The Times
Saturday July 07, 2001
You may not regard yourself as the sort of person who would fall for the patter of unscrupulous timeshare touts
over a jug of sangria in the Spanish costas. But what if you were approached with an offer of a luxury break at
a five-star hotel in Thailand, or in an opulent villa in Italy? Despite Europe-wide rules aimed at cleaning up
the timeshare industry, sophisticated holidaymakers are being targeted this summer by a new breed of rogue salesmen
who get round the legislation by offering membership of holiday clubs.
These schemes offer members special rates on flights, accommodation and other services. Many promise holidays at
top destinations around the globe.
But the plans, which exploit loopholes in the law, could leave you thousands of pounds out of pocket. Although
these schemes are not timeshares, the sales methods employed by arm-twisting traders could relieve you of more
than a month’s salary on the spot. You will have little chance to change your mind and virtually no way to get
your money back.