Many timeshare companies in Mexico induce potential clients into taking the plunge and purchasing a timeshare by offering annuity programs that claim to provide clients the opportunity to invest their money in the timeshare and receive a guaranteed lump sum of the full purchase price upon maturity. The most commonly mentioned annuity program is Lloydshare Ltd., also known as Lloydshare Deferred Annuities. The Mexican timeshare resorts normally state that the annuity program is included in the sales price, and at the end of the 25 year contract, the client will receive the full purchase price back. Lloydshare claims to invest the clients initial purchase amount, and guarantee a fixed sum payout at the end of the life of the contract. The following are some of the misrepresentations and misunderstandings that timeshare scam victims have experienced with regards to the Lloydshare Ltd. Annuity Program:
1) There is an additional upfront fee to enroll in the annuity program
A number of different timeshare resorts offer the Lloydshare program during their sales pitch, such as Grand Miramar, Royal Elite, Krystal, Viva Vacation club and many others. Most of our clients who have received this fraudulent promise have been told that the annuity program is included in the purchase price. This claim is not true. Once the client returns home, they are contacted by Lloydshare Ltd. Lloydshare presents an introductory letter which states that the client is required to pay 5.75% of the purchase price in order to enroll in the annuity program. Many clients are shocked to hear that there is an additional cost for this program as the timeshare scam salespeople do not clearly state that this fee is not included. As with all types of scams in the timeshare industry, it is always advisable never to pay an upfront fee.
2) Salesman claim that Lloydshare Ltd is the same company as Lloyds of London Insurance
Lloyds of London insurance has an impeccable reputation in the financial industry. The timeshare salespeople are aware of the trust that clients place in this name, and therefore, make false claims that the Lloydshare Ltd. annuity program is one and the same as Lloyds of London. On the Lloydshare annuities website, it also states that their head office is located in London, further giving clients the confidence that these companies are related, when in fact, they are completely distinct entities.
3) Ambiguity of where Lloydshare is located
In addition to the misrepresentations regarding their name, there are also some questions as to where Lloydshare Ltd is actually located. On the Lloydshare Ltd website, two addresses are listed, the headquarters in London, and their address in the US. In reality, the address in the US appears to be a UPS courier office that just forwards mail to Lloydshare. Also, in correspondence received from ARDA, the American Resort Development Association, they outline that Lloydshare also has a secondary office in Panama. This Panamanian office is not listed on Lloydshares website. Most companies would be proud to post all their locations on their website to show their worldwide presence.
4) Lloydshare claims to assist clients with the cost of flights and maintenance fees
Their annuity plan claims to have a provision to cover these additional costs of timeshare ownership in the annuity as long as the membership is in good standing with the resort. This appears to be similar to some resale scams that ask clients to pay for their maintenance fees in order to complete the transfer. Once the client has paid their outstanding fees, the client is no longer able to reach the company. It is questionable as to whether these affiliated companies are working with the resort on a commission basis to help to assure that unhappy clients make their payments.
The truth about whether or not Lloydshare Ltd is a legitimate company is still to be seen; however, it is a fact that many timeshare salespeople are making false claims about the details of their annuity program in order to induce vacationers into buying timeshare contracts in Mexico. The lack of knowledge about an upfront fee is upsetting to many timeshare purchasers. In addition, it is hard to place trust that any company in the fraudulent timeshare industry will still be in existence in 25 years to make the payout on the annuity. Previous timeshare scams indicate that any company that charges an upfront fee cannot be trusted.