I almost didn't post as I'm mortified I even got caught on this but it looks like I've been scammed. On Thurs. Oct 4 I was at a presentation at Vallarta Gardens. After I checked in at the desk a slick looking guy looked me up and down, sat down at the table and asked me some questions. He got up and left and was soon replaced by a blond, middle-aged woman, think her name was Lisa. She said she didn't know what I had said to him but I wouldn't be pitched on a timeshare, rather she was going to give me something they felt I was interested in which was a travel package: units of $799/unit from Getaway Travel Services (GTS), buy a bunch for use through the company's website to get ALL airfares, hotels, car rentals, etc. with 20 years to use them all for super discounted rates. I bought in and did my research when I got back to the hotel. Long story short, looks like it's a scam that's been around for a long time and has gone under different names: Holiday Rewards, Elite Travel Journeys, Ultimate Vacation Club (UVC), Global Distribution (GDS), and these are just the ones I found.
Because I only did a down payment with a subsequent monthly payment plan, I haven't gotten the site's user name/pw but as I understand from everyone else, those won't come until 30 days after final payment so I can't even check out the site. I got on the phone with my credit card company and requested a dispute investigation on the transaction. As per others stories I was able to find mescam.com with instructions on how to file a rescission letter (I'm within the 5 day timeframe) and request the contract cancellation. I sent it by email to all addresses within the travel company's contract, PROFECO, and the resort, and will send hard copies to Canadian Consumer Affairs. Of course an email bounced back from GTS (surprise!) as undeliverable. Also, GTS nowhere provides a proper address, only an intersection in Omaha, NE bounded by a park, the State office building, a cafe, and what looks to be some LLP set up beside the bus stop.
There were so many warning bells that I ignored, but she came across as polished and professional, and oddly, not pushy compared to the others I've heard about. I think most people find these forums after they've been screwed, but if you're here because you're smarter than me, things to look out for: a proper company name with complete address, no typos in the business card (for real, the phone number format was/is incorrect). I do remember when she logged into the site in the office she entered 'Sapphire' somewhere which also seems to be a name that comes up as a scammer. Get the full name of the person you are talking to, ask to see their ID or credentials as a certified sales rep. And again, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
I will update this post if/when I'm able to provide any further info on the outcome of the rescission letter, credit card dispute, etc. I'm crossing my fingers everything works out. Thanks to everyone on these forums who take the time to provide details of their issues and any helpful information in recovering the funds which were maliciously taken from them. These communications are so important. Enjoy your trip, don't go to a presentation!!!!!
Because I only did a down payment with a subsequent monthly payment plan, I haven't gotten the site's user name/pw but as I understand from everyone else, those won't come until 30 days after final payment so I can't even check out the site. I got on the phone with my credit card company and requested a dispute investigation on the transaction. As per others stories I was able to find mescam.com with instructions on how to file a rescission letter (I'm within the 5 day timeframe) and request the contract cancellation. I sent it by email to all addresses within the travel company's contract, PROFECO, and the resort, and will send hard copies to Canadian Consumer Affairs. Of course an email bounced back from GTS (surprise!) as undeliverable. Also, GTS nowhere provides a proper address, only an intersection in Omaha, NE bounded by a park, the State office building, a cafe, and what looks to be some LLP set up beside the bus stop.
There were so many warning bells that I ignored, but she came across as polished and professional, and oddly, not pushy compared to the others I've heard about. I think most people find these forums after they've been screwed, but if you're here because you're smarter than me, things to look out for: a proper company name with complete address, no typos in the business card (for real, the phone number format was/is incorrect). I do remember when she logged into the site in the office she entered 'Sapphire' somewhere which also seems to be a name that comes up as a scammer. Get the full name of the person you are talking to, ask to see their ID or credentials as a certified sales rep. And again, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.
I will update this post if/when I'm able to provide any further info on the outcome of the rescission letter, credit card dispute, etc. I'm crossing my fingers everything works out. Thanks to everyone on these forums who take the time to provide details of their issues and any helpful information in recovering the funds which were maliciously taken from them. These communications are so important. Enjoy your trip, don't go to a presentation!!!!!
