Anonymous
map-marker Columbia, South Carolina

Mailing PRIZE call to claim

Beware of this company, sending out mailings stating you have won a Tablet computer. one hundred words or, less?? Green eggs and Ham sam I am, Don't do buisiness with this SCAM, Nothing is Free, you can count on me, Don't waste a call, look down the hall if you must , Wake up and figure out the , your mother told you if it seem to good to be true, it probably is , some we are counting down to the last 20 words that must be entered, or the *** that wrote this program will not get paid.

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1 comment
Guest

I was called and told I had won a cruise; all I had to do was meet certain requirements.I met all of the requirements. Needless to say drove 1.5 hrs and took day off to go.

Was not given what was promised and was treated horrible. Would recommend that people avoid this company.

Weslynn Wvs

Reps do not return calls.

We are planing a trip to Hawaii to renew our vows in 2014. Have called Festiva travel reps to work on this important trip for us . They get all the information but will not call back I continue to call but all I get is soon as we find you something we will call you. We have been members since 2009. Our first time to try and use it and the taste of this service is leaving a sour taste in my mouth. Beware of things that sound to good because it probably is. This trip means a lot to us we will celebrate my five year Breast Cancer Free and 20 years marriage I explain this to the travel rep. We even join the platinum club which was crazy sine we had not been able to use the regular adventure club.
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Loss:
$7000
3 comments
Letesha Mvs

Did they ever get back with you? What can be done?

I have been trying for a year to use my points and nothing is ever available. I use several resorts and flexible dates. Still nothing.

Can anyone help?

Guest

Sounds like we all are in the same boat. Unfortunate we have found out a hard, expensive way.

Letesha Mvs
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-828509

What can we do?

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Temitope Vfg

Save yourself the time money and headache!

On April 30, 2013 I called into the Feistiva Adventure Club call center to inquire about upcoming travel dates. I spoke with a very pleasant agent by the name of Rebecca.

She informed me that there were accommodations available at Sandcastle South Beach Resort that fit my travel needs. She advised me that I would be required to complete a 120 min presentation for a timeshare in order to get the deal which was being offered for that particular resort. I was perfectly fine with the stipulation, as I already own a timeshare in Florida, and was looking forward to possibly purchasing a second. I booked the reservation with Rebecca, securing the suite on my visa paying everything in full.

I was given a confirmation number over the phone and told that an email would be sent to me. I was also told to check the website in 48 hours to print out all information. On May 3, 2013 I checked the website several times to print out the information as instructed and was unable to. I tried for several days to access my information on Feistiva’s website to no avail.

Finally on May 7th I called into the call center to find out why I was unable to retrieve the information from the website and that’s when my nightmare began. I spoke to an agent by the name of Scott and was informed that although the funds had been taken off of my credit card I did not have a reservation number showing in the computer for the suite I had booked. I was told that he needed to check on some things and call me back. I never received a call back.

I called back into the call center on May 8th and requested to speak only with a manager (as my travel date were approximately 2 weeks away). I spoke with Christy Chastain. Ms. Chastain informed me that I had been sold a package deal that was not available.

Apparently the Festiva agent overbooked the allotted number of rooms available for the resort. At no time, prior to me calling was I informed that there was an issue with my reservation. I informed Ms. Chastain that there was less than 2 weeks before my travel date and it was during a busy holiday weekend (Memorial Day and Bike Week)and that made it extremely difficult if not impossible to find and reserve accommodations at this point.

I stressed to her that Festiva needed to fulfill their part of the oral contract that we had entered into. I called everyday for the following 3 days only to be placed on hold until the phone disconnected or to be told that I would receive a return call that NEVER happened. At the end of this horrible ordeal, I was told there was nothing Festiva could or would do to resolve the situation. This left me and my family scrambling with only 8 days left until travel day with no place to stay.

Fortunately, today I was able to find accommodations, however I was forced to pay double the amount. I would like to warn everyone to stay far far away from this company. They make promises and take your money and are unable to render the services.

This whole ordeal has made my vacation planning extremely stressful. BEWARE and TAKE HEED BEFORE DEALING WITH FESTIVA ADVENTURE CLUB.

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Loss:
$873
Jensyn Tgo

Very Disatisfied Long Time Owner

My vacation ownership started with Peppertree. We were happy. We upgraded twice and were happier twice. Then we were presented the Travel Club and the flexibility it provided and it looked better. We now own more than three weeks worth of points. In the past we could schedule out a year in advance. Now we cannot schedule beyond 120 days. And the resort we have stayed at for over twenty years we cannot get accommodations. I called our favorite resort directly and I can pay them for reservations in the time I want. So why can I not schedule a week vacation?
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Loss:
$40000
5 comments
Guest

Buddy you are so right. We own at Peppertree also.

They have high pressure sales with nothing to back up their promises. Very dissatisfied 2nd generation owner.

Festiva

I do work directly for the company. We have been able to help & resolve issues for customers who have contacted us at fachelp@gmail.com.

Guest

Sure, help is always only $5000 away.

Guest

I hope you didn't send that person your information he was requesting. You don't know for sure who he is.... :grin

Festiva

I would like to try and help you. I work for the company.

If you would, please email me the name on your account, your contact information and any other information so we may assist you. Email me at fachelp@gmail.com

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Anonymous
map-marker Kansas City, Missouri

SCAM artists...if they offer you ANY deal, RUN!

This company is the biggest SCAM ever. Run from ANYTHIHNG they offer. When we first purchased a deed from them 6 years ago, we actually liked it. Then they suckered us into spending more money to join their Adventure Club by telling us that we would have a really hard time booking a reservation if we didn't because EVERYONE else was changing over to the Adventure Club and that our maintenance fees would go way up if we didn't. Well, guess what, now that we upgraded to the Platinum Adventure Club, we can't get a reservation and we pay triple the maintenance fees! And to make matters even worse...they tell us we the reason we can't get a reservation is because we need to 'upgrade'..with our current membership we are 'not a priority customer'. We have spent in the 10,000's and are paying a couple thousand in maintenance fees and can't even get a reservation. Then, the guy who sold it to us, to us that if we paid his friend $800, he would sell it for us...and guess what? We paid the $800 and told him that he could GIVE it away...and he has done nothing. HUGEST SCAM EVER! Can't even believe this is legal as it is just eating away our finances. I could go on and on about some VERY unethical things they have done and am planning on contacting the North Carolina attorney general about them.
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Loss:
$20000
4 comments
Alonzo Iuw

Festiva is the biggest scam ever. All the fees and everything that has to do with festiva is the biggest rip off.

Do not waste your time or money. They will lie and *** you into anything then not have one care in the world for you.

DO NOT fall for these people. They are scam artists!

Festiva

I can assure you that the owner who made the original post has been or will be sent on vacation if they contact us at fachelp@gmail.com. If you would email me privately at fachelp@gmail.com, I would be happy to help you with your account as well.

We have facilitated over 90,000 vacation transactions in the last year.

Although we are not perfect, we are committed to traveling our members. I am happy to help you in any way possible...fachelp@gmail.com

Festiva

I work for the company & we would like to review your account. Please email us directly at fachelp@gmail.com with your contact information, contract name or number & we can help you to get your vacation booked.

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Festiva

really helper? That is all that you got out of that comment.

You will help them book a reservation? I guess that explains why your company sucks

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Anonymous
map-marker Randolph, Massachusetts

False Advertisement

I went to Storyland NH and entered in a contest to win a new car. I received a call stating my ticket was pulled and left a call back number.

I called several times to only receive a voice mail message. I went further and called the local dealership who's car is on display at the park. He then gave me a contact name and number and still haven't received a call back.

After several calls and leaving several voice mail messages to no avail. We have plans to contact our local media and have them investigate both companies further.

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2 comments
Guest

PLEASE DO !!!! this company is a SCAM, scammed MAINERS and myself out of thousands or dollars

Guest

We did the same thing...we ended up taking the free night at a hotel and listening to the two hour talk. They were nice people, but so evasive about the true costs and not at all impressed that we were not in the least interested ("you owe it to your children to give them good vacations"...really!!). The "gifts" at the end were ***

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Latrisha Hju
map-marker Hampden, Maine

Scam Artists

We attended the Bangor, ME State Fair and entered a drawing to win a side-by-side 4 wheeler on 8/3/13. On 8/6/13 we received a call stating our name had been drawn for a "priliminary" drawing. We were guaranteed 3 out of 5 prizes just for going to their office and listening to what they had to offer. We figured it was for a timeshare which was ok. Since we are over 2 hrs away, they offered to pay for our hotel but we had to "hold" the room with our credit card. They asked us a ton of questions and it was agreed upon. I left work early the day of the appt, drove over 2 hrs in the pouring rain only to be turned away, without our "prizes." Plus our credit card was charged $50 for the hotel room which we didn't even stay in, we chose to go back home. We have yet to get our money back and fully don't expect to. We were given the run around as to why we weren't a candidate for their program, AFTER we got there. The only reason we were contacted in the first place was because of what we put down for our income level on the initial contest form. We will try to continue to contact them but would never recommend this place to anyone!
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2 comments
Guest

Be thankful that you were turned away and weren't pressured into purchasing a Festiva time share. Worst nightmare of my life being an owner with them!

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-731504

A nightmare I would not wish on anyone. Worst purchase we have ever made. It is like you are pouring money down an open ended rat hole. They are dishonest, will say anything to try to PRESSURE you into purchasing and if you do not purchase they get very angry and are very rude.

The last "presentation" we attended was horrible. An elderly lady sitting across the aisle from us had two or three people pressuring her (she was alone)to purchase additional points and when the sales persons walked away from their desk she looked at my husband with the expression of "Please help me" and asked him if we wanted to buy her timeshare. We both felt sorry for her and when we did not cave to the pressure put on us the salesman attempted to make us feel that we had done him wrong by going through the presentation and not buying; that we had wasted his time and was causing him to lose "a sizable commission". WELL, WE WERE HOUNDED THE FIRST FEW DAYS WE WERE THERE TO COME TO THE PRESENTATION AND WE DID NOT GO TO PURCHASE AT THAT RESORT. WE WERE USING OUR TIME THAT WE HAD PAID AN EXORBITANT AMOUNT IN MAINTENANCE FEES AND EXCHANGE FEES FOR TO TRY TO HAVE A NICE VACATION AND DID NOT GO TO SEEK MORE RIP-OFFS.

We first purchased in 1988 in Asheville, NC (Blue Ridge Village) when the Festiva name was Peppertree. It has changed names several times since then. Talking about a nightmare, we have been through several with this outfit. We have tried to get rid of our Timeshare and seems that we are locked in to a mess with no way to get out.

I URGE ANYONE WHO IS PRESENTED WITH THE "OPPORTUNITY" TO ATTEND ONE OF THESE PRESENTATIONS, RUN THE OTHER WAY AS FAST AS YOU CAN. DO NOT GET YOURSELF TIED INTO THIS MONSTROUS NIGHTMARE.

NO MATTER WHERE THE "RESORT" "PRESENTATION" IS PHYSICALLY LOCATED, IT IS ALL THE SAME.

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Anonymous
map-marker Houma, Louisiana

I couldn't log on o m acount. i called mny time but no respond

We purchased festiva adventure club on April 11. I call festiva because I was having some problems with my account I couldn't log on to there system .I call many time but could not reach anyone. finally when someone answered the telephone I was told that my computed was not compatible there system ad they will have their IT person checkout the problem . It took month I called back and left a voice message that I was cancelling my account I cancel my draft and now in I am now being harassed by Amanda their finance mgr. she said that because I cannot logo on to there system this is not a valid reason for not paying them. she also said that she will call me every week until I start paying.
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Loss:
$3999
2 comments
Delona Nau

I had the same problem with Festiva Resorts when I tried to pay maintenance fees. I reset my password and nothing.

I email asking someone to call me - all to no avail. I also called and never was able to speak to anyone. When I did get an email a week or so later I was told I was using the wrong email address. That was their excuse.

The next communication I received was a bill for maintenance with several hundred dollars added in interest and late fees. Festiva Resorts set me up and used me for a financial gain.

As I've read through the complaints it appears when their website doesn't work they blame the us - apparently nothing is ever their fault. Maybe they do this intentionally to screw the rest of us...

I asked Festiva Resorts to contact me concerning my matter. I doubt anyone will call me to discuss the problem I have with them.

I entered the problem I was having on this website today, April 22, 2014.

You can read my complaint under that date.

Festiva

I work for the company. We can assist you with any reservations needed. Please email me privately at fachelp@gmail.com with your contact information.

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Paul R Qyl
map-marker Wakefield-Peacedale, Rhode Island

Festiva vacation club

Has anyone had success in getting out of Festiva Adventure Club without paying their Release Fees? When I joined, I was told that I could opt out without any fees and any time. I feel that the marketing rep who presented Festiva to me made some promises that have proven to be false. Now Festiva wants 2 years additional Maintenance Fees (approx. $1700), plus payment of the current year's fees as their Release Fee for getting out of the vacation club. I have talked to a lawyer and the North Carolina Attorney General's Office and they said they have had many complaints about Festiva. thanks
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Loss:
$2500
6 comments
Guest

have tried to clear this up with contacting Festiva itself, with no response-- Signed up after upgrade for Life Time member of Adventure club-- with a promise of a weeks vacation voucher---still have not received and over 6 months -- I am paying for this and now can not get on Web Site SOMEONE PLEASE RESPOND !!!!!!

Guest

Sometimes sales reps will misrepresent their product to make a sale, no matter what they're selling or what company they work for. However, that doesn't mean all reps do and it surely doesn't mean that Festiva is a scam.

It's a great program but it's not perfect.

No company is perfect. Festiva is very similar to Marriott but costs a lot less.

Guest

We vacation with pets.

Contcting a rep he said there are a couple of properties out there!

im thrilled.Perhaps they can look after them while we go

anyways no more.

the presenters have no qualms about ANY misrepresentations as long as you sign.

BEWARE all i can say

Darlene D Esi

I'm on the phone now with Festiva corporate office. They are refusing to give me a refund, even though I've to a letter stating that they didn't process my "contract" until October 26, almost two months after I had signed and then canceled.

Now I'm being told I should have canceled in writing within 10 days. I was never given that information in writing or otherwise. In fact, Festiva had no record of any contract. So they hold my contract for two months, then try to force me to pay it stating that it's too late to cancel now???

Thank goodness I have detailed cell phone records, and made posts here and on the BBB website which is proof that I tried to cancel this contract within that 10 day window.

For whatever good it will do. :(

Darlene D Esi

Festiva Reps make lots of promises they never intend to keep. They are trained sales people, and will tell you anything to get you to sign the contract.

We tried to cancel within a few days of signing for the Adventure Club Vacation, and it's been two months and still haven't got a refund. I've complained to the BBB, and still getting the runaround from Festiva.

Sara Uyu

Dear Sir or Madam:

Please write to us at www.festivareviews.com and we will be happy to have a supervisor review your account.

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Anonymous
map-marker Spindale, North Carolina

PLEASE READ!! Do NOT be FOOLED!

My parents were "invited" to an owner dinner, they said it was a special treat for owners. My parents are older and took advantage of what seemed to be a free dinner for Festiva owners. WRONG!!! 3 Sales Reps kept them there for 4 hours and under extreme pressure sold them more points! They do not use the points they have, but from what one representative said, "you can always use more, you can rent them out and earn your money back and then some", he said he would help them "rent' their points so they could start earning some of their investment back. A lady also spoke to them and assured them this was a 100% guarantee way to get back money they had spent. BUT in order to get this "RENTAL PROGRAM" you got it, was to UPGRADE and BUY MORE!!?? Now, I've done research and this "rental program' they have is nothing more than tug2.net, a place where ANYONE can go and buy/rent/sell timeshare. I've placed numerous calls but, received no response to date. My mother and father now must pay them over $1000/year in Maintenance Fees, not to mention the special assessments. One can easily go on multiple getaways annually for that amount of money, plus the amounts given to "upgrade". Shame on them for taking advantage of older people, and even more I'm sure, younger naive people!! And shame on me for not going with my parents to keep this from happening!!! Here's another kicker, they keep changing their name to avoid all the numourus complaints. Festiva Resorts, Festiva Adventure Club, Festiva Hospitality, Festiva Voyages and I'm sure it will keep going. Advice: DO NOT ATTEND ANY TYPE OF 'SPECIAL' OWNER EVENT, CAUSE ITS NOTHING MORE THAN ANOTHER WAY FOR THEM TO ATTEMPT TO *** OR YOUR FAMILY OUT OF MONEY!!!! FYI: Festiva Rep, do not bother attempting to reply to this thread. There is nothing you can do, or you would have already returned my call. Also, as I'm typing this, I'm typing my complaint to the Attorney General.
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Loss:
$40000
1 comment
Guest

I agree! This company is horrible.

We have been scammed by them as well. With the money we are paying them, we could go on some darn nice vacations. As it is now, we haven't even been able to book vacations whenever we call. This is the third year, we haven't been able to use our points as they tell us that the resort we want to stay in is booked up.

However, you can go on one of the internet discount hotel websites and book a room....at a bargain price! Figure that one out.

We were satisfied when we first purchased our time share. Ever since, they have basically "forced" everyone into the Adventure Club, it's been horrible!

Anonymous
map-marker Old Town, Maine

Unprofessional operation with scam advertisements!

The staff was completely unprofessional and rude. With a waiting room full of people staff sat and chatted instead of helping customers. After waiting over 30 minutes for my SCHEDULED appointment I was told that the promotion advertised was not an option for me. I had already confirmed my eligibility by phone when scheduling the appointment. Staff refused to listen to the recorded phone conversation to verify my point of view. They knew why I was there at check-in, yet left me waiting for over a half hour before they told me they wouldn't serve me. They have a children's room that is completely unattended with choking hazard toys. The waiting room felt like the hospital emergency room, waiting in line with other unhappy customers while staff treats you like you are invisible.
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1 comment
Festiva

We apologize for any experience that is not a good experience with our company. I would like to follow up on your visit.

If you would, please email me at fachelp@gmail.com with the location of the office that you visited along with the approximate date.

Anonymous

Attorney General Roy Cooper

Contact the North Carolina Department of Justice / Roy Cooper, Attorney General (919) 716-****, Consumer Protection. Their headquarters is in Asheville, NC. I have made my call, she stated if they have enough calls/legitimate complaints, they will issue a show cause and will move forward with a Class Action Lawsuit. Will you make your call?? Contact the North Carolina Department of Justice / Roy Cooper, Attorney General (919) 716-****, Consumer Protection. Their headquarters is in Asheville, NC. I have made my call, she stated if they have enough calls/legitimate complaints, they will issue a show cause and will move forward with a Class Action Lawsuit. Will you make your call??
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Naba Mgb
map-marker Latrobe, Pennsylvania

Festiva Adventure Club Cancellation

We just bought a Festiva timeshare. Got suckered into the going on the 90 min tour for the free laptop.

Well we went to this said name 90 min tour that ended up being like 4 hours when it was all said and done with for this free laptop. The tour was full of all sorts things that seemed to be to good to be true so we ended up getting a time share that ended being about 7.000ish. We filled out all of the contracts and went home. My wife being the Type A personality that she is started to read every word of the contract that we had just signed and I decided to get on line and read some reviews on this seemingly awesome timeshare we had just bought.

( I know most people would do this before they bought something so expensive.) Well the first complete page on google was different reviews about how *** this company was and how much people had been screwed over. I didn't find any good reviews on Festiva at all except on their sight, so we decided to cancel the timeshare we had just bought. The contract can be canceled for a full refund as long as you do it within 5 days of purchase (of course they don't tell you about this). Now when we called the place we got the time share from they didn't answer of course we left a message and of course they never called back, so we called their corporate office well they put us on hold for like 15 min.

This is where patience comes into play just keep waiting until you get someone. From there tell them you would like to cancel your contract. You'll have to send in a typed and signed statement of cancellation and you have to give back the binder that they give you or they will charge you like 80 bucks for it. As long as you get everything mailed off within the Five day time frame you're good.

So the contract that screws most people over can also work in you're favor if used soon enough.

Their is a way out from under the *** that is Festiva as long as you're quick enough. Just remember Patience, Quickness, and a very angry woman on a phone can accomplish anything.

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Loss:
$7
4 comments
Guest

Where is the corporate office located

Guest
reply icon Replying to comment of Guest-1010028

asheville nc. 1-86*-***-****

Guest

Thank for reassurng me that it is possible to get a full refund within the first 5 days. My wife and I attended a seminar just yesterday and were completely suckered into paying for one of their packages.

We've since read the entire contract now that we are home and, although concerned about what we might be in for, found comfort in your post. Obviously reading many of the same negative reviews as you, our hearts dropped til re-reading the "13. Contract Cancellation" :(First thing in the morning I will be writing a certified/notorized letter cancelling this croc of fraudulent ***.

We also contacted Discover Card to insure these charges do not take place. Thanks again

Guest

We just signed our contract yesterday and I came home and did the same thing you did, search for reviews. I was so disappointed to see all the negative reviews.

They were all under the ripoffreport.com website. The BBB rated them with a C-. Tomorrow is Monday and you can bet your sweet *** I will have the letter written, signed and boxed along with their binder by Monday afternoon! It will be certified with a signed receipt.

Last night I called my bank and explained that the company was fraudulent and I wanted to cancel the payment and get new cards issued.

I feel bad for all the people that got screwed by this company. How do they sleep at night.

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Susan B Rwr
map-marker Washington, District Of Columbia

Too many issues to list.

We purchased our Festiva Adventure Club timeshare two years ago, and this was the first year we have attempted to use it. We were specifically told by our salesperson to wait until 30 days before travel to book in order to use the least amount of points. This is the way she supposedly traveled, and never had any issues getting the resort for the dates she wanted. She did tell us however, that to be safe, have a backup resort in mind just in case. I called today to try to book a vacation for my family for 3 weeks from now. I was told nothing was available for three months. I went online, and looked for any availability - 4 days, 7 days - anything. Nothing was available. So out of curiosity, I called two of the resorts directly, and was told that they could book me directly with no problem. Also, the resorts are available for booking on travelocity and other online travel websites. For some reason, I thought as owners, we might for some odd reason take priority over travelocity. And we don't even want to go into the special assessment fees, or the $50 a month late charges if for some reason you can't pull several hundred dollars out of thin air when they request it. I was also told that if we don't use our points this year, they will be forfeited. This is in direct contrast to what the salesperson informed us, as she told me she had been saving her points for several years to save up for a Festiva sailing vacation. I asked what would happen if we couldn't travel due to Festiva's "unavailability." We were told that it didn't matter the reason - our points would still be forfeited. Long story short, the salespeople apparently misrepresent. If you are going to buy a timeshare, stick with a more reputable company like RCI. They never did us wrong. If you want more details, feel free to contact me at joy.brown1006@***.com. Joy and Jason Brown Columbus, Ga
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Emma P Mjb
map-marker New England, North Dakota

Festiva Vacation Club is a BIG SCAM and their sales reps and customer service are unprofessional.

Festiva Vacation Club is a BIG SCAM and their sales reps and customer service are unprofessional. My husband and I attended one of their seminars at their Portland/Maine location on Sunday February 26, 2012. We had no idea it was for a TIME-SHARE. We went thru the 90 minutes presentation and at the end Adam one of their sales guys came over and offered you the deal of a life time, according to him. I was very reluctant, because I did not had a chance to research the company. Everything went so fast, he promised a lot of things, extra points, one week vacation… and my husband and I decided to sign the contact. They rushed you to the contact review, no time to read anything. On our way back home, I started to read the document and noticed all the promises were not listed, when we got home I went on the internet for more insight and all my suspicions came true, they're SCAMMER. The next day I called Adam to let him know that I wanted to cancel, and he tried to convince me and promise he will call back & email me a cancellation form. NEVER CALL BACK, BECAUSE THE FORM DOES NOT EXIST. If you read the contract, the only way to cancel, you have to send a cancellation letter within 10 calendar day to their Asheville NC office. I sent the letter on Monday and today Friday, just got off the call with customer service and the person told me the letter will not be valid because my husband did not signed it. Bull ***!!!! I will send another letter again with both signatures and don't forget to send to book back, or they will deduct $ 79. I also called my credit card company to dispute and block any other transactions coming from FESTIVA. I normally don't write review, but these guys went too far.
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1 comment
Guest

Same thing happen to us but we won a Marriot 3 day stay and never got it . Waiting for $50 refund too. SCAMMER

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