Complaint / Review
Leisure Resort Specialist
Gary Shepard Purchasing Director, Estela Ruelas bernal Beneficiary of wire transfer, Anthoney Pillar, Mary Mckinney Club Regina Timeshare Resale Scam

I was contacted by a Kathye Johnson, who said that her company was purchasing timeshares from Club Regina for a private buyer, who was interested in buying 100 timeshares. The initial caller ID from this company was displayed as Lucas films. Kathye said the company she represented was Leisure Resort Specialist. They would send you an offer that you could accept or not accept; they take a 5% commission fee out at closing and there would be no additional fees.

I received an email with lots of paperwork from a Mary McKinney, i.E. A sales contract, letter with funding offer to purchase the property, the buyers name, (Mario Alberto Salazar Mendez); the escrow acct # for payment of tax, etc. The next phone call I made to the company, I found out that Kathye was no longer working there.

I spoke with Anthony Pillar who said that Gary Shepard, who speaks English, would call me. Gary explained that for closing you must travel to Mexico or he would act as representative; also the Mexican government requires the seller to pay $2973.00, in SAT taxes, up front. If I was unable to travel, send a letter explaining why and I was to wire $2973 to an escrow account, at Bancomer Bank in Mexico City. The beneficiary was escrow manager Estela Ruelas Bernal. Gary furnished references, upon my request of three persons who supposedly had successfully completed sales.

I reluctantly wired $2973 on 2-10. A few days later, after I called to find out about the closing I was informed by Gary that the Mexican government has changed and now they require that I wire $3286 for federal taxes, before the escrow would be released. After asking why this could not be released from the escrow and informing him that this is looking more like a scam, I was sent a letter and reassured that all taxes would be reimbursed by the buyer after the closing.

I refused to send any additional money and was given a final funding letter with a deadline of 3-31-11. I was told there would be a 40% penalty to receive a refund from the Mexican government, plus it would take some time. I have not heard from them since.