I decided to call both the credit card company and my bank ($100 charged in debit card) and disputed the charges. The credit card company was able to get the funds from the merchant, but the bank was unsuccessful in getting the $100 back, because at the time that the bank contacted the merchant. The merchant sent a letter to the bank in rebuttal of my dispute. The bank stated that the merchant told them that they placed an ad for my timeshare; therefore they have rendered the services and need not to refund the $100.
This company sells and rents timeshare for people. This is the type of service they provide, so they have to place the ad in order to rent or sell the timeshares. For them to tell the bank that services were rendered by placing the ad is completely untrue. I did not agree for them to place an ad for my timeshare. The agreement was for them to rent my timeshare. If they have to place an ad in order to rent the timeshare, I would think that this is one of the steps that they have to take to get the timeshare rented. After I received the letter from the bank informing me that they were unsuccessful in getting the funds from the merchant. I called the merchant to ask them why did they tell the bank that my agreement with them was just to place the ad? That day, I spoke with Felicity. She went and checked with Doug (the manager) who assured her that the $100 was refunded back to me. She even provided me with a confirmation number of the transaction.
I called my bank to inform them of the latest information so they can reopen the dispute. The bank told me that the merchant is mistaken that they did not refund the $100. I called the merchant again and asked to speak with Doug. He refused to speak with me. I called him again in many occasions left messages. He never called me back until recently I threatened to file a complaint against the company. Finally, he called me and told that the rep. (Felicity) that I spoke with was just reading from the note on the account. I told him, at the time, Felicity checked with him and he confirmed that the money was refunded, which was another lie.
These companies are out there, preying on individuals such as myself who want badly to get rid of their timeshare, because of hardship. These companies promised you something that they cannot deliver. Once, they have your money, they know that there is nothing you can do about getting your money back. I relied on the sales representatives promise and just to find out it was his ploy in getting me to sign up with the company. Now, they refused to refund my $100.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Bryan
Merrimcak,New Hampshire,
USA
we refunded as soon as you requested!
#2UPDATE Employee
Fri, December 11, 2009
I have read your report with great interest, as BuyATimeshare.com practices a consistent cancellation policy and strives to work to the best of our ability to serve our customers and help them get the refunds they rightfully deserve. As requested, the second payment you initially agreed to was in fact refunded immediately. You may have contacted the wrong bank or perhaps referenced a different account.
Our financial record show a refund was made upon request since it was within the rescission period. All of our employees returned your call and tried to answer any questions you had. It is unclear to me how we were able to pressure you into working with our company, when you contacted our representative to help in the sale of your timeshare. Regardless of any misunderstandings, it was never the intent of this company to force you into advertising; this is why we maintain a fair and consistent cancellation policy. I am sorry that this matter has gone as far as it has, please feel free to contact us directly if you have any questions.