My family and I arrived in Cancun, Mexico, on March 26th. We were accosted by someone at the airport who presented themselves to be an official affiliated with the airport. This person ushered us over to a desk and offered us a trip to Cozumel in exchange for coming to their resort (Royal Fishermen's) the next morning for a party to celebrate the opening of the resort after the recent hurricane. We accepted.
The next day we were driven to the resort and were given breakfast. There was no party. We were then taken to an area where we were given the time-share sell. Coincidentally there was a manager who supposedly came from our home town (we have since seen on the internet that this coincidence happens frequently) who came over and told us what a great deal this time-share is, saying we would make money. It appears we would pay for one week a year, but actually get 8 weeks. We could use the one week for our own use, and then they would rent out our share for the other 7 weeks and we would get the money.
We bought it. The contract we signed was lengthy and curiously stated that by signing we were agreeing that we were not doing this to make money. Champagne was bought out and served to us.
To show their appreciation they took us for a ride on one of their luxury yachts.
On our return home we started feeling concerned about our decision and searched the internet only to find that others had found what a scam this place is. We decided to terminate, which we were entitled to do as we were within the 5 business days allowed under Mexican law. We did up a termination letter and faxed it to their offices. We then emailed the termination letter and phoned the manager who had spoken to us. He told us that since we had taken a ride on their yacht that we had waived our right to terminate (this turns out to not be true as, under Mexican law, you cannot waive your right to terminate), and that if we did try to terminate that the company would "go after us". He advised us to keep the time-share, and, if we didn't want it after 2 years that we sell it back to them (indeed the contract does stipulate that they have first right of refusal and will buy back the timeshare at "market value". Problem is that 'market value' is a lot lower than the price initially paid).
Under the contract we were supposed to get a refund of our $23,000 (American) within 15 days after notice of termination. We have not seen a dime. Under the contract we should be fully reimbursed.
This company lied to us from the getgo. That they can operate out of the airport guised as airport officials is a blight on the Mexican tourism industry. No one should go even close to this company or their resort. It is a fraud through and through.
Sue
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada
0 comments