Hi folks. Thought I'd comment on this seeing as how I have had several encounters with people who were scammed by timeshares. This guide can also work for those who bought packages from beauty or spa companies. First, not all timeshares are scams, but there are a lot out there that are on the shadier side. I've been to a few just to get an idea. Second, this is merely my opinion, and it may not be a perfect one.
The Law Covering You Consumers are covered by the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) Act Cap.52A (Singapore Statutes) [You can obtain a hardcopy at Jurong Regional , Tampines Regional or Lee Kong Chian Reference Libraries under the Reference section, especially if you want to see the regulations] The Second Schedule of the Act lists out many practices that are deemed unfair, but there can be other practices beyond those listed. Section 4 of the Act states: It is an unfair practice for a supplier, in relation to a consumer transaction -- (a) to do or say anything, or omit to do or say anything, if as a result a consumer might reasonably be deceived or misled; (b) to make a false claim; (c) to take advantage of a consumer if the supplier knows or ought reasonably to know that the consumer -- (i) is not in a position to protect his own interests; or (ii) is not reasonably able to understand the character, nature, language or effect of the transaction or any matter related to the transaction;Under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) (Cancellation of Contracts) Regulations 2009 Reg. 4: (1) A regulated contract may not be enforced against the consumer at any time earlier than 5 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays) after -- (a) the day on which the regulated contract is entered into; or (b) if the consumer information notice has not been brought to the attention of the consumer before or at the time when the regulated contract is entered into, the day on which the consumer information notice is subsequently brought to the attention of the consumer.(6) A consumer information notice shall inform the consumer of his right to cancel the contract under these Regulations and in particular shall contain the information specified in the First Schedule [ Ed: of the Regulation no the Act]. This means you have 5 days from receiving notice to cancel. If you cancel within those 5 days the contract is unenforceable. I am not clear what it means to "bring to the attention of the consumer" the "consumer information notice." Making you initial the notice without really explaining may or may not count as notice. The Notice of Cancellation as laid out in the Regulation: NOTICE OF CANCELLATION UNDER THE CONSUMER PROTECTION (FAIR TRADING) (CANCELLATION OF CONTRACTS) REGULATIONSSupplier: (Insert name of supplier) Reference: (Insert supplier’s reference number, code or other details to enable the transaction to be identified.) I hereby give notice that I wish to cancel my contract referred to above under the Consumer Protection (Fair Trading) (Cancellation of Contracts) Regulations. Signature: Date: Name: Address: Telephone No.(optional): Fax (optional): E-mail (optional):Before Going to Court You might want to consider going to the Consumer Association of Singapore (CASE) before going to the courts.
The Courts Going to court costs money, so be prepared to pay Small Claims Tribunal
If you don't have money to get a lawyer you can try the Legal Aid Bureau (Tel: 1800-325-1424), but there are requirement:
Just say "No" to timeshare offers. While there are many legitimate timeshare companies who can provide us with discounted holidays, there are many more shady companies out there willing to exploit our greed for cheap holidays. Why go through all the headache to save a couple of bucks. These "investments" are not cheap at all, and even if they are legitimate, you may not use their services much in the end. Being tied to a long term contract that sounds good now, may not be so good 15 years down the road when your situation has changed (e.g. gotten richer, kids all grown up, too ill to travel, etc). Also, law firms do not solicit for business. There have been so-called "law firm agencies" that claim to represent law firms. They are not representatives of any law firm. Approach them with caution. Find your own lawyers instead. If in doubt, call the Law Society to double check (Tel: 6538 2500). I hope this guide has been useful. It's just what I know and is not comprehensive. Hope it helps those who need it.
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AuthorLate 30s. Dad. Thinking about life, family, work, and retirement. Sharing those thoughts with others Categories
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May 2018
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