related issues. However, that average almost $1,000 a year, high the resale market for timeshares is virtually interest rates on financing, a virtually nonexistent. A quick search on the Internet shows that hundreds of timenonexistent resale market, and the inability for owners to ever cancel shares are listed on eBay for as little as a penny. their timeshares, according to recent industry reports. Betty Lusk, 88, from Sun City West, Ariz., recently tried to get out of a timeshare contract that she and her husband Frank Lusk, 89, were sold, but found it would be nearly impossible. After a high-pressure sales pitch, the couple soon learned the contract they signed was totally different than what they understood it to be. Then, not only would the company not let them opt out, but they were shocked when they received the bill for their annual fees.
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“Together, we are going to change the way the timeshare industry works by finally holding the big developers’ feet to the fire of honesty and consumer fairness,” said Reed. The Coalition to Reform Timeshare is inviting individual timeshare owners and organizations to become members to share personal stories of problems with timeshare ownership and bring change to the industry. To join the Coalition or share your story, go to www.ReformTimeshare. org. -(NAPSI)
Helping Heroes
he Department of Defense reports that 1.3 million Americans serve In addition to aiding military members and their families, the in the military. American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to disaster victims; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; If you or someone you care about is ever among them and sent teaches lifesaving skills; and provides humanitarian aid. A not-foroverseas, you may be glad to learn about an organization that’s been profit organization, it depends on volunteers and the generosity of the assisting members of the U.S. armed forces, veterans and their families American public. since the early 1900s: the American Red Cross. It provides emergency communication services, resiliency programs and morale activities. Learn More “We are committed to delivering critical services with a caring touch The free Hero Care App helps members of the military and veteran wherever and whenever they’re needed—24 hours a day, seven days a communities access emergency and other Red Cross services anywhere week, 365 days a year—for military members and their families at home in the world. and around the world,” said Koby Langley, senior vice president for Service to the Armed Forces at the Red Cross. Go to your app store or text GETHEROCARE to 90999 to download the app. For further facts, visit www.redcross.org. Now, the organization is expanding support for U.S. military personnel in Eastern Europe with a new office in Romania. -(NAPSI)