[ MERGED ] Michigan family jailed in Mexico over timeshare dispute

[Sandi Bo]

I've had a couple crazy thing happen in Mexico, that certainly make me value my rights here in the US. Not nearly at this level, but still...something I'll never forget - as a teenager, my Dad buying fireworks (around Tijuana / Ensenada). Then getting arrested for having fireworks. Being put in the back of the police car. Paying the cop some cash (in the police car). Them letting him go. And giving him back the fireworks. Certainly left an impression on me.

Interesting they knew to be there to arrest these people as they arrived. Yup quite sensational all the way around.

 

[PigsDad]

Interesting they knew to be there to arrest these people as they arrived.

That's probably the easiest to explain. Their names were on the Interpol list due to the warrant, so when they went through customs upon arriving in Mexico, there would be all types of notifications raised. No way were they getting through Mexican customs unnoticed.

Kurt

 

[Shiba]

Palace Resorts went to the authorities and based on what they presented to the authorities, a warrant was issued which was subsequently filed with Interpol. What kind of evidence did they present that convinced the authorities that a warrant was justified? If it was so good, why now give them 6 months to "gather evidence". If the evidence they presented was that good, why another 6 months. If it wasn't good, why the warrant? This just doesn't make any sense

I as well as most of us here on this forum do not know what the threshold is to obtain a warrant is in Mexico. I have know idea what is legally required by Palace Resorts, but obviously it met the minimum as a warrant was obtained. Is it typical procedure in their court system to get further evidence or did the judge ask for for more evidence, who knows?

This is Mexico’s judicial system they’re playing in, it doesn’t matter what is typically done here in the US.

 

[dioxide45]

That's probably the easiest to explain. Their names were on the Interpol list due to the warrant, so when they went through customs upon arriving in Mexico, there would be all types of notifications raised. No way were they getting through Mexican customs unnoticed.

Kurt

Also, given that the warrant was issued by Mexico and they were flying into Mexico, I am sure it raised flags for the inbound flight. The fact that their warrant was in Interpol is actually meaningless since it isn't really what would have caused them to be picked up. Had they flown into another country, it is possible that country could have held them and extradited them to Mexico.

 

[PPAES]

I wonder if Palace Resorts control the /r/PalaceResorts subreddit on Reddit. I see no mention of this story anywhere on there. Though, there is a thread in /r/TimeshareOwners. I tend not to read the /r/TimeshareOwners on Reddit too much. I have replied to some threads, but the main problem with Reddit is that the threads are exposed to a lot of people that don't own timeshare and know nothing about it other than "timeshare bad".

Check it out: r/AllInclusiveResorts
This sub includes Christy’s Facebook screenshots renting rooms at Palace and “helping” people to cancel a “lost or stolen” credit card used at resort, Palace’s statement about this case and their 1,570 bookings.

Interesting article here

 

[PigsDad]

The fact that their warrant was in Interpol is actually meaningless since it isn't really what would have caused them to be picked up.

That's not what was stated in this article, where it said:

“Mexican prosecutors reviewed the evidence and, following failed attempts to serve notice, obtained a court-approved arrest warrant. INTERPOL validated the case and issued a red notice, leading to the Akeos’ detention at Cancún Airport on March 4, 2025,” the company said.​

Not sure if every arrest warrant in Mexico is in a system that flags people flying into the country; this statement seems to indicate that having Interpol involved was key in getting them flagged for arrest at the airport.

Kurt

 

[1Kflyerguy]

@1Kflyerguy We visit Cabo every year and exchange into timeshares including Fiesta Americana (honest company AFAIK - we've never had an issue after 2 visits and I know several Tuggers who own there). Although not perfect, Cabo does not have these issues. We avoid presentations except from Hilton or Westin but never bought. Take her there and she will love it. Fabulous resorts and the staff are very warm and friendly.

I have always wanted to visit Cancun but now are rethinking based on this article and the one shared earlier in this thread about forcing NDAs upon hotel guests.

Based on what I have read, i agree i think she would like it if I can convince to go once... will see maybe it will happen.

 

[pedro47]

Please. No one outside of our little corner of the world is paying any attention to this at all.

I heard this on ABC, NBC, and CBS News networks.

 

[dioxide45]

Check it out: r/AllIclusiveResorts
This sub includes Christy’s Facebook screenshots renting rooms at Palace and “helping” people to cancel a “lost or stolen” credit card used at resort, Palace’s statement about this case and their 1,570 bookings.

Interesting article here

Did you have a typo in the name of the subreddit? Perhaps you can provide a direct link to the thread as I am simply not finding anything in r/AllInclusiveResorts/. At least not on the first four pages.

 

[rpennisi]

If the US Govt steps in, this case can somehow go away, with all sides sort of saving face, but
if this case goes to trial in Mexico, there is no way Palace can lose, because you are right.
The Mexican govt cannot be seen to have treated American "tourists" like this without having had an airtight CRIMINAL case.

I think it means nothing to me, really, because you No Way, Jose, could you get me to step inside a TS presentation in Mexico. And my wife? She'd break my kneecap before letting me go. She'd make me an offer I couldn't refuse.

As a 33 time visiter to Mexico with my wife in the past 23 years, I find this insulting and infantile.

 

[jmalonefm]

I have nothing to say about the Palace Timeshare situation. But a big point of clarity over Mexican Law--we live in Quintana Roo, own several condos and have several HGVC timeshares. Laws made in Mexico City (country laws if you will) are open to interpretation by individual Staes, Municipaliities and Cities. All interpretations are all legal and you must be aware.

 

[jp10558]

I wonder if Palace Resorts control the /r/PalaceResorts subreddit on Reddit. I see no mention of this story anywhere on there. Though, there is a thread in /r/TimeshareOwners. I tend not to read the /r/TimeshareOwners on Reddit too much. I have replied to some threads, but the main problem with Reddit is that the threads are exposed to a lot of people that don't own timeshare and know nothing about it other than "timeshare bad".

I try and avoid reddit after the third party app debacle a few years ago. I'd argue the main problem with reddit is it's still kind of an outrage machine, though I think sticking to specific subs is way better than other algorithmic social media. IDK I tried the fediverse and I much prefer the idea, but it still seems like both the people don't go there and I suppose I found out that "all interest" without algorithms (or really with them) isn't that interesting to me and I much prefer the "oldschool" topical forums like TUG, or the chatrooms like on Discord where you can kind of see the same people and sort of get to know them etc.

 

[AJCts411]

That's probably the easiest to explain. Their names were on the Interpol list due to the warrant, so when they went through customs upon arriving in Mexico, there would be all types of notifications raised. No way were they getting through Mexican customs unnoticed.

Kurt

Not sure how all this actually works, but if the couple was wanted by Interpol, wouldn't they be flagged at the USA airport?

 

[iqmavin]

The people in jail say they did nothing wrong. They claim that they only took advantage of a deal offered to them. In this case it might be considered unfettered greed instead of greed. Their credit card company sided with them is what we know and that they are in jail.

Going to a presentation is taking advantage of a deal offered to buyers and could be considered in a persons self interest to attend but when that buyer has been to the same presentation many times with no intention of buying it might be considered unfettered greed.

Both scenarios are examples of greed.

I'm not implying it's wrong to go to presentations for the perks. Even to the same resorts with no intention of ever buying anything. I don't think it's wrong to cancel a contract and to keep the perks either. I do think taking advantage of a resort sales teams offer multiple times, year after year, with no intention of buying does border on unfettered buyer greed in some cases.

Bill

Bill

 

[iqmavin]

There’s probably more to this than meets the eye. Couple of lessons here I think:

Always know what your right to rescind and how to make it happen.
If you think you got over on one of these behemoths, think again. The deck is always stacked in favor of the house.
Avoid bragging on social media about your wins.

Timeshare presentations are a big part of the economy in many Mexican resorts. First the hook. Then the driver. Next the waiter at the free meal. Don’t forget the sakes rep and finally the closer. They all get a piece of the action.

The real question is: Is your time on VC worth spending listening to their speil?

The choice is yours.

 

[lilliand]

 

[WillyWilly]

I think customs found them on the list and retained them as a matter of operations. However they should have been released immediately once they determined this was a civil contract dispute.

If there is something else that they did then it is not revealed in this story. However the story says "6 months to allow Palace to gather evidence." Really? You can put someone on an Interpol list and not have evidence to support this? Something is fishy about this story. So perhaps there is something else beyond the Timeshare dispute.

Some very really interesting posts/opinions on this matter. (and WAGs)

Just saying-
--Mexican Criminal Procedure is vastly different from the US Crim Procedure (Arrest Warrant/Bail/Speedy Trial/) and US Crim Law- (Presumption of Innocence/Burden of proof/Right to Counsel)
--- US Embassy is well aware of this matter, as is the MEX Govt. because it impacts tourism which impacts their economy/workers, etc.
---- Stay tuned for more Information/Facts. (vice speculation and WAGs).

Thanks for the insightful Posts and sharing thoughts/opinions/speculation- Been some really awesome reading with the morning cup of coffee.

TUG is pretty cool.

 

[easyrider]

There’s probably more to this than meets the eye. Couple of lessons here I think:

Always know what your right to rescind and how to make it happen.
If you think you got over on one of these behemoths, think again. The deck is always stacked in favor of the house.
Avoid bragging on social media about your wins.

Timeshare presentations are a big part of the economy in many Mexican resorts. First the hook. Then the driver. Next the waiter at the free meal. Don’t forget the sakes rep and finally the closer. They all get a piece of the action.

The real question is: Is your time on VC worth spending listening to their speil?

The choice is yours.

Throughout the years there has been plenty of posts , including mine, describing the presentation pay offs at different resorts. If we have time we often do attend for the perks. Our best day was three presentations in one day. We agreed to the first presentation and when it was over we were recycled to the next presentation which was a block away. After the second presentation we stopped at the grocery store and were invited to a third so we went. We started at around 8.30 am and finished at 1 pm. We ended up with $1,200 cash, gift certificates to local restaurants, a sunset cruise for four and blankets / tequila. This would be our best day going to presentations. Usually, we are one and done.

While it does seem greedy, we give away most of the perks while on a trip. With the restaurant gift certificates we were able to tip $50 which made the one of the servers tear up. Our maids received $20 tips. We dropped off $100 to the bell men to split up. We gave the reception check in person $100 and she said now she could buy her child some necessities she had put off. The pool server was tipped heavy. Oddly, they started calling me Senor Bill. Before the tips they just called me sir.

I agree 100% that presentations are a big part of the economy in Mexico.

Bill

 

[cheech]

View attachment 108409

This was posted already

 

[am1]

Some very really interesting posts/opinions on this matter. (and WAGs)

Just saying-
--Mexican Criminal Procedure is vastly different from the US Crim Procedure (Arrest Warrant/Bail/Speedy Trial/) and US Crim Law- (Presumption of Innocence/Burden of proof/Right to Counsel)
--- US Embassy is well aware of this matter, as is the MEX Govt. because it impacts tourism which impacts their economy/workers, etc.
---- Stay tuned for more Information/Facts. (vice speculation and WAGs).

Thanks for the insightful Posts and sharing thoughts/opinions/speculation- Been some really awesome reading with the morning cup of coffee.

TUG is pretty cool

Must be wearing some Rosy coloured glasses if that is how you think the American justice system works. Especially the last few months but even before.

Mexico may not be perfect but where is?

If Mexican law has been followed here is what happened ok with you if so you think they should get a free pass as they are an older couple from Michigan?

 

[PPAES]

Did you have a typo in the name of the subreddit? Perhaps you can provide a direct link to the thread as I am simply not finding anything in r/AllInclusiveResorts/. At least not on the first four pages.

https://www.reddit.com/r/AllInclusiveResorts/comments/1jjtvft/michigan_family_jailed_in_mexico_over_travel_club

 

[pedro47]

Not sure how all this actually works, but if the couple was wanted by Interpol, wouldn't they be flagged at the USA airport?

That was my feeling.

View attachment 108409

Look at the date , something is strange about that date.

 

[sponger76]

Not sure how all this actually works, but if the couple was wanted by Interpol, wouldn't they be flagged at the USA airport?

They didn't have to clear Customs & Immigration leaving the U.S.and airline check-in systems don't see Interpol notices. Those get seen by law enforcement, and even then usually only law enforcement at international points of entry which is what Customs & Immigration officials are. On this trip their first encounter with such officials would be on arrival into Mexico.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

The Reddit stream posted above is very interesting.

What is missing for me is that AMEX doesn't simply credit people's accounts because they filed a dispute. Paperwork such as a contract terms must be presented and payments and room cancellations noted to provide a case. Perhaps buyers didn't present the full story? or it was legitimate. Who knows?

Similarly AMEX usually contacts the vendor to get their side of the story. Either Palace did not provide sufficient justification to support the sale or did not respond, Alternatively AMEX didn't contact Palace to get their story - but I find that difficult to believe given the size of the claim and that they regularly collect payments for their resorts and work with their finance depts.

Net Net Palace lost the chargeback claim by AMEX that conducts due diligence so there is some evidence in writing that was presented to AMEX that the charges were for future services that were cancelled.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

posted wrong forum