From Catterick Village in North Yorkshire, a retired woman has got victory against the Timeshare company to who she paid £25,000 as “an investment”.
After a long six-year battle against Silverpoint, the Spanish Supreme Court finally gave her the justice she deserved after Club Paradiso had mis-sold her in 2009.
The resort offered a free week’s accommodation, which she took with her friend, on the basis that they would attend a presentation for half a day. Whilst at the appointment the client, who does not wish to be named, made it clear the salesman that she would only be interested in investing her money and would not be interested in a Timeshare to which of course she was promised that it would go up in value over the next few years as she would be investing in the Club Paradiso which offered members worldwide 5* luxury accommodation.
As agreed she received her first investment cheque for £1800 however when the next cheque was due she was then informed that it was in fact it was a Timeshare ownership she had purchased and that she would have to use her membership by taking holidays as opposed to getting any money in return. To add further disappointment, she was then advised that not only would she not be getting any money in return but she would need to pay a further £500 annual maintenance fee every year! (Bearing in mind this was a contract for 50 years, taking the client to 110 years old by the time she can stop paying!)
It was not long until more and more bad news came her way, she soon found out from other members that availability was not as promised and was very limited with some people waiting years for the resorts they wanted.
Feeling scammed the Catterick Village resident decided to take legal action against Silverpoint and after a long battle the Spanish Supreme Court have finally ruled that although buyers are sold this as an “affiliation to a club” as they charge an annual maintenance fees the Club Paradiso does still fall under the Timeshare legislation and therefore falls under the Spanish Timeshare Act.
Thankfully this ordeal is now over for another unfortunate victim who can now enjoy her retirement without the stress of her Timeshare or maintenance fees.
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