Two recent reports in the daily tabloids reported, that a North Shields Law firm is helping thousands of holidaymakers across Europe fighting back against timeshare scammers.
The TCA has contacted the firm is of Solicitors, however when the matter was discussed we asked a simple question. “What are the names of the Spanish based consumer rights bodies they were working with”.
It was expressed (by a representative of the firm of Solicitors) that they were not permitted to pass on that information to anyone and we therefore asked them to make contact with their instructing principles and/or enterprises with a view of obtaining that permission.
It goes without saying that if you intend to assist in possible legal actions, that you have a need to know who you are working with.
That permission does not appear to have been granted by those “Spanish-Based-Rights-Bodies” as “TWL Solicitors” have never made contact with us again despite a further telephone call from ourselves.
The firm is regulated by the SRA and will at all times act in favour of their clients. If those clients are the industry associations then of course they will owe them a duty of care, however if you (as a consumer) instruct them direct, they in turn will owe you the same duty.
If on the other hand they are instructed by an industry sponsored consumer association then a forward conflict of interest may become apparent and just consideration will have to be given as to the possible future conflict.
It could be very welcoming to have a regulated Firm of Solicitors operating in the timeshare and holiday products industry and equally very beneficial to have a regulated solicitor operating against those you scam consumers and mis-sell their produces.
We are very keen to works with anyone, any firm, and any company who wishes to pursue the very people and enterprises which interfere with good timeshare and reasonable long term holiday products.
Equally, those who take money and steal from consumers, for fraudulent contracts and fantasies which will never materialise.
The TCA has a wealth of information and could provide an extensive benefit, however not to have confirmed who we will be working with is a complete “no no” to us.
In the event that TWL Solicitors has been engaged by KwikChex, The Timeshare Task force, or Mind Timeshare (all operating out of Spain) we could put aside differences in respect to the resort problems and capitulate with each other on the scammers, cold callers and sellers of un-kempt legal dreams as in truth we are one with them on this issue. It may even become an event whereby change could occur.
In truth we would work with, but only in a spirit of openness.
At present millions upon millions of peoples £ are being stolen, thousands upon thousands of consumers are being told lies and sold dreams which will never materialise. In timeshare these acts are being perpetrated by people in the industry and other operating outside the industry. If and I repeat “if” this firm of solicitors meaningfully wish to rid timeshare of some of these buffoons and “if” their client associations are truly keen to assist others you would think they would drop the veil for what could be a greater good.
It must be abundantly clear to the industry by now we are oppose what we perceive unconscionable contracts and mis-selling practices.
Equally it is abundantly clear that we oppose the cold callers, the scammers and the unregulated firms who make wild promises about getting relinquishments and compensation. Whilst charging massive upfront fees and back end rewards.
TLW Solicitors Advert
“Financial mis-selling specialist TLW Solicitors is working with a number of Spanish-based consumer rights bodies to help stem the rising tide of timeshare fraud.
The pan-European organisations advise and protect victims and potential victims of scams targeting the timeshare industry.
The role of the North Shields-based law firm will be to legally act for and advise English-speakers who fall foul of timeshare scams on the Continent.
The alliance comes as a fraud epidemic continues to sweep through the timeshare sector.
Alistair McDonald, head of marketing and business development at TLW, said: “While timeshares remain hugely popular among holidaymakers, they are unfortunately rife with scammers and fraudsters.”
For more information regarding this article or assistance in any other timeshare related issues please contact the TCA on 01908 881058 or email: info@TimeshareConsumerAssociation.org.uk