| They say birds of a feather flock together. So do timeshare companies. We’ve told you about Diamond Resorts’ un-American treatment of owners who exercise their constitutional right to a lawyer. Now we’ve discovered that Westgate is, shall we say, similarly “constitutionally challenged”. Not surprising to us (see that whole birds of a feather point above). But it should be concerning to Jason Gamel, the President and CEO of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), who represents timeshare companies in Washington, DC. Because, while one bad actor is just a bad look, two are…well…a troubling trend. No one is more troubled by this trend than Charles from Salt Lake City. He even calls Westgate’s denial of his rights “senior abuse” in a letter we found in the 4,256 pages of complaints against Westgate Resorts in the Florida Attorney General’s office. Let’s see if you agree. “[W]e bought into Westgate timeshare and used to be happy owners, we paid off our mortgage and have been current on all fees and dues.” “When my life dramatically changed, my ability to travel, use, or afford this ownership no longer were an option for me.” “I only get $625.00 a month from Social Security. This amount doesn’t cover a lot and I find myself living month to month with bills and medical needs.” Charles does things by the book – so he wanted to get out of his timeshare…legally. “I do not know property law and how this would affect my taxes so getting a lawyer was not only my right as an owner but as a citizen of the United States.” Seems only fair. “What happened next shocked me.” “When Westgate received paperwork from my lawyer they cut off all communication with me the owner and implemented delay tactics.” “In one response they stated, ‘Westgate Resorts does not deal with any third parties, Westgate only deals directly with its owners.’ This went on for months, until we were informed by Westgate that if we ended our representation through the lawyer and deal with Westgate one on one, they can better help us and go over options they do have for owners.” Not fair…and NOT constitutional. But if that is what it takes… “Needless to say, we followed all of the instructions laid out for us. We ended our lawyers working on our behalf.” “We were told about the Legacy program that was designed by Westgate for owners who were paid off and in good standings with the resort.” “I will say I was blown away when I received just a denial letter to the program.” Even giving up his right to a lawyer wasn’t enough for Westgate! “I responded back with my information seeing how I do meet the requirements. After getting no response I called the resort and was transferred to a person name Xavier. Xavier just told me over the phone ‘You will not be permitted into the Legacy Program due to the fact you had a lawyer in the past.’” Turns out, Charles never stood a chance…but he is standing up for every timeshare owner’s rights. “This senior abuse and unlawful punishment that has been burdened against me cannot go quietly away. Because if I do not say something, Westgate and their staff will think its ok to treat people this way and they will keep treating owners like me this way.” Charles is right – and he needs some help! We can email Jason Gamel and let him know that the timeshare industry has a constitutional crisis on its hands. Jason’s email is jgamel@arda.org We should also tell David Siegel, Westgate’s CEO and president, that everyone in America still has a right to an attorney. His email is david_siegel@wgresorts.com You can use this list of ARDA VIPs to contact your timeshare company’s leaders and see if they’ll respect your rights to an attorney. Finally, if your timeshare company violated your rights, let us know at info@timsharefacts.com PS: Follow us on social media. Twitter Facebook Instagram |
