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Tick, tock... (by James M.):

jamesm751 wrote:

ken1193 wrote:

As Phil has already correctly pointed out, these parasites do not actually have a real estate license. Accordingly, they cannot lawfully "broker" sales with commission taken from sale proceeds. So it's "against the law" only in the sense that they possess no real estate license --- and hence no lawful right to sell real estate on a commission basis without having said license.

These assorted upfront fee parasites are advertising agencies --- nothing more, nothing less. Think of them as a grossly overpriced classified ad. They make their money only one way --- by getting you to give them yours. They will NEVER sell your timeshare, they won't even bother to try (beyond posting an inflated price on an obscure in house web site which no informed prospective buyer will ever take seriously). Why would they even bother to try to sell your timeshare? There is not another penny in it for them after they have collected your *VOLUNTARILY* paid "advertising and marketing fee". Don't do it! It's just flat out throwing your money away.

If you voluntarily CHOOSE to give these parasites (or others like them) your money, you'll have no credible or legal basis upon which to later claim "I was scammed! I'm a victim!". In the words of Dr. Phil McGraw, admittedly applied slightly out of context, "There are no victims --- only volunteers!"

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Jamesm751 states: >> Thanks. I appreciate your insight here. Now. I need your suggestion. This Timeshare Marketing Pro will be sending me a Contract/Agreement to sign. Shall I just VOID it, and return it to them. Will that negate the upfront Visa number I had given them? They say I have seven days to decide to cancel. <<

You must contact (do it NOW!) your credit card issuer and see what THEIR particular procedure is for disputing a credit card charge. They might require the dispute to be filed in writing. Various card issuer policies differ -- there is no "one size fits all" answer for you. That said, dealing with the parasites is an entirely separate and distinct process from dealing with the card issuer.....

The 3-7 day rescission period (the specific time frame varies by state) is provided by law as a "cooling off" period for decisions on such purchases and contracts. Don't wait to receive any further paperwork from these people. Prepare and send NOW (in writing, by certified mail, phone calls don't cut it...) your written notification of cancellation. Certified mail exercise is not actually a legal requirement, but getting the date stamped receipt at the USPS counter DOES generate documentary proof that you have met the rescission deadline of your particular state (assuming, of course, that you do). I frankly woudn't necessarily even believe the parasites that you have 7 days to rescind. That's the MOST it could possibly be --- it could actually be several days LESS in your (unspecified) state. I also suggest that you have no further oral conversation with these folks. Instead, just send the certified mail letter ASAP informing them that: "Exercising my rights under applicable state law, I hereby rescind and terminate the arrangement discussed by phone on (insert actual date). I am also separately seeking immediate invalidation of any credit card charge associated with that conversation". You are NOT required to provide any explanation or reason whatsoever. It's your legal right; you are exercising it --- but you MUST do so within the time limits identified by applicable state law. As the saying goes "You snooze, you lose". And don't misrepresent the date of your original conversation --- they probably recorded the entire conversation (including you VOLUNTARILY CHOOSING to provide them with your credit card number).

The good news is that Sundays don't count. The bad news is that Saturdays DO count. Don't delay --- the clock is ticking....

Ken: I really appreciate your speedy reply here. The sales rep did say I have seven days to cancel the agreement, so I am going to write to them immediately and send a certified letter to them first thing Monday. Thanks again!!!

I decided to follow your suggestions. Today is Sunday. When he Post Office opens tomorrow I'll send them the Certified letter. Also, decided to Fax them last night. I called Visa. The lady saw the amount Timeshare Market had put "on hold. (I think they were waiting for the signed agreement before they can legally put it through?). The lady said she couldn't do anything about it cause they have no way to validate a sale. I could have received a service or a product sent in the mail already. When I explained the circumstance, she understood, so she decided to give me a Visa number I should write to. That letter will also be Certified. Hope I've covered everything. Thanks.