Recognizing a Scam

With the ongoing problem the country has with timeshare scams, many states have started working towards informing all timeshare owners as well as everyday consumers of how to recognize a scam. Many times, these con artists will cold-call timeshare owners and try to convince them that they have a buyer waiting to purchase their timeshare. What previous victims did not know was that these companies will make you pay an upfront fee before they will release any kind of information to you. However, once these con artists receive the money transfer or check, they will simply disappear.

Visa and the U.S. Federal Trade Commission have “established a joint effort to warn consumers about timeshare resale fraud”. Companies such as these have started to realize how many people have been affected by timeshare scams. Within the last couple of years, the number of complaints has doubled if not tripled. In Florida, the attorney general states that timeshares have the highest complaint category.

 To those who are truly seeking a way out of their timeshare, Transfer America is a company that has helped thousands of timeshare owners escape from their timeshare contract. Pick up the phone and talk to a representative today. 

Telemarketers Arrested

Dozens of telemarketing employees were arrested for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and mail fraud. These telemarketers were working for Creative Vacation Solutions and Universal Marketing Solutions. Apparently, they were involved in defrauding more than 22,000 timeshare owners into giving them $30 million for a service that did not exist.

The representatives convinced timeshare owners by phone that they had a buyer who was willing to purchase the timeshare from them. All the owners had to do was pay an upfront fee and they would release the information to them. However, after receiving the money, the timeshare owners never heard from the representatives again.

Palm Beach County has several different timeshare scams within the last couple of months and is continuing to fight against these scam artists. Transfer America hopes that all timeshare owners are aware of the different schemes out there. 

Transfer America Reports on Delta Flight Attendant

Last week a Delta Airlines flight attendant was removed from a flight for acting ‘unusual’. When the flight attendant tried to go through the security checkpoint at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, the TSA agent stated that he thought the flight attendant was acting unusual.

The “flight attendant was scheduled to work the Delta Flight 1266 to Atlanta” when he was stopped by the TSA agent. The flight was delayed until a substitute flight attendant arrived.

The Delta Airlines released a statement saying, “Delta was contacted by the TSA early Wednesday morning re: an allegation that a flight attendant appeared unfit for duty. Delta takes these allegations very seriously and is working to confirm if the allegation is accurate. As a precaution, the attendant was removed from flying. Delta apologizes for the delay customers on Flight 1266 encountered while traveling to Atlanta." 

To those who wish to get rid of a timeshare, contact Transfer America. 

Transfer America Reports on New Orleans Tourism

New Orleans has gone through a lot as a state recently. They suffered through Hurricane Katrina as well as the BP oil spill. However, this year they just wrapped up the most successful tourism year they have ever had. Visitors spent about $5.47 billion this year alone, which is over $180 million from the previous year.

This remarkable change is partly due to the BP oil disaster. Tourism agencies were able to spend an additional $3.8 million on marketing because of the payout they received from the oil companies. The president of New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corp. stated that all that money went straight into targeting major cities with New Orleans advertisement.

The tourism alone opened up 3,000 new jobs which is the key in the city’s recovery. The tourism still has not stopped. Just last week thousands of basketball fans swarmed the city for the Final Four. Soon the city will be prospering as it did in the past. 

To those who wish to visit New Orleans but cant because of a timeshare, contact a representative from Transfer America today. 

Transfer America Reports on Two Arrested on Timeshare Fraud

Transfer America reports on two men who were arrested last week for timeshare resale fraud. The Delray Beach police teamed up with Florida’s Attorney General to take down Nicholas Paul, the owner of Provident Choice LLC, and Gerald W. Clarke of William Clarke P.A. 

These two men claimed to be working for the Attorney General’s office and were charging timeshare owners $400 to $4,000 in upfront fees. Timeshare owners trusted this company because it claimed “to be working for the Attorney General’s office and other state agencies in obtaining refunds for victims of timeshare resale fraud”. On top of timeshare resale fraud, the Lake Worth timeshare resale company never paid the $110,000 settlement it owned to a previous customer. The Attorney General now seeks more than $550,000 in restitution. 

Timeshare Resale Fraud Bill Moving Forward

Attorney General Pam Bondi had proposed a bill to eliminate the a loophole that scam artists use to con timeshare owners into purchasing their service. The bill, SB 1408, has passed the legislature phase and has moved on to Governor Rick Scott’s desk for the final approval.

Bondi commented, “This legislation is essential in stopping fraudulent timeshare resale companies from preying on consumers. I applaud the Florida Legislature for passing this bill and protecting Florida’s consumers.”

During the previous year, Bondi had received more than six thousand complaints regarding timeshare resale companies. Many timeshare owners have fallen for the cold calls and though a legitimate business was helping them escape from their unwanted timeshare.

The Executive Editor of Sunshine State News, Nancy Smith, commented, “Florida should have addressed timeshare-resale fraud a long time ago. The timeshare industry is huge, a $10 billion-a-year business nationwide, but by far it has its largest footprint in Florida. Some 25 percent of all timeshare resorts in the United States are located in the Sunshine State. Timeshares represent a significant share of Florida’s tourism market -- a market, surprisingly, even in this economy, that is growing."

To those who wish to escape from their timeshares legally, contact Transfer America and see what their services can do for you.  

Duncan In Kuantan

Recently, Transfer America came across an excellent blog called 'Our home called Kuantan'. The owner of this blog is Duncan Horne and he is an expat from England. He has recently made a new home in Kuantan, which is a small town situated on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This tiny, yet, amazing town is steadily growing and once you visit, it'll be hard to leave. Horne is currently blogging about all his experiences as well as the attractions, hotels, and nature. Feel free to stop by his page and show him some love. I have listed the link below.

Our home called Kuantan 

Transfer America Reports on Cruise Ship Rescue

Transfer America warns travelers to take precaution and know all safety rules when vacationing on a cruise. This past week a worker aboard the Carnival Cruise ship Magic was rescued after falling overboard. The ship had just passing the coast of Galveston when the incident happened. The U.S. Coast Guard was alerted and was called to rescue the man. However, before the Coast Guards could arrive the Cruise ship had already launched a rescue mission. They were able to haul the man from the water into a recuse boat and pull him safely onboard.  Written statements claim that the man is safe and that he was in the water for less than forty-five minutes. 

Canceled Flight Due to Flight Attendant

A flight was canceled because of a flight attendant who had one too many alcohol beverages before the scheduled flight. Though the name of the flight attendant is not being released, she was identified as a 51-year-old woman from a suburb in the Twin Cities.  

The woman was escorted off the flight when it flew in from Minneapolis and the returning flight was canceled. The flight attendant’s “blood-alcohol content was more than twice the legal limit for driving in North Dakota”. As a result of the canceled flight, thirty passengers were delayed and placed on later flights.

Transfer America advises all travelers to have a backup plan just in case a flight is delayed or things don’t go according to plan. 

Australian Airlines Leaving Thousands Stranded

An estimated four thousand travelers were left stranded in Indonesia, Hawaii, Australia and Thailand. Air Australia was unable operate because there was not enough funds to pay for the operational expenses. The company along with their newly appointed administrators stated, "It currently appears that there are no funds available to meet operational expenses so flights will be suspended immediately". The airline advised passengers to make alternative arrangements because it is unlikely that Air Australia will conducting any flights for a while. 

In addition, the airline had sold over 100,000 plane tickets for future flights. With no indication as to when Air Australia will resume its operations, these tickets could become worthless. Refunds will be available to some customers based upon how the tickets were purchased. 

Transfer America advises all travelers to avoid purchasing tickets from Air Australia and to wait before making any future plans. 

E-Cigarette Misuse

This past week, a pilot turned a flight around because a passenger refused to turn off his electronic cigarette. The flight was leaving the Portland International Airport on Tuesday when the flight staff encountered a passenger who refused to put away his electronic cigarette.  It was then that the pilot decided to turn the plane around and return to Portland. As soon as they arrived the passenger and traveling companion were both escorted off the plane and handed over to the police.

The airline’s official statements says, “Continental Flight 1118, Portland to Houston, returned to Portland when a passenger refused to obey the 'No Smoking' sign. The flight landed safely, without incident at approximately 1:15 p.m. local and was met by local law enforcement. The passenger and traveling companion were taken off the plane. The flight resumed and departed Portland at approximately 2:05 p.m. local".

Transfer America warns travelers to always be prepared for delays. One can happen when you least expect it and planning ahead always ensures a pleasant trip. 

Man Arrested at Disneyland

Transfer America warns travelers to be cautious while taking family vacations. This past weekend a man was arrested for attacking workers at the Tower of Terror ride at Disney’s California Adventure. In a video, the man is seen flailing his arms around hitting workers and security while trying to maintain his balance. During the video, you can hear a woman shouting, “You're in Disneyland ...  there are kids here.”

The police responded to the call around 3 P.M. and arrived at the scene with patrons holding the man down. The 53-year-old man was identified as Glenn Horlacher. Horlacher was arrested and charged with battery and assault.

The park released a statement saying, “Our security cast member was taken to a local hospital, where he was treated for the injuries he sustained and then released. We appreciate the actions of the guests who came to his aid during this uncharacteristic incident." Though the incident is still under investigation, park officials would not quantify how many park visitors are arrested. 

Drunk Pilot Taken Off Flight

A flight to Milwaukee was delayed on Thursday morning because the pilot was suspected of being drunk. The TSA agents at the security checkpoint decided to stop the pilot because he had aroused the suspicion of the airport police.

The airline commented, "Because this is a personnel issue, we can't and won't comment on specifics other than to say that because of concern of the crew member, that crew member was replaced. Appropriate action will be taken with the crew member when our investigation is complete.”

If you wish to travel but are unable to because of your timeshare, contact Transfer America today. They can help you out of your timeshare contract so that you’ll be able to enjoy vacations again. 

Transfer America Reports on Airplane Mode

To those who are traveling, make sure to turn off your phones while you are flying. Since the incident with Alec Baldwin, airlines have now become stricter about passengers using their mobile devices. However, there are those who are unable to separate themselves from their devices even after being told to turn it off.

The main reason airlines require all cell phones to be turned off during take-offs and landings is because the cell signals interferes with the radio on the plane. This is why cell phone companies have created the ‘airplane mode’. This feature disables the phone’s transmission abilities, which means you will not be able to receive or dial any calls.

Though many airlines are now asking all passengers to keep their phones on even if it’s in airplane mode. There have been many complaints from fliers who have been asked to turn off their phone, which is surprising because the Federal Aviation Administration has always “permitted the use of electronics set to airplane mode”. This controversy has led many to petition the White House to allow cell phone usage while on ‘airplane mode’.

To those who wish to travel but are unable to because of a timeshare, contact Transfer America. 

Violence Spreads in Mexico

To those who are planning on traveling to Mexico this season, the U.S. State Department warns vacationers that violence has spread in all fourteen Mexican states. There have been reported shootouts, kidnapping and carjackings. With the violence spreading across Mexico, it has become extremely dangerous for U.S. citizens to vacation safely.  

The alert states, “The TCOs themselves are engaged in a violent struggle to control drug trafficking routes and other criminal activity. As a result, crime and violence are serious problems throughout the country and can occur anywhere. U.S. citizens have fallen victim to TCO activity, including homicide, gun battles, kidnapping, carjacking and highway robbery”.

There have been more than 47,500 people who were killed in a drug-related crime. While most of those who were murdered were involved in criminal activity, there were many innocent civilians caught in the crossfire. Last year alone, more than 120 Americans were murdered in Mexico. The fourteen states that should be avoided are “Chihuahua, Coahuila, Durango, Nuevo Leon, San Luis Potosi, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tamaulipas, Zacatecas, Aguascalientes, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacan and Nayarit”.

Travelers are also advised not to show any evidence of wealth and to exercise caution. Those who wish to travel around the world but are unable to because of a timeshare, contact Transfer America today. 

Singapore Top Consumer Complaints

Singapore reviews the top 2011 consumer complaints and the top three were Beauty companies, contractors and the timeshare industry. These three categories had the most consumer complaints due to the high number of scams out there. There was about 1, 565 cases cases against beauty companies while contractors had 1, 488. The timeshare industry had a total of 1, 458 cases which was slightly lower than the previous year. These companies are tricking consumers into purchasing their product/services and disappearing once they receive their money.

If you wish to truly get rid of your timeshare once and for all, contact Transfer America and let them help you today. 

Transfer America Reviews LodgeNet App

Being comfortable when you are traveling is a huge factor when making travel plans. But what about ensuring that you will be comfortable at the hotel you have chosen for your trip? In the past, the only way to see if the hotel had a good rating was to read their customer reviews. Though customer reviews do help, they are few and do not always hold much information. However, Transfer America has discovered an app that helps travelers make their stay at a hotel more comfortable.

LodgeNet Mobile was created by LodgeNet Interactive Corporation as a solution to making hotel stays more comfortable. This amazing app can be downloaded from either the Apple Store or the Android Market to your iPad or smartphone. This app allows you to use you device as a hotel remote to control functions such as lighting, changing the channel on the television set, searching for local restaurants, churches, supermarkets as well as other places the user might need to find.

To those who wish to purchase a smartphone or iPad but are unable to due to high maintenance fees from your timeshare, contact TransferAmerica today. They can help you out of your timeshare so that you are able to enjoy technology again.

Strike Against Air France

Transfer America was recently informed about Air France cancelling forty percent of their long-distance flights. The reason behind this madness was because pilots and personnel went on strike. They were fighting the airline for the right to hold unannounced walkouts. This strike has affected travelers as well as the company’s revenue.

In response to this strike, the airline has informed as well as recommended travelers to postpone flights until Friday, which is the date that the strike is expected to end. This company is one of the leading airlines in the world and the strike has cost them about $10.5 to $13.1 million dollars per day. Regularly, the airline operates around 1,800 flights per day and is expected “to run 60% of long-haul flights and 70% of medium and short-range flights world-wide”.

The strike was unannounced and passengers who were uninformed were angered and frustrated by the cancelled flights. Many travelers’ vacations were ruined and there are no listed flights scheduled before February 12^th.

Those on strike “are protesting a draft law that would require air transport workers to give 48 hours notice before going on strike”. The reason behind this law is to protect travelers from cancelled flights and ruined travel plans. The representatives are due to discuss this bill on Friday and agree on a decision to satisfy both parties. 

Norovirus Spreads on Cruise Ships

While traveling across seas on a world-known cruise ship, nearly 500 passengers have been infected with the Norovirus. Transfer America warns travelers to be more aware and cautious when traveling this year. Two Florida-based cruise ships, Ruby Princess and the Crown Princess, have reported at least 500 cases of the Norovirus.

Spokeswoman Julie Benson stated that the Crown Princess Cruise ship returned from the Caribbean with 394 sick passengers and crew members. The total number aboard was about 3,100. Likewise, on the Ruby Princess cruise ship, there were 105 sick with 3,000 passengers and crew aboard.

Benson commented, “We're working in close cooperation with the CDC to identify the cause.”

The CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has been monitoring both ships for possible causes. The Crown Princess has been cleaned and has already set sail. Ruby Princess, on the other hand, is currently being cleaned and is set to return to sea on Sunday.

The symptoms of Norovirus include “diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain, according to the CDC. It is spread from person to person through contaminated food or water or by touching contaminated surfaces.”

Transfer America Warns Timeshare Owners

In Arizona, many are trying inform timeshare owners about the possible timeshare resale scams. In this tough economy, receiving a call or email from a business that promises to get you out of your timeshare obligations sounds great. However, what many timeshare owners do not realize is that many of these companies who ask for an upfront fee are scams.

These business representatives throw false promises that they can resell the timeshare in less than 90 days. But in order for them to resell your timeshare you have to pay them an upfront fee. These fees can vary anywhere from a couple hundred to thousands of dollars. The FBI has already warned San Diego, Florida and states all over the United States. These victims are giving their money away for a service they thought existed. Most of these businesses disappear once they receive the money.

Another way these con artists con people into stealing money is by disguising themselves as recovery businesses. Instead of offering to sell their timeshares for them, the recovery business promises to get back the money the timeshare resale companies took. However, like the resale companies, they also ask for an upfront fee. In many cases, timeshare owners have been scammed twice and are still owners of their timeshare. Many times these companies will offer live chat to seem more reputable but in the end they are still a scam.

To those who are seeking a legitimate way out of their timeshares, Transfer America has been helping timeshare owners out of their timeshares for years. This company is dedicated in helping those who are tired and frustrated of being scammed by resale and listing companies. For more information, contact a Transfer America representative.