Timeshare Watchdog International; what an impressive name! TCA positively welcome organisations that assist timeshare owners and strive to expose scam companies. For example our good friends at Inside Timeshare do a resounding job at investigating and exposing the latest frauds and cons. So when we heard of this new “watchdog” we thought that we had found another friend to fight our cause, but upon further investigation it would appear that this is actually a dog in wolves clothing.
Alarm bells started ringing when we discovered that their domain name and website were only registered on 19th September 2019 and yet the site proudly proclaims 15+ years of experience and 700 cases served. Wait a minute, why are they dealing in timeshare claims when they are supposed to be a watchdog? Businesses must be able to substantiate such claims they make about themselves and if they cannot, they are likely to be considered breaches of law and advertising regulations.
The website has a statement that you would expect to see on a consumer protection site:
“A community created to air and share knowledge and experiences within the Timeshare and Holiday Club world”
Despite this the site is all about transacting timeshare exits and claims. The website has no company information (no Ltd company details) and no address, so there is no way of knowing who they are or where they are based? These are obvious signs that this is not a credible and honest business.
On checking UK Companies House and the Spanish equivalent, we can find no evidence that this organisation is a registered business. Failure to provide such information is a breach of the Trading Disclosures Act.
Related Companies
Using public available search means, we have established the following linked companies:
- Claimback Solution
- Contract Advice Bureau
- Contract Advice Service
- Contract Terminations
- Timeshare Advice Council
- Arrow Travel Solutions
Each of these so called companies have websites prepared and ready to launch on an unsuspecting public. Much like Timeshare Watchdog International none of these supposed companies have any contact address and again they fail to be recorded as legitimate companies in either the UK or Spain. It is our conclusion that these scam companies are operating from Spain, because each website was created by a web designer named Primelogic who are based in Benitachell, Alicante, Spain.
Cold Calling
From the information we have received, this outfit has started a cold calling campaign which we find rather odd for a supposed “watchdog”. In our 23 years of existence TCA have never cold called anyone and neither would you expect us to do so. As we have stated before, this type of cold calling may well be in breach of the EU General Data Protection Regulations.
Name Credibility
As part of this con, the masterminds have cleverly registered domain names that instil trust and confidence. Of particular worry is not only “Timeshare Watchdog International” but more alarmingly “Timeshare Advice Council” this name would imply some sort of Government body, which of course is far from the truth.
Do your homework
The 5P test will help you to investigate potential rogue traders and at the end of the day potentially save you a considerable amount of expense and heartache. Being conned is not just about the money lost, it also potentially has a great affect on your confidence and self-esteem.
1. Positioning
Is the company officially registered (i.e. with Companies House)? In which country is the company registered? How long has the company been registered?
2. Place
What is the company trading address? Can you visit the company at their address? Is it a manned office or a postage address at a serviced office? Can you find the address on Google Maps? (Check out the Street View, does the location and building match the business activity?)
3. Presentation
Is the company’s presentation professional? Does the company use a landline or mobile phone number? Do they use a @companyname or free (@gmail or @hotmail) email address? Do their marketing materials (logo, website, letterheads etc.) look professional? Do they have social media profiles?
4. Past
How long does the company claim it has been trading? Does this match their company registration records? Do they make bold claims about their past achievements and is this realistic given the time they have been trading?
5. Proof
Can the company verify the claims they make with evidence? Can they supply proof of their achievements? Are their team and the people they work with genuine?
Our comment
In the case of all of the organisations listed above, they fail the test on every point so our advice is to never entertain any offer from them, no matter how enticing and as we have said on numerous occasions, if in doubt give us a shout.
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