Michigan family jailed in Mexico over timeshare dispute

[dioxide45]

I thought I saw a thread on this already, but I can't find it. If there is one, point me to it.

I guess we should stop telling people there are no repercussions to skipping out on their Mexican timeshare?

'Americans being held hostage'; Daughter decries Michigan parents jailed in Mexico

It has been an international nightmare for two American citizens who are stuck in a Mexican jail for a dispute over a time-share for 21 days.

www.fox2detroit.com

 

[WaikikiFirst]

didn't read. can't imagine buying any of this. all that comes to mind: "I hope the margaritas were good"

 

[geist1223]

The Article does not lay out the nature of the dispute.

 

[dioxide45]

The Article does not lay out the nature of the dispute.

I thought another article I read, and thought it was from a thread here, provided more information about the charges. But I can't find it.

 

[Cornell]

I went down a rabbit hole this morning pre-dawn with this story. Details very vague. So I'm holding off formulating an opinion for now.

 

[Tia]

I thought another article I read, and thought it was from a thread here, provided more information about the charges. But I can't find it.

If you do find it or someone does please do link it here!

 

[dioxide45]

Here is another article;

Americans wanted by Interpol for fraud arrested inside Cancun International - Riviera Maya News

Cancun, Q.R. -- Two Americans wanted by Interpol Mexico have been arrested inside the Cancun International Airport.

riviera-maya-news.com

 

[WorldT]

Even reading both articles, the details are still vague. Someone had mentioned how the couple posted on Facebook about how to do what they did. I wouldn't know as I don't use Facebook.
I don't think this is your regular run of the mill cancellation or request for charge back for the original purchase. (MF are out of the question for RTUs, even the resorts are very upfront on just stopping if you don't want it anymore).

That being said, I don't see how the court can justify holding them in jail for 6 months to "allow the resort to gather evidence". I will have to see the court transcript to see if that is really what was said as it makes no sense. More likely they should be released but barred from leaving Mexico.

 

[Sandy VDH]

Boy, all the more reason not to purchase in a foreign country.

 

[easyrider]

I thought another article I read, and thought it was from a thread here, provided more information about the charges. But I can't find it.

It was from a thread but all of the posts on that thread, including mine, are speculative. To be charged with fraud means there was a crime involved in the breach of contract. For a breach of contract to become a crime it would include an intent to deceive or actual theft.

An example might be going to a Mexican presentation, signing the contract to receive extra perks not included in the perks for attending the presentation but were perks added because of the sale, with the intention of canceling and using the added perks. The proof might be a post on social media suggesting the buyer wasn't going to buy anything. This could be considered fraud.

Bill

 

[pierrepierre]

Article VERY vague....however if you did purchase something under contract and you signed it, did not pay.....it will be interesting who is at fault...?????

 

[rickandcindy23]

They bragged on FB about ripping off the company. Stupid!

 

[easyrider]

Here is a new clip on what may of happened.

Bill

 

[daviator]

Here is a new clip on what may of happened.

Bill

No new info in the video.

My interpretation of all of this is that these people signed the purchase contract knowing that they did not intend to fulfill it, and they publicly stated so in a Facebook group they created to teach other people to pull the same kind of scheme. So they basically admitted to fraud in a public square, and they pissed off a powerful and probably well-connected company in Mexico, and even worse – they cost them a lot of money by encouraging others to rip them off in a similar manner. The company pulled strings and got charges filed against the couple and a warrant issued for their arrest. Then the couple was stupid and arrogant enough to return to Mexico, where the warrant was immediately executed.

I think they probably belong in the jail where they currently reside. Entering a contract fraudulently is a crime in pretty much every country.