As part of the Office of Fair Trading’s Scamnesty Month Cardiff Council Trading Standards is warning about the dangers of Bogus Holiday Clubs.
Trading Standards are asking for any material relating to these scams to be placed in the ‘Scamnesty’ bins located in Cardiff libraries and Housing Offices.
The scams work by inviting people to join an exclusive club offering special rates or discounts on flights, accommodation and other services.
The enticement may be when you are at home or when you are on holiday via:
- A telephone call offering low cost holidays
- A telephone call offering to buy your timeshare
- A scratch card prize on the street
Before they collect their “free” prize or enticing offer victims will be asked to attend a convincing and slick presentation at a plush hotel or office with glossy brochures and plied with free champagne.
You will be made to feel as if you are joining an exclusive club that only opens its membership list to the chosen few. They’ll promise you exciting, great value holidays all over the world in top class accommodation.
However no dates or destinations are guaranteed and holidays are often not available when and where you want them. You might end up going nowhere.
There are annual subscription charges to pay whether you use it or not and the resale value may be Zero.
Councillor Judith Woodman, Cardiff Council Executive Member for Communities, Housing and Social Justice said: “Every year thousands of holidays are ruined when holidaymakers fall for the high-pressure selling techniques of bogus holiday clubs. The best thing you can do is refuse to sign anything and don’t be pressurised. If the offer seems too good to be true then it most probably is.”
If you think you have been the victim of a scam, or you suspect a scam, call Consumer Direct Wales for clear practical advice on 08454 04 05 06 or 08454 04 05 05 (welsh) or Visit – www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/scams
Consumers can report all types of scams at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/reportascam
