Ever since lockdown and Covid restrictions, a lot of companies had to “invent” themselves all over again.

This has happened as well with the so called “claims” companies who previously would send over a sale representative to your house and sell you, their services.

Now, instead of receiving a stranger at home, they are now giving the sales-pitch through a zoom meeting.

Mistakenly consumers might think that this zoom meeting is going to be without any pressure, and they will be able to say “NO” much easier than with the person sitting on the couch. That is certainly not the case!

From the inquiries we receive on a daily basis, we hear far too often that consumers actually were persuaded during the zoom meeting to sign a contract and pay at least part of the upfront fees immediately.

Only after the meeting, consumers start doing their research and find out that there are warnings on the internet about the company in question, or that they are paying for a service they don’t need, want or can afford.

So, the same as with any other transaction of service offered and paying to hire this service, do your homework!

For as much as the person on the phone sounds plausible and knowledgeable, if they contacted you on a cold call, they should explain to you first how they obtained your private and personal details.

GDPR rulings don’t really allow for any flexibility when it comes to cold calling, so why would you trust a company who probably obtained your details through unlawful and untrustworthy sources?

If you are curious about what they are going to tell you in this meeting “face to face” through zoom, at least try to prepare yourself for the issues they will touch on.

You know from the initial call what they are offering more less, so prepare your questions about where they obtained your private details, how did they know about you being a timeshare owner, what documentation can they submit to you with proof they are delivering these services, what is their company registration and address? Etc.

Then, even if you are convinced by the services they offer, ask for a draft of the agreement! And tell them you will go through the draft first in your own time and space and maybe even with your family lawyer, BEFORE you pay a penny.

There are no such offers that can only be taken there and then and paying straight away. These sales techniques are not very trustworthy, and you should certainly never get the feeling you would be missing out on something if you don’t act immediately, as this is completely wrong!

Let them know as well when you start the meeting that you will be recording this as you want to go through all what is said afterwards. You have the full right to do this, so if they object, bad sign!

Last but not least, under the EU and UK law, you are entitled to a 14-day cancellation period when sales are being conducted in these ways.

In case of doubt, don’t take any decisions and let us know about this meeting.

You can email us at customercare@mindtimeshare.com