Reader’s Digest timeshare article documents ECC’s mission to protect mis-sold owners

Reader's Digest highlights the global timeshare problem — and European Consumer Claims’ mission to help mis-sold owners

Media powerhouse

Reader's Digest is the world's biggest-selling paid-circulation magazine, reaching 40 million people in more than 70 countries through 49 editions in 21 languages.

The upmarket general interest title has remained a runaway success for more than a century by publishing well-researched, credible, high-quality features.

In September 2023, Reader’s Digest turned its attention to the timeshare claims industry in Europe. The article focuses on unlawful behaviour by timeshare companies, alongside the work of leading claims firm European Consumer Claims (ECC) in challenging these practices.

Insightful article

The 1,000-word feature explores the problems faced by the reporter’s own elderly parents, who were sold a timeshare for £20,000 in their mid-70s by an unscrupulous salesman in Portugal’s Algarve. Over the 20 years since, they have only been able to use the membership three times due to age-related illness, despite paying £650 each year in resort fees.

Veteran journalist Eugene Costello researched the sector for Reader’s Digest and found that ECC were industry leaders, with strong reviews and a seven-year track record of outstanding, referenceable success. He contacted the Henley, Malaga and New York-based company, which used its experience to help extract Costello senior from his contract with minimal fuss.

Costello also found that many other timeshare owners were illegally mis-sold and pressured into unsuitable memberships — meaning that, in some cases, those people may be entitled to significant financial compensation.

Sharp-eyed readers will note that the same story was also covered by British media bastion The Sunday Times.

I’m in the same boat — what should I do?

If you recognise aspects of the Reader’s Digest timeshare article and believe they may reflect your own timeshare purchase, get in touch with our team.

Not everyone is entitled to compensation. If you aren’t, we’ll explain exactly why — so you can protect yourself if scam firms attempt to take your money.

In most cases, Timeshare Advice Centre can help you out of a burdensome contract.