The Sun warns on timeshare exit scams as it praises European Consumer Claims (ECC)

UK media is increasingly shining a light on the rise of timeshare exit scams, while also highlighting reputable organisations working to protect consumers. One of the companies frequently cited is European Consumer Claims (ECC), which is leading efforts against unscrupulous timeshare operators and fraudulent exit firms.

Britain’s biggest-selling newspaper, The Sun, has now joined this growing media coverage of the problem.

Unwanted timeshares

Once seen as an innovative answer to inconsistent holiday accommodation standards, timeshare has increasingly become an outdated model for many owners.

In 2023, a large number of members would rather be booking holidays through mainstream platforms such as Booking.com. What starts as a holiday perk can become an expensive burden, with annual fees due whether you travel or not. Those fees can also be increased arbitrarily, sometimes to levels higher than the cost of staying at the same resort as a non-member.

Timeshare companies understood that many customers would eventually question whether membership represented good value, and responded by creating ‘ironclad’ contracts designed to make leaving extremely difficult.

Timeshare exit companies and scammers

In response, firms emerged offering to free clients from memberships. In reality, relinquishing a timeshare contract can be exceptionally complex — often too difficult for anyone but experienced, qualified specialists.

Unfortunately, the sheer number of owners desperate for a way out has attracted nefarious operators on the fringes of the industry. For them, being unable to deliver the service has not stopped them from selling it.

These fraudulent companies can sound entirely legitimate and persuade people to hand over significant sums. Too often, once payment has been made, communication stops — leaving the victim worse off than before and still tied to the timeshare.

There are hundreds of so-called “exit companies”.

There are very few genuine ones.

Media coverage

Media coverage is almost universal in referencing European Consumer Claims (ECC) as a benchmark for honesty and capability in this sector. ECC’s work has recently been praised in the Sunday Times and Reader’s Digest. The New York Post also reported on our USA division, American Consumer Claims (ACC).

Last weekend, the UK’s largest-circulation newspaper joined the discussion. The Sun’s report on timeshare-exit scams highlighted ECC as an example of a firm that can be trusted to deliver.

Read the full article here.

Want to know more?

If you’d like to explore your options for escaping a timeshare contract, get in touch with our team at Timeshare Advice Centre (the marketing arm of ECC).

In many cases, our experts can help you identify a realistic route out. If you were mis-sold and your case meets certain criteria, you may also be eligible for compensation.