Bogus Holiday Clubs Targeted In ‘Scamnesty’ Month
In Scamnesty Month and with many consumers now thinking about booking their summer breaks, Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service is warning consumers to beware of bogus holiday clubs.
Bogus holiday clubs entice consumers to join them with claims of exclusivity and offers of special rates or discounts on flights, accommodation and other services. Some promise cheap luxury holidays for life, but it’s almost certainly not what it seems!
The cost to join can be many thousands of pounds, but what you are promised is not always what the contract you sign delivers. Bogus holiday club scams cost the UK public an estimated £1.17 billion each year, with a mean loss of £3,030.
Holiday clubs are marketed as an alternative to timeshare, promising a lifetime of discounted luxury holidays anywhere in the world.
Some are reputable businesses, but many often only provide last-minute, limited availability accommodation that is usually low-star rather than luxury.
With the addition of expensive flights, supplements and taxes, it could end up costing far more than holidays booked through normal routes!
In addition, dates or destinations are unlikely to be guaranteed and holidays are often not available when and where you want them. You might end up going nowhere.
New regulations are due to come in to force this year to protect consumers from bogus holiday clubs by giving them the same 14 day cooling off cancellation rights period as those who buy traditional timeshare products.
However, consumers are not protected yet, so in Scams Awareness Month, Warwickshire Trading Standards Service is advising consumers to follow their holiday club checklist to avoid being scammed.
Holiday Club Checklist
To avoid being caught by a holiday club that is bogus always use this checklist and take your time to think things through.
· Can you take the contract away and come back in a few days’ time with your decision?
· Do you have cancellation rights, and are they written down?
· Is everything in writing in the contract that was promised to you at the presentation?
Don’t sign anything, no matter how much you’re pressurised, unless you are sure it’s exactly what you want. Read any contract carefully and seek legal advice before signing a contract for a holiday club.
For more ‘Scamnesty’ information, visit the website:
http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards