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CB Travel and Vacations Review of Mayan Palace Resort
Mayan Palace Resort

Mayan Palace Resort review: I want everyone to know about this scam! 37

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Author of the review
12:00 am EDT
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This review was chosen algorithmically as the most valued customer feedback.

I was also a VICTIM of the Mayan Timshare SCAM! Here is my story, very similar...

I would like to take a minute of your time to tell you about a business that is using fraudulent information and illegal sales practices to steal thousands of dollars from unsuspecting citizens, who are now victims of fraud. My story is just like hundreds of others that are documented throughout the internet; a victim of a timeshare company who is only interested in money and power. It started off as a planned trip to Mexico with my girlfriend, through an RCI exchange. We arrived at the Mayan Palace in Nuevo Vallarta on August 27, 2006. During check-in we were asked if we wanted to upgrade to the Grand Mayan in exchange for attending a 90 minute timeshare presentation. We accepted and went the next day at 8am. The 90 minute presentation turned into a six hour sales pitch marathon.

Don't get me wrong, the Grand Mayan Resort is beautiful and breath taking. But the tactics they use to get you into a contract and keep you in that contract are illegal:

- I was told after signing the agreement that I was "locked in" and the contract could not be canceled. I trusted in what I was told by Vicente (my salesman) even though I had doubts about what I had done after the transaction. If I had known about the 5 day "cooling-off" period I would have done research while still in Mexico to verify what I was told in the presentation regarding value of the timeshare and rental prices, which are not even close to being accurate. After discovering this information I would have canceled my contract.

A female named Priscilla guided me through the paperwork process. She had me initial next to each paragraph in the new member verification statement after she read it aloud. Nothing in this document talks about the five (5) day cooling-off period. The only document that does mention this was skipped over and not explained at all. Priscilla merely told me to sign the bottom of the page and then quickly put the document into my binder. Vicente came over and reminded me that I could not cancel the contract now that it was complete. Later, Vicente told me he threw in an extra vacation week for me next year. I asked Vicente how he did that and he said he added it in the paperwork and the management didn't catch it. I later found out there was no mention of any extra week in any of my paperwork, nor did customer service know anything about it when I called them after returning home.

- Vicente told me that a one-week rental of a 2-bedroom unit was renting for $2,500. Vicente wrote this and many other figures on a laminated piece of paper showing how I could pay off the money I spend to buy into Mayan Resorts in nine (9) years and anything after that would be total profit. None of this information that Vicente wrote down or talked about was put into my paperwork. I did research on the figures that Vicente gave me after my vacation was over. I found the figures he gave me were NOWHERE CLOSE to what is accurate. Timeshare User Group is renting the same units for $500, and Ebay lists them for $650. I even found timeshare RESALE on Redweek.com for $3,000. Just the maintenance fee alone is $785 per week you own, which makes this deal a total loss. To make the deal work, Vicente gave me a $20,000 credit if I would give my fair weeks back to Mayan Palace. Nowhere in my contract does it make any mention of this account. RCI has bonus weeks offered to my Mayan Palace that are less cost than my maintenance fees. During my research I found that these are developer weeks, which Mayan Palace rents out at my cost.

- Vicente assured me that the resale of my timeshare would increase greatly, especially with the new resorts being built. He told me that prices would increase in January , and would continue to increase at 15% a year. As I recently reported, I found a Mayan timeshare resale listed at $3,000 on Redweek.com and a 2-bedroom unit on Ebay sold for $6,500.

- Vicente did not tell me, nor is it mentioned in my paperwork, that once I became a Grand Mayan member, I could not trade into Mayan Palace or Grand Mayan resorts through RCI as I previously did. Mayan Resorts has placed restrictions on current owners, preventing them from exchanging, even I uses weeks from another timeshare.

- I was told that I would receive a golf package with my purchase, which entitled me to 20% off. Vicente listed off the names of the cities they currently have resorts in, but failed to mention that Mazatlan does not have a golf course.

- I purchased red weeks, but it excludes Christmas, New Years, Easter, and Holy Week, which I was told of. I was never advised that the resort in Mazatlan excludes the months of February and March.

- Two months after I got back from Mexico I called to see what the status of my timeshare was that I traded-in to be able to buy into the Grand Mayan. I was told that Mayan Resorts canceled the trade, so I was still responsible for that timeshare as well.

This scam is very well thought out. Mayan Resorts have you initial paperwork to assure that you were not deceive or misled in any way. Which is true at the time, so people initial it. After completing the contract and doing research, it is obvious after the fact that it is a trap.

There is no doubt that the Mayan Resorts are very beautiful. I had a wonderful stay there and would have recommended the resorts to anyone. However, due to the illegal sales practices and the fraudulent information I was a victim of, I want everyone to know about this SCAM, so no one else has to suffer.

37 comments
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jasavak
, US
Oct 28, 2019 8:14 pm EDT

We bought into the Grand Mayan 5 years ago. Everything program and promise they offer is worthless. You cannot sell or rent these things without taking a loss. The ridiculous maintenance fees make it impossible . Their resorts are miles away from town, so you are stuck paying a 400% markup on food and drinks. The only good news is we can decide not to renew after the 10 years are up. We decided we are better off paying $1200 a week somewhere closer to town without the need to throw away $25, 000.
These are not investments . vidanta, Grand Mayan have zero value.

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Jenniferk811
, US
Sep 22, 2016 7:07 am EDT

Does anyone have the Houston office phone number or any. Or any number would help. My mom and aunt owned a timeshare together but my aunt recently passed away and my mom needs to find out what to do.

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Mark Miles
, US
Mar 15, 2016 5:00 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I also had a horrible experience with them. I've purchased my timeshare 3 years ago, and it's been impossible to get out. I was pressured to sign a contract, and i was also scammed, they never did what they promised. We must do whatever it's in our hands to put finish to those thieves!
I was looking for some information about this resort and all their scam tactics, and i've found these articles that have a lot of info
about them, take a look!

http://www.timesharescam.com/blog/51-mayan-palace-timeshare-scam/

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Mark Miles
, US
Mar 15, 2016 4:59 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I also had a horrible experience with them. I've purchased my timeshare 3 years ago, and it's been impossible to get out. I was pressured to sign a contract, and i was also scammed, they never did what they promised. We must do whatever it's in our hands to put finish to those thieves!
I was looking for some information about this resort and all their scam tactics, and i've found these articles that have a lot of info
about them, take a look:

http://www.timesharescam.com/blog/51-mayan-palace-timeshare-scam/

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aliice
Pompano Beach, US
Dec 08, 2015 1:01 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

The best advice is NEVER buying a timeshare anywhere. It is a scam and the so-called timeshare you buy is sold over and over again to other people. It is very difficult to sell your timeshare now and renting isn't in the deal. It will cost you more to buy a timeshare and maintenance fee than to rent a hotel room or a full ownership of a condo. Don't do it. There is good information about this company: http://www.timesharescam.com/blog/201-how-to-cancel-mayan-palace-timeshare-contract/

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aliice
Pompano Beach, US
Sep 18, 2015 4:11 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

This company is one of the most fraudulent developers ins the timeshare industry. The only thing you can do is cancel your timeshare contract. I recommend you to visit http://www.timesharescam.com/blog/200-vidanta-vacations-timeshare-complaints-and-reviews/, there is good information about these fraudulent companies.

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disgusted with the deceit
Beaufort, US
Dec 22, 2014 8:54 am EST

yes, a scam. it is truly despicable that trusting people are told a butt-load of lies, initial and acknowledge through signatures they are being scammed and then dutifully hand over the money. we paid the preferred program to rent out our unit over 2 years ago. what a shock...no takers! unfortunately, this is a "too good to be true" situation and many fall for it. it very sad that people are lured into this.

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VianneyC
Santa Clara, US
Oct 17, 2013 1:06 pm EDT

We were also scammed with a Mayan Palace Timeshare. They claim they don't misrepresent themselves. Yet the promises and the drinks ease you into signing. Once you've done that, you are screwed. Through all the other initials on your contract, you realize you initialled, that they don't misrepresent themselves. Now you are up the creek. We had 2 timeshares they claimed that Alliance marketing would sell for us in 3 months max. We would recoup the money we paid at the Grand Luxxe and would net out ahead of the game. Well 15 months later, I am out $30k and I still have the original timeshares. I have also not heard a word from Alliance marketing in several months. Plus I found out they are a marketing group, thus not legally allowed to sell. I have had to take a 2nd mortgage out on my house. All the answers I have seen from the Mayan on various websites show they are not at all interested in helping out. Do they not have a concious? you should read this article about Mayan Palace:

http://www.timesharescam.com/blog/51-mayan-palace-timeshare-scam/

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Britt334
, US
May 08, 2013 11:23 am EDT

Mayan Palace sales tactics are hardcore and they will tell you anything you want to hear to get you into the contract and keep you in contract with them. Most of the Mayan Palace Timeshare Scam being committed by the Sales representative is that they don’t let their buyers know they have a 5 days cooling period if they wish to cancel; instead, they repeatedly tell they buyers once the contract is being sign there is no cancellation period. I recommend you all to read this article about the Mayan Palace Timeshare scams:

http://www.timesharescam.com/blog/51-mayan-palace-timeshare-scam/

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Kolb
, US
Aug 16, 2011 5:15 pm EDT

Do you know how long does it takes profeco to respond? I have sent my documentation and I'm waiting for their reply.

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tina523
, US
Aug 05, 2011 2:55 pm EDT

my problem is the use fees we were quoted are entirely wrong. I was quoted 585. user fee for 2 bed unit at mayan Palace and 1050 for the Grand mayan. Now whe i tried to book it is 1250. for the Mayan Palace and 1400 for the Grand Mayan. no where near the 585. quoted. Im going to contact Mexican authorities as stated in a few posts up.

Vida Vacations
Vida Vacations
, MX
Feb 01, 2011 11:31 pm EST

Dear "YM",
We are truly committed to customer satisfaction. Our members and our guests are our highest priority and we work hard day and night to make sure your vacations in Mexico are amazing each and every time.
For that reason, we urge you to contact us at grupomayanblog@grupovidanta.com or by telephone at: [protected]. Give us the opportunity to assist you properly and allow us to help you make the most out of the benefits acquired with your membership with us. We would very much like to know who you are to provide you personalized assistance.
We take every case very seriously and we will not rest until we have exhausted every reasonable means available to us to deliver the satisfaction we promise.
We hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Karen Rose
Customer Support Representative.

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laelee83
Freeport, US
Nov 02, 2010 6:19 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

JESSER89

Can you please tell me how or what rental company you use. I am thinking of going with Global Marketing Connections. What is the average amount you receive back from the rental company? I am not sure yet if this is all a scam.. but if I can find a few people who love it and are making some money..I wont feel as worried as i do now.

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Jesser89
Edmonton, CA
Oct 18, 2010 4:57 am EDT

If you dont want a timeshare or cant affort a timeshare DONT buy it... sales people are crooks EVERYWHERE...
I've had a Timeshare with Mayan since 2006 and LOVE it I go 4 times a year, I have no problems renting it out.. and I up graded last year to the bliss.. I've never heard of any of the sales people being charged with murder.. maybe poor business practice

And rule of thumb... READ WHAT YOU'RE SIGNING.. I DID.. I'VE HAD NO PROBLEMS..

**and to the tool who was wishing cancer and other ailments upon people... karma is a [censored]..

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jess
,
Nov 10, 2008 2:26 pm EST

This hotel chain hasn't improved in scams or health. We went there and were badgered for an hour to do the extra freebies for just a timeshare talk. I was pissed off at that but I had such bad food poisoning from this hotel an ambulance had to come and I had to stay overnight in the hospital it was so bad. I was on medication for two weeks after the hospital.

THEY SCAM AND THEY POISON. BAD FORM ALL AROUND!

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Joe
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Jul 30, 2008 11:49 am EDT

First of all, you will never get $2500 a week for rental properties.
I know, since I believed this went I bought this timeshare. I practically give the unit away each year for the Maintenance Fee.
The Next biggest SCAM is the timeshare Resellers ! I shelled out $600 to three companies offering to sell my timeshare (total $1800). This is another great scam that I was a victim. The only thing you can do is try to rent it at a minimum you can live with or dump it for any price you could get.

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Sally Cofield
,
Jul 07, 2008 9:48 pm EDT

Just got back from Cancun and bought here. Wasn't sure if we want to cancel. Seems like we have passed the 5 day cancellation period. Anyone happy? Any advice?

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Edgar
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Jul 05, 2008 1:10 pm EDT

Dear All:

Definitely Mayan resorts are a group of thieves, there are hundreds of cases of swindles.
Why don´t You all try to sue the company with the local authority in Mexico? In Mexico there are a public department called PROFECO it works like a customer rights support office.

Is time that We ask for Our rights, is no fare that We work hard in order to have some money and come these kind of bad people to take off Our money.

I ´m sending the PROFECO web page link: www.profeco.gob.mx/

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Amanda
,
Jun 05, 2008 6:33 pm EDT

WOW! At least I am not alone.

I was reading on http://www.mexicantimesharefraud.com/CancellationLetter.htm
that a woman was able to back out of her contract after the 5 day period. I am going to give it a try.

Alos on http://www.mescam.com/index.htm, there is great info about starting a web site against the Mayan Group that may lead to payment. I want to start one so if anyone is interested, post a message back.

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cippa
, US
Jun 28, 2017 5:13 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more
Replying to comment of Amanda

yes if you work within the 5 days period it really works - best done via e-mail - see this website
www.mescam.com

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Erin
,
Mar 31, 2008 4:55 pm EDT

Please disregard my previous comment as my complaint has been resolved with Mayan Palace.

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Erin
,
Mar 06, 2008 1:37 pm EST

Scammed and lied to by Mayan Palace (Grupo Mayan) Acapulco

As many other I have read about on here, my husband and another couple were recently scammed at the Mayan Palace Acapulco. We were staying there using a friend’s (parent of our friends) timeshare and signed up to attend the presentation on 2/27/08 in order to learn more about timeshares (we are newbies) and to take advantage of the freebies. Cecilia was our representative. She told us about the opportunity and originally showed us a price of over $49,000 for the 2BR Suite we were interested in. After that, she said she knew that was a lot to paying considering how young we were and would go talk with her manager. She came back and gave us a story that there was a couple getting divorced and that the husband was a friend of the owner. She said they would be willing to sell us their existing contract, as they weren’t planning to pay it off and you can’t resell it until you have had it for two years. The offer then came to be just over $21,400. She built up to this by telling us that we could sell our weeks for $2500 each. When asked where that number came from, she said that was what the brokers were currently asking. We proceeded with the purchase, thinking that we would just rent out the weeks for a couple years so that it didn’t take as much capital and so that we could recoup some of the investment. We did also plan on going to the other resorts, so we weren’t just in it as an investment. She told us a lot about another company called HSI which they had supposedly just started partnering with that day. She said we could sell our rent our weeks and buy them back cheaper through HSI. Once we started signing paperwork, Cecilia told us that since we were buying an existing unit (Fractional ownership not timeshare as they like to say), we waived our right to the 5 day Mexican cooling off period. We had to initial a paper saying this, but we magically did not get a copy of that paper.

As you read this, you can see all the lies and partial truths. It is fraud to tell someone they have to waive their right to the cooling off period. YOU CANNOT waive this right. They falsely represented the market for timeshares, as those $2500 numbers they were throwing out are really 750-1000 on average. They neglected to mention that once you own in Mayan Palace, you cannot sell your weeks to RCI and buy them back through RCI. They indicated that the timeshare would appreciate, which is absolutely false. I found similar units on the internet to what we bought, and they were going for less than $5,000. Please read www.mexicantimsharefraud.com and information on www.tug2.net and get out of this if at all possible.

Like others, I have sent the certified letters requesting the contract be cancelled, contacted Profeco, and disputed the charge on our credit card. Please let me know if anyone has had success in getting their money back. I cancelled on the 5th business day following the purchase, so I should get my entire amount back.

While the Mayan resorts are nice, they practice unethically and are not the type of company anyone wants to be a part of.

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A FULLER
,
Mar 05, 2008 10:17 pm EST

I just recently fell into the sales trap as well. I signed the contract Feb 26 and have attempted to cancel the contract on the 4th business which fortunately falls within the 5 business day recission period. Of course I'm getting the B.S. of I waived the right to cancel since I purchased a discounted price timeshare but WE all know that is NOT true. Article 56 of the Consumer Protection Act states the consumer receives a 5 business days from the day after the contract is signed to cancel and you cannot waive that right either. If you cancel within that timeframe then you are entitled to 100% of your refund. Currently right now I'm playing a stupid game of trying to contact my sales department rep for closure but of course I never get a callback or Corinna/Sales Dep. Rep is away from her desk. I have already taken the following actio0ns: 1. Called the credit card company to dispute the charges. 2-Sent a certified letter cancelling the contract. 3-Faxed a letter to the sales department requesting cancellation. 4-E mailed Grupo Mayan cancelling contract and C.C. Profeco on it. Unfortunately Profeco says they can't get involved until after 20 days of when the cancellation has been requested.

I have also written an e-mail notifying 20/20, 60 minutes and all my local news channel about possible news story based on not only these CON ARTISTS at the Mayan Palace but timeshare fraud in general. I urge others to do the same on getting the word out.

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John Mckinley
,
Feb 29, 2008 9:39 pm EST

Sounds like you were not paying attention to what they were saying. I've been a member of the Mayan for 8 years, & LOVE IT! start using it & enjoying it like your supposed to, unless thats not possible for some other reason

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cippa
, US
Jun 28, 2017 5:11 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

you troll!

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Beatriz Ruiz
,
Feb 27, 2008 7:28 am EST

I am in the same boat as all of you. We know the story and the sales pitch they gave all of us. What are we going to do? I am on my 5th year, I was going to pay for the renovation fee because I thought I could not get out of it.
I dumped $16,000 in to this people hands. what can we do?

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Theresa Oh
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Feb 01, 2008 1:39 pm EST

Mayan Palace ruined our family trip to Mexico in May, 2006. Under false pretences, my family attended their "90 minute presentation" which ended up being 6 hours. I don't know what happened to me but I under continous high pressure tactics and psychological mind games, I broke down and ended up signing. As soon as I returned to my hotel in Isla Mujeres, I got on line and learned aboutthe 5 day cancellation period. The rest of our vacation was spent on hiring and meeting with a Mexican lawyer. I was very lucky in that our lawyer had experiences dealing with Mayan Palace and passionately hated them. We paid $400 to cancel the contract but we were able to get back $6000 that we paid to Mayan Palace.

My advice to anyone who wants to cancel thier contract with Mayan Palace to get a Mexican lawyer while you are still in Mexico. Once you come back, there's little you can do once the 5 day period is expired.

My experience left me feeling sad rather than angry. We wanted to take our kids to the Island my husband and I honeymooned 15 years ago . We had such fond memories of the island. It turns out locals were in it together from the hotel desk staff to rental car and boat trip operators.

I used to love going to Mexico but after that trip, I just don't feel the same. Mexico has become a tourist trap. I wish a show like 60 minutes can do a undercover story on Mayan Palace and expose them for the fraud they are.

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peter galvin
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Jan 29, 2008 8:17 pm EST

I DON'T KNOW HOW IT IS POSSIBLE TO BE SO TRANSPARENTLY
CORRUPT. APART FROM THE FACT, THAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T READ ALL OF THE FINE PRINT THEY SHOULD,THE AMERICAN BBB SHOULD AT LEAST QUESTION THE 'HOUSTON'
ARM OF 'MAYAN RESORTS'

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alexitos
, US
Jan 08, 2008 10:58 am EST

I hope the mother of the owner of these hotels dies with cancer, then the owner will get aids and his whole family should end up in jail in afganistan. ###ING THIEVES!

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D Kevin Murphey
,
Sep 12, 2007 6:15 pm EDT

My Family and I were also come down on by the sharks at the airport from the MAYAN RESORT. They wanted us to attend their sales presentation for an elaborate breakfast and tour through their facility the next day. The guy followed us all the way to the car rental until we finally said OK. At the breakfast we were joined by an english speaking young man in his twenties, named Vladimire. He in turn became our salesman for the next seven long hours. After saying no as many ways as humanly possible we thought we were on our way out the door when the Manager came over and asked us if we already owned any timeshares. We told his that we did and that was why we weren't interested in buying another. He asked the name of it, and when we told him, he told us that's great because it has gone up in value greatly. He said if you would let us have it to sell, we could get you into our Mayan timeshare and out of that one and you'll be pocketing about $30,000 in cash. This on top of a rental agreement guaranteeing $6800 cash dollars each year, that paperwork along with all other paperwork with money figures on disappeared after signing. Along with the timeshare sales agreement sheets and all the figures that were on it, and everything else that had any binding statements or promises given to us during the sales pitch. When the sale was over we were told that we would have copies of every piece of paper used during our sales presentation, all of this was witnessed by a couple that was traveling with us. As we left they had stuff a handful of papers into a green Mayan folder and our children dragged us for the door.

When we left the sales presentation, we also had our salesman with us, he had offered to be our tour guide while there in Mazatlan, because he was rather fond of one of my daughters. Less than 36 hours after the sale my wife and I were going over the information given to us. We immediately noted that we were missing lots of the paperwork that was promised to us. Where we were seeing our salesman every day we mentioned this to his and he down played it as if we just hadn't looked in the right place. We told him that tonight we could quit early, and go back to the Resort and go over everything again. That night the paperwork wasn't there and he informed us that the sales office would be closed for the next six days or at least until after Christmas, and maybe even until after Newyears. This was long after we were going to be on our way home. He wasn't happy when we were right about the paperwork, and told him that there was no way that we were going to leave Mexico with a Timeshare, that we didn't have all the paperwork for. He agreed that this would not be in our best interest and said that he could take the information from our contract, and our credit card info and draw up a contract cancellation form for us to sign. Then he would take care of everything for us when the Mayan Resort re-opened, retro-actively. He also gave us two phone number to call when we returned home to make sure this were processed, yet when we got home neither one worked for the Mayan Resort. He made us feel like we had canceled within our five days even though this was something he didn't mention until after we had brought it up, and the paperwork with the clause on it, was also missing from our packet.

After returning home I called the phone numbers thirty times plus, and never got anywhere. That is when we called our American Express to see if they had indeed been credited the charge back, but they had not. This Company is indeed a rip off company, and after coming home we only heard from them after Am. Express started their dispute. They then called and told us that the only way we could ever get the rest of our paperwork was to first release the dispute. I asked them if when they bought a car if they got the paperwork for the car at the signing or at the payoff, the company's Attorney (Preston) said, "the only way you can have your paperwork is to release your cards dispute."

When You do everything right and they do everything wrong, with lies and deceit to get you to sign in the contract in the first place. Then they make it all but impossible for you to get in contact with them, for the next five days to cancel. I thought how lucky we were to have the very salesman with us who's name was on our contract, so that we could cancel within our rightful amount of time. When I told the Attorney for the Mayan Resort (Preston), that we had filed a Contract for cancellation with our salesman within 48 hours of the sale. He said, "He doesn't work here anymore, so I don't know anything about that, your contract stands so you had better call our finance dept in Houston." Due to health problems I most likely will now never be able to ever use this, problems brought on by the stress of the fight. I hope that making a living as vultures, and con artist makes them happy in this life!

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S Gatz
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Sep 09, 2007 7:18 am EDT

I too have been scammed by the Great Vacation Club. In reading the other complaints it is my experience all over again. Step by step I read exactly what happened to me. I too have had no luck with my credit card company for the one line on the enrollment application that states "cancellation but no enrollment refund." If anyone has any suggestions on where to go now for help please let me know.

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Tim Rehfeldt
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Jul 13, 2007 10:09 am EDT

We too were fraudulently scammed by the similar tactics they used on you. I made such a mistake believing Mayan Resorts that the timeshare would pay for itself either by donating the weeks as tax write-offs or by renting the weeks out. We are currently disputing charges and complaining to every consumer protection agency I can in both the US and in Mexico.

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chancua
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Jun 11, 2007 11:23 am EDT

I was working as a sale rep in one of the Mayan Resorts and I just quit because this company forces us to lie to the customers and I really do not like it the way the company tell us to treat the customers.

The biggest lie is the 99 years contract, it only last five years and if you like to continue been member, you got to paid and extra money.

Another big lie is the rent of your week… the sales rep is obligated to open the sales pitch with a high gross amount of money and then he will drop the price renting your week… that it's a scam.

I feel sorry for the people bought a week from me in the short period of time I worked for this crook company, right now I”m calling my customers and telling them the truth, so the can cancel through Profeco (mexican federal government BBB) and get their money back.

If you want to cancel your contract, you can write to Profeco in english, according to the next instructions:

Attention to foreign residents.

Profeco is part of the administrative branch of the federal government of Mexico. Seeks to strengthen the citizen’s power and enforces the law to achieve equity on consumption relations.
The Department of Conciliation Services to Foreign Residents (Departamento de Conciliacion a Residentes en el Extranjero C.A.R.E.) provides assistance towards solving controversies arisen between foreign or Mexican citizens living abroad that acquire any product or service from a legally established Mexican supplier and are not satisfied with it.

C.A.R.E. assists the parties within free of charge mediation/conciliation procedures, based upon the terms of the contract that consumer supplies.

To start the conciliation/mediation procedure C.A.R.E. must analyze the documentation submitted by the consumer related to the following information:

1. Complaint letter stating the following:

* Consumer: name, mailing address, telephone number and e-mail.
* Supplier: name and address as stated on the receipt or contract.
* Brief description of the complaint, including the date of purchase, cost of the goods or service, and claimed amounts.

2. Completed complaint form
3. Copy of ID (Passport or Driver’s License)
4. Copy of contract, invoice payment, bills, credit slips or receipts, as evidence of payment.
5. Copy of additional documents available to support the complaint.

The above information must be e-mailed to: extranjeros@profeco.gob.mx
Or sent by regular mail to:

Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor,
Dirección General de Quejas y Conciliación,
Av. Jose Vasconcélos no. 208, 6º. Piso,
Col. Condesa. Del. Cuauhtémoc,
C.P. 06140, México, D.F.

It is important to stress that all personal and confidential information collected by Profeco, C.A.R.E., will be considered as non disclosed and protected by our federal laws.
For further information, do not hesitate to contact us at: (+[protected] or (+[protected], or write to: extranjeros@profeco.gob.mx

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Randie Taylor
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Jun 02, 2007 4:47 pm EDT

My family was also scammed and told that we would be making a huge profit if we bought there and when we went to the sales pitch it took about 3 hours of them trying to get us to buy. We ended up buying and we canceled with in the first week.. if we had read this before we had gone it would have been a big help. The people there put up a huge sales pitch its to bad that its all a lie and they shouldn't be able to do this to people its all a scam.

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Dan Altenburg
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Apr 23, 2007 9:29 pm EDT

I have also had trouble with an affiliated organization to the Mayan Resorts known as the Great Vacations Club (GVC). This is the final step before you are out of the sales presentation. It comes off as a survey to ensure you were treated right but moves to another sales pitch, one I was suckered into.

I signed the contract November 28, 2006. I canceled by telephone (calling the GVC Texas Customer Service office) November 30, 2006, well within the five day cancellation period allowed by Article 56 of Mexican Consumer Protection Law. However, GVC made up lies about how the free massages I was given at the resort as an incentive the day I signed actually activated the contract immediately and therefore I do not get a refund.

I am considering a lawyer in the US as well as a lawyer in Mexico to recover my $5,999 US. The credit card company is no help as they have sided with the merchant in the dispute because the merchants contract states "an active membership may be cancelled at any time but the membership fee is non refundable." The grounds for my lawsuit is that cancellation took place within the 5 day period allowed by law.

If you have any tips or advice please send to me at dan_altenburg@yahoo.com.

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Adaly Molina
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Apr 11, 2007 1:38 pm EDT

I also fell into their trap a year ago. I found information about their scam on two different websites. I sent them an e-mail about their scam and the websites, so they could see how unhappy their customers are. I received a response telling me that they did not understand my concern because those websites did not say anything negative about them, they had change the content of those websites. Even the one Patricia Hedstrom, recommends www.mayanresorts.info has now been changed to their wonderful promises. I would also be interested in exposing them.

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Tim Haid
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Mar 08, 2007 12:54 pm EST

I was scammed a few years ago by the mayan palace in cancun. I underwent the same grill and tactics you explained. I may be the first to say this... but maybe we should all get together and sue the company. with such false information and representation i'm sure we could sue the pants right off those people. I live in a very small town, so i really don't have access to a a really good lawyer, but I would surely add my name to any civil suit brought against these people... they need to be taught a lesson - lies and deception towards american citizens is simply not acceptable!