By Nigel Tilson, Business Editor
Belfast Telegraph
July 4, 2001
THE Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment today warned Ulster people to beware of timeshare touts while
holidaying abroad.
DETI's Trading Standards Service said some companies were using unscrupulous practices and pressurised selling
techniques to get people to buy timeshare accommodation.
It explained touts were becoming increasingly sophisticated in getting around the law and bypassing consumer rights.
Trading Standards revealed many local holidaymakers have been subjected to a high-pressure timeshare presentation
after winning a 'prize' via a scratch card.
"Don't fall into the trap of thinking you can just turn up, collect a free gift and walk away," said
TSS inspector Mark Curry.
"These schemes and presentations are carefully designed to make them hard to resist, and the salespeople involved
are more experienced in persuading people to buy than most consumers are in resisting them," he pointed out.
Trading Standards said when attending a presentation holidaymakers should not take credit cards, debit cards, cheque
books or cash with them and they should never use a credit card as identification.
"There is no need to sign or pay anything at the presentation, even if you are interested, and do not rely
on verbal assurances that you will have a right to cancel," the inspector explained.
Mr Curry said holidaymakers should not be rushed into anything and urged them to insist on full written details
of the accommodation on offer, who is offering it and any associated costs.
He also pointed out selling timeshare accommodation is controlled by the Timeshare Act and European Union directives.
"If you are seriously considering buying a timeshare, remember that reputable timeshare companies will not
ask you to pay anything at a presentation, even if you agree to buy, because the law forbids it," he said.
"Legitimate companies will also give you written notice of a 10-day cooling-off period, during which you can
cancel the contract."
(c) Copyright Belfast Telegraph Newspapers Ltd. All rights reserved. To see more of The Belfast Telegraph, or to
subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/