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[2008] Florida Veterans Assistance Association [merged]
- Thread starter hope29
- Start date
florida veterans association
i went with Florida vetrens association as i trust them to be the most honest on what they do as i do have a son in the millitary for 16 years now. Im just passing to on what others are writing in forums and thought I would pass it on.
i went with Florida vetrens association as i trust them to be the most honest on what they do as i do have a son in the millitary for 16 years now. Im just passing to on what others are writing in forums and thought I would pass it on.
Why third party messengers instead of direct explanations?
Rendering no judgement or opinion whatsoever on either this organization or this unfortunate situation, I remain genuinely puzzled on just one point:
Why isn't FVA speaking for itself here on this matter?
If the organization has been defrauded by some unsavory reseller, it seems to me that one very public explanation right from the horses' mouth would be more appropriate, more helpful and more reassuring than occasional messages and input relayed by uninvolved third parties.
Just my opinion.
Rendering no judgement or opinion whatsoever on either this organization or this unfortunate situation, I remain genuinely puzzled on just one point:
Why isn't FVA speaking for itself here on this matter?
If the organization has been defrauded by some unsavory reseller, it seems to me that one very public explanation right from the horses' mouth would be more appropriate, more helpful and more reassuring than occasional messages and input relayed by uninvolved third parties.
Just my opinion.
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the above post is a copy/paste from a private email kim sent to a member.
I was asked to post what I did on their behalf, as they...just like my father...probably realize that no matter what you say on forums...someone always takes it the wrong way.
(ive learned this hard lesson myself)
This thread wont close or fall away until all the members here are satisfied with the outcome, and they are aware of that.
I was asked to post what I did on their behalf, as they...just like my father...probably realize that no matter what you say on forums...someone always takes it the wrong way.
(ive learned this hard lesson myself)
This thread wont close or fall away until all the members here are satisfied with the outcome, and they are aware of that.
I will post when all is done with kim and my timeshare i trust they will do as they have said read my above post on what kim has said!
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Silence is not ALWAYS golden...
Yes, I certainly understood that much from the quoted email provided.
My point was (and my point still remains) that Florida Veterans' Assistance should be upfront and speaking publicly and openly for themselves on this matter. Since there are so many other people potentially impacted by this debacle, "not belonging to TUG" is not a legitimate or credible excuse for FVA silence on the matter. FVA could easily establish a TUG membership for $10 (...I'll gladly pay it for them) and FVA should be upfront with some clear explanantions, detailed descriptions of corrective measures being undertaken and, last but not least, an expression of regret (if not outright apology). This kind of mess can tarnish the images of timesharing, veterans and charitable donation alike. Someone should be standing up and accepting responsibility and accountability here. Doing so is quite simply the appropriate and applicable (...but currently missing) code of conduct.
The issue is bigger than just one person's donation, in my personal opinion.
Yes, I certainly understood that much from the quoted email provided.
My point was (and my point still remains) that Florida Veterans' Assistance should be upfront and speaking publicly and openly for themselves on this matter. Since there are so many other people potentially impacted by this debacle, "not belonging to TUG" is not a legitimate or credible excuse for FVA silence on the matter. FVA could easily establish a TUG membership for $10 (...I'll gladly pay it for them) and FVA should be upfront with some clear explanantions, detailed descriptions of corrective measures being undertaken and, last but not least, an expression of regret (if not outright apology). This kind of mess can tarnish the images of timesharing, veterans and charitable donation alike. Someone should be standing up and accepting responsibility and accountability here. Doing so is quite simply the appropriate and applicable (...but currently missing) code of conduct.
The issue is bigger than just one person's donation, in my personal opinion.
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Bitten
newbie
FL VA Assistance
I also contacted FVA in November to donate timeshare weeks. They were quick to charge my credit card for $850. As soon as I got the notarized paperwork to TakeOverMyTimeshare, I got the "Welcome" email saying they no longer represented FVA, that FVA had paid them no money and if I still wanted to get rid of my timeshare weeks they could do it (for a fee). Calls to FVA (Kim McBride, Linda Kaspari and Joel Markman were never answered. Voicemail boxes were "Full" so you could not leave a voicemail. Emails sent were never responded to. The whole process does scream SCAM. As soon as you get the necessary paperwork in, then your "donation" to FVA seems to have been just that, and you're still stuck with trying to donate or sell your units. I contacted my credit card company and disputed the charge by FVA for the donation money even though it was two months old. The charge was reversed yesterday. I would not recommend dealing with this organization to anyone. It is a shame since they do represent our veterans.
I also contacted FVA in November to donate timeshare weeks. They were quick to charge my credit card for $850. As soon as I got the notarized paperwork to TakeOverMyTimeshare, I got the "Welcome" email saying they no longer represented FVA, that FVA had paid them no money and if I still wanted to get rid of my timeshare weeks they could do it (for a fee). Calls to FVA (Kim McBride, Linda Kaspari and Joel Markman were never answered. Voicemail boxes were "Full" so you could not leave a voicemail. Emails sent were never responded to. The whole process does scream SCAM. As soon as you get the necessary paperwork in, then your "donation" to FVA seems to have been just that, and you're still stuck with trying to donate or sell your units. I contacted my credit card company and disputed the charge by FVA for the donation money even though it was two months old. The charge was reversed yesterday. I would not recommend dealing with this organization to anyone. It is a shame since they do represent our veterans.
In fairness to FVA, I do not personally believe that FVA intentions are (or ever were) anything less than honorable. That said however, FVA apparently became associated with an unethical "upfront fee" reseller who essentially duped them, while someone at FVA was "asleep at the wheel" by not following up on the closings / transfers of donated weeks. In all likelihood, the reseller was never supposed to be "paid" anything at all by FVA in the first place, but was instead supposed to derive their profit from whatever they could get from selling the transferred donation. Then again, as stated previously, without FVA speaking up one word for themselves on this matter, FVA now unfortunately finds fingers being pointed at them (as in the post directly above) in the absence of any explanatory facts or details publicly offered by Florida Veterans Assistance themselves.
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Relayed via messenger ain't quite the same as "public statement"...
Brian;
I read and certainly recall that post. With all due respect, your "relaying" for FVA is not exactly the same as "their public statement" (of which there really has been none --- which was really my only intended point).
It's an unfortunate and regrettable situation. I wish FVA well and I don't for a moment believe that they are in any way, shape or form a "scam". Asleep at the wheel, maybe, but not willfully dishonest. In the end, I suppose their time is better spent trying to correct the problems than explaining them...
Brian;
I read and certainly recall that post. With all due respect, your "relaying" for FVA is not exactly the same as "their public statement" (of which there really has been none --- which was really my only intended point).
It's an unfortunate and regrettable situation. I wish FVA well and I don't for a moment believe that they are in any way, shape or form a "scam". Asleep at the wheel, maybe, but not willfully dishonest. In the end, I suppose their time is better spent trying to correct the problems than explaining them...
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While your opinion is certainly your right, I fail to see how me relaying what they told me is not valid information.
I am merely trying to pass information I recieve to members that have valid and open complaints with FVA.
I apologize if that doesnt satisfy what you are looking for from them!
I am merely trying to pass information I recieve to members that have valid and open complaints with FVA.
I apologize if that doesnt satisfy what you are looking for from them!
I didn't get the impression that Theo was questioning the information itself, just the method of delivery. Similar to when a public figure holds a press conference to apologize or explain something- if the actual person involved speaks directly it always appears to hold more weight and sincerity than if their attorney or agent reads a prepared statement.
With that being said, I also can understand why FVA might be very hesitant to get involved in this discussion. Since TUG has referred many people to this charity, it stands to reason that many TUG members could now be effected. FVA's direct involvement on the discussion could easily escalate into numerous discussions with individual TUG members and require far more attention and time than they can spare at this point.
A reasonable amount of time to try and resolve as many of these transactions as possible will have to be allowed. (I admit this is easy for me to say since I'm not having to pay a maintenance fee bill I didn't expect and was promised someone else would be responsible for!).. However, people will need to know that some progress is being made. If Brian delivers those updates, that better than not getting them at all..
Eventually, all the people effected by this will have to be given some answers and resolution.
With that being said, I also can understand why FVA might be very hesitant to get involved in this discussion. Since TUG has referred many people to this charity, it stands to reason that many TUG members could now be effected. FVA's direct involvement on the discussion could easily escalate into numerous discussions with individual TUG members and require far more attention and time than they can spare at this point.
A reasonable amount of time to try and resolve as many of these transactions as possible will have to be allowed. (I admit this is easy for me to say since I'm not having to pay a maintenance fee bill I didn't expect and was promised someone else would be responsible for!).. However, people will need to know that some progress is being made. If Brian delivers those updates, that better than not getting them at all..
Eventually, all the people effected by this will have to be given some answers and resolution.
Update.....
I've helped as much as I could, both directly and through cooperating brokers to try and find avenues where many of these ownerships could be liquidated. However, there will still be hundreds of outstanding problems with ownerships that have not been transferred over the past year, so be aware this probably isn't simply going to fade away. Deservedly, FVA will be under intense scrutiny for some time to come.
This organization has not impressed me in either it's effectiveness or it's integrity. Kim McBride seems to be the only party there attempting to resolve any of these outstanding transfers- and her reason for doing so seems to simply be an act of self-preservation rather than any sense of service or duty to the clients. The structure of the group as a whole seems to be sorely lacking, as they had no follow-up procedure for any of these "transactions" other than to charge the client's credit card for a processing fee "donation", and then to simply pass the client info on to the owners of Take Over My Timeshare and My Timeshare Rescue.
TUG has been a referral agent for the Florida Veterans Association for many years, but I strongly believe it's time to reconsider this relationship.... The advice articles recommending this organization should certainly be reviewed. If FVA can successfully resolve these past problems, perhaps then they'll earn your recommendation..
I've helped as much as I could, both directly and through cooperating brokers to try and find avenues where many of these ownerships could be liquidated. However, there will still be hundreds of outstanding problems with ownerships that have not been transferred over the past year, so be aware this probably isn't simply going to fade away. Deservedly, FVA will be under intense scrutiny for some time to come.
This organization has not impressed me in either it's effectiveness or it's integrity. Kim McBride seems to be the only party there attempting to resolve any of these outstanding transfers- and her reason for doing so seems to simply be an act of self-preservation rather than any sense of service or duty to the clients. The structure of the group as a whole seems to be sorely lacking, as they had no follow-up procedure for any of these "transactions" other than to charge the client's credit card for a processing fee "donation", and then to simply pass the client info on to the owners of Take Over My Timeshare and My Timeshare Rescue.
TUG has been a referral agent for the Florida Veterans Association for many years, but I strongly believe it's time to reconsider this relationship.... The advice articles recommending this organization should certainly be reviewed. If FVA can successfully resolve these past problems, perhaps then they'll earn your recommendation..
Well said...
Diplomatically, well and truthfully stated. In light of what appears to be "hundreds" of unresolved "donations", a clear and overt retraction of any prior TUG recommendation which might surface in a search would now be entirely appropriate, if only to ensure that a more current, balanced and accurate status report also surfaces (just as readily) in any such "search".
Fair is fair...
Diplomatically, well and truthfully stated. In light of what appears to be "hundreds" of unresolved "donations", a clear and overt retraction of any prior TUG recommendation which might surface in a search would now be entirely appropriate, if only to ensure that a more current, balanced and accurate status report also surfaces (just as readily) in any such "search".
Fair is fair...
I get updated by kim every so often when they complete other TUGGERS pending donations, as I understand it this is still going on. So this thread will remain until everyone is satisfied, we can make a decision moving forward after that.
I have however had zero contact with anyone other than Kim throughout the whole ordeal.
I have however had zero contact with anyone other than Kim throughout the whole ordeal.
florida veterans association
tugbrian,,,,,ive been dealing with Florida veterans since last nov and i was part of the takeovermytimeshare deal. Kim told me she has sent my timeshare to another company jan 19 and now going into march and havent heard on it.....ive sent her 2 or 3 e-mails and also to the person she told me she sent it to and have not gotten an email from either to see where we stand at this time. How long does all this take....and i would just like to know where we stand at this point. ive posted on this subject a few times here also. ellen propp
tugbrian,,,,,ive been dealing with Florida veterans since last nov and i was part of the takeovermytimeshare deal. Kim told me she has sent my timeshare to another company jan 19 and now going into march and havent heard on it.....ive sent her 2 or 3 e-mails and also to the person she told me she sent it to and have not gotten an email from either to see where we stand at this time. How long does all this take....and i would just like to know where we stand at this point. ive posted on this subject a few times here also. ellen propp
there is no excuse for not returning phone calls or answering emails, however I can certainly guess that if that is the case, they likely dont have any new news to tell you about your timeshare.
I sent an email to kim yesterday asking for an update, but also have not yet heard a response. Ill try to contact her again today.
I sent an email to kim yesterday asking for an update, but also have not yet heard a response. Ill try to contact her again today.
SBK
TUG Member
Scam Forum
Brian --
Would it make sense to open a Scam Forum? It would put all of the Scam information in one place, and leave this Forum for non-criminal and everyday buying and selling issues.
Brian --
Would it make sense to open a Scam Forum? It would put all of the Scam information in one place, and leave this Forum for non-criminal and everyday buying and selling issues.
simplycharming82
newbie
STILL waiting...
I am so glad to find out I'm not the only frustrated one with FVA! We started the process back in October of 2008. I feel like I have to pull teeth just to get a call back for the many setbacks and delays we've encountered. When I do finally talk to someone, I get the run around or empty promises. I say "empty" because none of them have come true, other than them collecting money and all my information. I was also told back in January that my timeshare was in the hands of another broker who would be contacting me within the week and closing would happen within 45 days. STILL waiting on that phone call... been over 2 months now... I will try Kim again tomorrow. Ten bucks says it won't be resolved for a while yet. Anyone reading this who is considering donating to them: BEWARE! At best they are very disorganized, slow moving and hard to get in touch with.
PS - just looked them up again in Better Business Bureau's website. The following was listed in the "BBB Comments" section. I copied and pasted word for word.
"Despite written Better Business Bureau requests in the past year, this organization either has not provided current information or has declined to be evaluated in relation to BBB's charity standards. While participation in BBB's charity review efforts is voluntary, BBB believes that this lack of cooperation may demonstrate a lack of commitment to transparency. Without the requested information, BBB cannot verify if the charity adheres to BBB charity standards."
http://www.bbb.org/west-florida/bus...sistance-association-inc-in-tampa-fl-16002560
Looks like they can't get anyone to call them back, either.
UPDATE on 03/25
I spoke with Kim, who referred me to Joel as supposedly Westgate wanted to buy back my unit (despite two previous declines when I tried to sell privately). Joel informed me Westgate gave them another refusal - and now his "best offer" was for me to pay an additional $400 for another "guaranteed" broker to take over. He gave me the name and number of their people this time...but I'm definitely NOT paying another dime to the FVA! My first $550 was also guaranteed, and we see how they held the end of that up. My unit is now back up for sale on Craig's list for FREE, buyer pays closing costs using Timeshare Transfer, Inc. to handle the title transfer. If I can just get out of it without paying any more money, I will be happy. Good luck.
I am so glad to find out I'm not the only frustrated one with FVA! We started the process back in October of 2008. I feel like I have to pull teeth just to get a call back for the many setbacks and delays we've encountered. When I do finally talk to someone, I get the run around or empty promises. I say "empty" because none of them have come true, other than them collecting money and all my information. I was also told back in January that my timeshare was in the hands of another broker who would be contacting me within the week and closing would happen within 45 days. STILL waiting on that phone call... been over 2 months now... I will try Kim again tomorrow. Ten bucks says it won't be resolved for a while yet. Anyone reading this who is considering donating to them: BEWARE! At best they are very disorganized, slow moving and hard to get in touch with.
PS - just looked them up again in Better Business Bureau's website. The following was listed in the "BBB Comments" section. I copied and pasted word for word.
"Despite written Better Business Bureau requests in the past year, this organization either has not provided current information or has declined to be evaluated in relation to BBB's charity standards. While participation in BBB's charity review efforts is voluntary, BBB believes that this lack of cooperation may demonstrate a lack of commitment to transparency. Without the requested information, BBB cannot verify if the charity adheres to BBB charity standards."
http://www.bbb.org/west-florida/bus...sistance-association-inc-in-tampa-fl-16002560
Looks like they can't get anyone to call them back, either.
UPDATE on 03/25
I spoke with Kim, who referred me to Joel as supposedly Westgate wanted to buy back my unit (despite two previous declines when I tried to sell privately). Joel informed me Westgate gave them another refusal - and now his "best offer" was for me to pay an additional $400 for another "guaranteed" broker to take over. He gave me the name and number of their people this time...but I'm definitely NOT paying another dime to the FVA! My first $550 was also guaranteed, and we see how they held the end of that up. My unit is now back up for sale on Craig's list for FREE, buyer pays closing costs using Timeshare Transfer, Inc. to handle the title transfer. If I can just get out of it without paying any more money, I will be happy. Good luck.
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we also have been waiting with them since nov and i do believe at one time they did a good job but they had so many thrown back at them. I have to pay more also for the closing of our time share but i weighed either paying my maintence fees once again in jan or paying to close on it and chose to close. I too tried to give ours away with just new owner paying the closing but it still is sitting no offers. The closing cost was less then paying maintence fees once again , now im just waiting to see if it closes with the deed transfered out of our name wont pay unless this is the case.
Same issue
My wife and I 'dontated' our timeshare in Oct 2008, and are dealing with the same issues. I can't even get a letter of support from these folks. Everytime I do reach them they're very busy feeding me information, pretending like they're on top of what is needed to be done.
I've sent several emails, talked with Kim, Joel, St Martin, etc but I'm sure we're put into that pile of 'if we just ignore them, they'll go away'.
So, since I left another message with several of thier folks again this morning (and keep a running log of all communication, promises, action items, etc), I'm now doing three things:
1. Opening up a ripoff report on ripoffreport.com. This DB ends up being google searchable so more folks don't have this same problem.
2. Filing a 3949-A with the IRS, since they are breaking federal law for not supplying a support letter on the initial $550 'donation assistance' paid for up front. This will allow the IRS to re-review their 501 c3 status for 2008.
3. Working with my CC company to roll back the charges.
Thoughts? Again, I do understand that they've been pushed into a corner with the problems they had with their broker last year, but that is NO excuse for not at least keeping me up to date, and supplying a letter of support. So now they will deal with an agent of 'change' (ie the IRS guys).
My wife and I 'dontated' our timeshare in Oct 2008, and are dealing with the same issues. I can't even get a letter of support from these folks. Everytime I do reach them they're very busy feeding me information, pretending like they're on top of what is needed to be done.
I've sent several emails, talked with Kim, Joel, St Martin, etc but I'm sure we're put into that pile of 'if we just ignore them, they'll go away'.
So, since I left another message with several of thier folks again this morning (and keep a running log of all communication, promises, action items, etc), I'm now doing three things:
1. Opening up a ripoff report on ripoffreport.com. This DB ends up being google searchable so more folks don't have this same problem.
2. Filing a 3949-A with the IRS, since they are breaking federal law for not supplying a support letter on the initial $550 'donation assistance' paid for up front. This will allow the IRS to re-review their 501 c3 status for 2008.
3. Working with my CC company to roll back the charges.
Thoughts? Again, I do understand that they've been pushed into a corner with the problems they had with their broker last year, but that is NO excuse for not at least keeping me up to date, and supplying a letter of support. So now they will deal with an agent of 'change' (ie the IRS guys).