Expert: Andreas Rossler - 11/19/2007

Question
Hello Andreas,
My name is Latasha and like one of the posts I read I too just purchased a timeshare this weekend. Unfortunately, I came home to bad news, My 5 year old son father past away. I can't think straight at this time, as he was incarcerated and the captain called and asked for me to prepare arrangements to have the body picked up. I don't have available cash to give as I used it for a down payment. I need to cancel this transaction but unsure of how to go about this. Can you advise me how to ensure that this transaction is cancel? I'm aware that I'm within the 10 day grace period the state of Florida allows, but I've called and I'm getting sales pitch after sales pitch plus run around. Someone is always going to call me back, I'm still waiting.

Thanks for your help
Latasha

Answer
Latasha,

I'm sorry to hear about your loss.  Ok, here is what you need to do.  When you bought, they gave you a Disclosure Statement or Public Report.  On the cover of one of those documents is a form that explains how to cancel.

Don't call them - they will not help you.  They are trying to stall you so that they can get past the cancel period.

If you can't find the form, you can still cancel by writing them a letter - you do not need to give them a reason to cancel (you may cancel, by law, for any reason at all).

The key is to make several copies of the cancellation (keep one for your records) and mail them with proof of mailing (just go to the post office and explain that you require proof that this letter was mailed and proof that they received it).

You want to send the letter to their headquarters and to the sales office as well.  Let them know that you understand the law, and that they have 20 days by law to give you a refund.

In the letter you should identify the timeshare you purchased (usually an account number or owner number that you can find in your paperwork).  In addition to mailing the letter, I would FAX it to the sales office and headquarters as well.

After you have done both (mailed and FAXED) call the company again.  Before asking them anything, ask for the full name of the person you are speaking to.  Then, ask them if they received the cancellation letter (by asking for the name, they can be held accountable and will be hesitant to give you the run around).

You should be perfectly fine.  I understand your dilemma, when my father passed away the whole family made bad decisions.  So, just be sure to calm down and think twice before doing anything (of course, you should cancel this timeshare purchase immediately).

Good Luck and God Bless.