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Raintree Vacation Club [RVC]
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3.6 55 Reviews

Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] Complaints Summary

36 Resolved
19 Unresolved
Our verdict: With a good resolution rate, Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] generally handles customer issues well. However, it’s important to be proactive. Familiarize yourself with their processes and services. Reading through various customer experiences will provide valuable insights into how they handle complex issues.
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Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] reviews & complaints 55

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4:35 pm EDT
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Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] - special assessment

Special Assessment: I've asked for an itemized list of what everything costs. We own at Los Cabos (about 130 units). Doing the math: 52 owners (1 week each) times $820 equals $42, 640 per unit. No way the list of "upgrades" they have for Los Cabos equal near that amount. We've exchanged several e-mails with RVC with no satisfaction. We're planning on checking with the Federal Trade Commission about this. Sound like a scam.

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 29 comments
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Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] special asssessment fee

In 7/09 I received an invoice for a special assessment fee. My contract does not include a provision for a special asssessment fee.

On 7/12/09 I contacted the number provided on the invoice, which put me in touch with an RCI customer service representative who could not answer any pertinent question. An email was sent at that time to RVC disputing the fee on my behalf. Six days later, I have not heard back from an RVC representative.

I kept calling and eventually received a RVC contact name (Sharon at [protected]. Needless to say, Sharon does not pick up her phone and does not return calls. I call her continuously for fun at this point.

I also was told by one RCI representative that RVC Member Services in Mexico City was resolving issues, so I called there several times. I had the same experience three times. I asked about special fee and whether or not Mexican members were being charged. I received no answers and was put on hold and transferred to U.S. RCI phone number each time.

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barbara5272
Martinez, US
Mar 07, 2010 11:46 am EST

Maybe all owners should just not pay or stop paying the assessment fees, this will get them to respond!

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Jim S.
St. Louis, US
Jun 26, 2009 2:00 pm EDT

We have compiled a list in excess of 100 members that are communicating and strategizing with a goal of contacting the attorney general in multiple states, especially Texas and AG Andrew Cuomo in New York. If you want to be a part of the combined effort, please send your email address to Ogden1995@aol.com.

The longest and most thorough thread of complaints and comments is at Raintree — Trying to charge a &Special Assessment&. The title of this complaint is “Trying to charge a ‘Special Assessment.’"

For the convenience of the authorities who might want to read members postings and for future reference, it seems it would be best to accumulate all comments under the above thread. There are already 13 pages on the thread.

Thank you.

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MrD
Oakland, US
Jun 23, 2009 5:12 pm EDT
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Please go to the following forum for lots of discussion on this Raintree Special Assessment Extortion attempt:

Raintree — Trying to charge a &Special Assessment&

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12:15 am EDT
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Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] assessment fees

Being sent a bill for assessment fees on top of the regular yearly expensive maintenance fees . I like to know what has the parent company done with all their members' ( 50, 000 they claimed to have ) maintenance fees so far ?
All of us need to form a larger group and circulate our emails to get good communications among ourselves.
I wrote to RVC ( Doug Bech ) and he replied that we are just blogging among each other. My email is
[protected]@comcast.net

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Jim S.
St. Louis, US
Jun 26, 2009 1:59 pm EDT

We have compiled a list in excess of 100 members that are communicating and strategizing with a goal of contacting the attorney general in multiple states, especially Texas and AG Andrew Cuomo in New York. If you want to be a part of the combined effort, please send your email address to Ogden1995@aol.com.

The longest and most thorough thread of complaints and comments is at Raintree — Trying to charge a &Special Assessment&. The title of this complaint is “Trying to charge a ‘Special Assessment.’"

For the convenience of the authorities who might want to read members postings and for future reference, it seems it would be best to accumulate all comments under the above thread. There are already 13 pages on the thread.

Thank you.

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1:40 am EDT
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Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] special assessment, or contract dispute, or lodgers vs. owners

Everyone - Read Mrs. K's comment and write to Texas Atty General online or by mail! Then join us on the Group - look to your right. Group Raintree Vacation Club and add your email address there!

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Monica Betancourt
, MX
Jul 03, 2009 2:51 pm EDT

I want to join this group complaining in this Special Assesstment, I live in Mexico (Irapuato, Guanajuato) my husband lost his job and we are really struggling together, we've already sold our car to get rid of debts, and I found out they asked us to pay US$820 this is not fair!

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Jim S.
St. Louis, US
Jun 26, 2009 2:05 pm EDT

We have compiled a list in excess of 100 members that are communicating and strategizing with a goal of contacting the attorney general in multiple states, especially Texas and AG Andrew Cuomo in New York. If you want to be a part of the combined effort, please send your email address to Ogden1995@aol.com.

The longest and most thorough thread of complaints and comments is at Raintree — Trying to charge a &Special Assessment&. The title of this complaint is “Trying to charge a ‘Special Assessment.’"

For the convenience of the authorities who might want to read members postings and for future reference, it seems it would be best to accumulate all comments under the above thread. There are already 13 pages on the thread.

Thank you.

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MrD
Oakland, US
Jun 23, 2009 5:14 pm EDT
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Please go to the following forum for lots of discussion on this Raintree Special Assessment Extortion attempt:

Raintree — Trying to charge a &Special Assessment&

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viola
Katy, US
Jun 19, 2009 8:39 am EDT

Unhappy raintree members ...
We are forming a large group via our own email addresses for futher actions communications.
Send your email address to
Rshuerta@aol.com
or
violang@comcast.net

Don't be late !

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RamonR
, US
Jun 18, 2009 12:09 pm EDT

Raintree 2009 Special Assessment-Shakedown
Is there a weblink where i can contact the Texas attorney generals office?
Where is the Link for the Group that is fighting this special assessment so I can join

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1:28 am EDT
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Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] Special Assessment Fee

To All: To file a complaint with the State of Texas Attorney General, see www.oag.state.tx.us/consumer/complain.shtml

You can file online or mail it in. There is also a group on Raintree.

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Nemesia Gopez
, US
Jun 01, 2010 2:57 pm EDT

We are trying to get our one week vacation with Club Regina for August but they don't want to accept it because we did not pay the special assessment fee.We paid our

maintenance fee in January $850.00.It is too much for us to pay another$850.00 in the same year.Iwould like to know where where the money goes every year

when all the members pay.That's a lot of money, they could use some of it for the remodeling the resort.I

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tbolt86
Terrace, CA
Dec 11, 2009 11:55 am EST

I think what they have done is nothing short of criminal. I live in Canada; is it possible to join any law suit that may be filed in the US?

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Jim S.
St. Louis, US
Jun 26, 2009 2:04 pm EDT

We have compiled a list in excess of 100 members that are communicating and strategizing with a goal of contacting the attorney general in multiple states, especially Texas and AG Andrew Cuomo in New York. If you want to be a part of the combined effort, please send your email address to Ogden1995@aol.com.

The longest and most thorough thread of complaints and comments is at Raintree — Trying to charge a &Special Assessment&. The title of this complaint is “Trying to charge a ‘Special Assessment.’"

For the convenience of the authorities who might want to read members postings and for future reference, it seems it would be best to accumulate all comments under the above thread. There are already 13 pages on the thread.

Thank you.

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EAB
Phoenix, US
Jun 25, 2009 5:56 pm EDT

Raintree frequently charges a special assessment with the annual maintenance fees as well. Any idea what the agreement said on this? I cannot lay my hands on it at the moment

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Cindy K.
Waupaca, US
Jun 15, 2009 11:44 am EDT

We are also concerned about Raintree Vacation Club June 2009 "Special Assessment Fee". Since we have already paid our 2009 maintenance fee in January 2009, we felt all fees were paid in full. At this point we have been members for 1 year and have never stayed at a Raintree Resort, nor will we this year. Now we receive this new, totally unexpected, "special" assessment fee to upgrade Raintree resorts. It makes us very concerned about this membership and it becoming a huge financial drain with little benefits. Does anyone have ideas on how to get Raintree to change this special assessment decision? We are upset, have sent a certified letter of complaint and are considering refusing to pay.

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12:30 pm EDT
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Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] - contract dispute re fees

Trying to combine all complaints under Group - Raintree Vacation Club. Add your email address under the Group Name so we can consolidate both threads and read all comments. Under the Houston BBB which I filed anyway, there are other resourses - such as Texas Attorney General and others you might consider bringing this matter to now.

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 10 comments
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Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] - special assessment fee

I think this assessment is totally ridiculous. In addition to the fact that the maintenance fees increase eadh year as it is, it seems ludicrous, especially in this economy to charge this fee to members.

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Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] spec. assessment fee - contract dispute

To all complaints board filers re: raintree vacation clubs, raintree resorts, int'l, raintree

The parent company of our vacation club and address is:

Raintree resorts int'l inc.
10000 memorial drive #480
Houston, tx 77024
Tele: [protected]

(notice how this info is not on their website that we have?) I got it from www.google.com
*

To file complaint with the better business bureau of houston on their website: www.bbbhou.org there is a form you complete on the website.

Bbb of metropolitan houston
1333 w. loop south #1200
Houston, tx 77027

Tele: [protected]
Fax: [protected]
Www.bbbhou.org
[protected]@bbbhou.org

I filed one as I think the basis is a contract dispute. there is no wording of "special assessment" on any paperwork I signed when I joined the club. (notice I did not use the words: "I bought a timeshare".)

Even if they can charge us this fee from their master contract, they did not disclose this information to us as a potential liability.

Anyway, thought you should have this information. if there is any error in above addresses, tele numbers, please write an update to complaintsboard.com so we all know.

Thank you,
Elaine

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Kim Bailey Realtor
Mesa, US
Apr 06, 2010 2:17 pm EDT

I recently purchased my timeshare at Club Regina through a previous owner. He did mention that they are trying to impose a special adjustment fee but that no-one is paying it. As you can imagine I'm pretty confused. I haven't paid the fee and am not sure whether I should or not. Based on the information provided above it would seem that I should hold off for now until a decision is reached. I will definitely be lodging an official complaint to the various organizations listed above. Thank you for providing this very useful information and please keep me posted. My Facebook is Kim Bailey or email kimb@kimbaileyrealtor.com. Thank you!

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Beth Mirsky
Auburn, US
Nov 02, 2009 6:08 pm EST

I just returned from a week and the place is run down and shabby. I also was treated poorly by one of the concierges who insisted I sit down to listen to the 90 minute sales presentation. She was incredibly rude. I took it to the manager who listened and apologized and then asked me to wait to speak with the "managing director". I explained the entire situation and he said "I will make this right and I will call you". He never "made it right nor did he call.
When I returned home, I received the additional assessment which of course has enraged me further. I'm attempting to contact the president or the corporation to let him know how poorly I was treated. Similar situations with several other folks who shared their horror stories with me while at the pool.

No where on any contract does it state there could be an additional fee.

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annekernordavis
Barnegat, US
Jun 18, 2009 1:05 pm EDT

Not only do I have the exact same situation, but I cannot get a return call. I also am curious if Mexican members are being charged since member services in Mexico City won't answer this; they put me on hold and transfer me to US!

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annekernordavis
Barnegat, US
Jun 18, 2009 1:03 pm EDT

Agree. Same thing here.

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mrsK
Fremont, US
Jun 12, 2009 4:35 pm EDT

I have spoken to an attorney based in Ft. Worth, Texas and he is in the process of reviewing our RVC/Club Regina contract as well as the RVC Special Assessment letter. He is also reviewing this thread on the Complaints Board.

In the meantime, he recommends members file complaints. There is power in numbers and if the FTC or Attorney General’s offices receive enough complaints, they will most likely take action. As for complaining with the BBB, they really have no authority, but at least it will show up on their website that a number of complaints have been filed.

I urge everyone to file multiple complaints with the following agencies:

Federal Trade Commission
https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/

Texas Attorney General
Office of the Attorney General
PO Box 12548
Austin, TX [protected]
http://www.oag.state.tx.us/consumer/complain.shtml

California Attorney General*
Attorney General’s Office California Department of Justice
Attn: Comlaints Unit
P.O. Box 944255 Sacramento, CA [protected]
http://ag.ca.gov/consumers/general.php

Online complaint form
http://ag.ca.gov/contact/complaint_form.php?cmplt=CL

*This option is good if you have signed the Club Regina Cimarron “Statement of the terms and conditions for the verification of the sale/purchase of a membershipfrom Raintree North America Resorts, Inc.” Agreement

Better Business Bureau
https://odr.bbb.org/odrweb/public/cibrbusiness.aspx?e=3155944&id=46a6a9cd-5402-454e-9476-e4df22e6f371&site=113

Company Information
Raintree Vacation Club aka Raintree Resorts International
10000 Memorial, Suite 480
Houston, TX 77024

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8:28 am EDT
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Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] special assessment fee for members

Hello everyone,

I sent a strong email to Doug Y. Bech, CEO at Raintree via their email on the bottom of the orange billing statement.

I also cc'd the Houston Better Business Bureau, ARDA - Industry Relations and I want to send it to this website but have not been able to do so.

I encourage everyone to file a complaint online with the Houston Better Business Bureau at www.bbbhou.org

The basis of the complaint, I think, is the fact that we are RIGHT TO USE members and are not owners.

Nowhere in the papers that I filed is there any mention of a Special Assessment may be filed and requested from us.

Even if the wording is in their master contract, Raintree did NOT DISCLOSE the possibility of this liability on us.

I went to a member update at the sales office at Club Regina and the rep wanted to upgrade my membership. She said that we are right to use members and don't have to worry about any type of special upgrades or major renovations. Now, we get this letter?!

They failed to DISCLOSE this and they did not put it (special assessment) in any paperwork we were given and signed when we purchased into the club at the time.

Thank you.
Elaine

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Jim S.
St. Louis, US
Jun 26, 2009 2:06 pm EDT

We have compiled a list in excess of 100 members that are communicating and strategizing with a goal of contacting the attorney general in multiple states, especially Texas and AG Andrew Cuomo in New York. If you want to be a part of the combined effort, please send your email address to Ogden1995@aol.com.

The longest and most thorough thread of complaints and comments is at Raintree — Trying to charge a &Special Assessment&. The title of this complaint is “Trying to charge a ‘Special Assessment.’"

For the convenience of the authorities who might want to read members postings and for future reference, it seems it would be best to accumulate all comments under the above thread. There are already 13 pages on the thread.

Thank you.

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CAMILE THOMPSON
Rathdrum, US
Jun 22, 2009 11:08 pm EDT

HEY JUST GOT MY LETTER AND STRESSED ABOUT THIS ALL DAY, I AM PRAYING THAT WHAT IS RIGHT WILL BE DONE, BECAUSE THANKFULLY I BELIEVE WHAT COMES AROUND GOES AROUND, ANYWAY I HAVE EMAILED CNN IF YOU GO TO THE WEBSITE AND FILE THAT YOU HAVE A STORY, I JUST PUT EXACTLY WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME, IF WE ALL GO THERE YOU NEVER KNOW, LORD WILLING, THEY WILL TAKE THE STORY, DISCLOSE THE FRAUD AND WE MAY ALL JUST BE OK, IN THE HORRIBLE THING. I COMPLAINED TO ALLL THE PLACES THOSE HAVE POSTED, THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME, IF YOU CAN GO TO YOUR HOMETOWN NEWS PAPER AND CNN, LETS GET THIS STORY OUT THERE, AND DOUGLAS BECH MAY SEE WHAT HE HAS DONE WAS A HUGE MISTAKE. THANKS FOR THE EMAIL ABOUT THE CREDIT, I MAY JUST FOR THE SAKE OF PRINCIPLE LET IT GO, SAVE 40 YEARS OF MAINTENANCE FEES. GOD BLESS AND WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER. CAMILE THOMPSON

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MrD
Oakland, US
Jun 22, 2009 2:58 pm EDT
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marfam and others:
Join the many of us who are banding together to fight this illegal shake-down:

Raintree — Trying to charge a &Special Assessment&

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marfam
, US
Jun 22, 2009 1:26 pm EDT
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We are outraged by this ridiculous and unethical assessment and are trying to investigate its legality. We'd also be interested in joining together with others to protest.

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JayS
Lakeville, US
Jun 21, 2009 1:05 pm EDT
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I did submit my complaint to the BBB of Houston, but according to their website, there are no recent complaints at all!

Complaint Submitted
Your complaint has been submitted.. The complaint has been transferred to the local BBB to be handled in their system. You may wish to copy or print this information for further reference. Press OK when ready.

The complaint is being handled by the BBB listed below. Please contact them with any questions.
BBB of Metropolitan Houston (Houston, TX)
1333 W. Loop South, Ste. 1200
Houston, TX 77027
Phone: [protected]
Fax: [protected]
Email: bbbinfo@bbbhou.org
Web: http://www.bbbhou.org

Problem
Please provide a BRIEF, FACTUAL DESCRIPTION of the problem you experienced. If you are notifying the BBB of an advertising claim that you believe is inaccurate or misleading, include the date and location of the advertisement.
1. Primary Classification:
Billing or Collection Issues
2. Secondary Classification:
Contract Disputes
3. Problem:
This company is timeshare with locations throughout North America. I have a signed contrat with them which calls for a yearly maintenance fee. This is the only fee mentioned in the contract or mentioned when the contract was signed. I have paid the maintenance fee every year regardless of the amount. They are supposed to use this fee from all members to maintain and keep up the properties as needed. They recently requested a "supplemental fee" of almost $1700. I wrote them twice and have received responses that regardless of any stipulations in the contract or promises made at the time of the contract signing, they have a responsibility to maintain their property and demand payment of this previously undisclosed fee. I assume if I do not pay it (which I will not) that they will deny use of the property and start collection processes. While, this will result in legal action on my part, if you can intervene on behalf of hundreds of "members" it would be appreciated. Thank you, Joel Smiler
Complaint Background

2. Desired Outcome:
Cancellation of request for any "supplemental" fees

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viola
Katy, US
Jun 20, 2009 6:44 pm EDT

His email address is
dybech@raintreeresorts.com

Hey you guys over at this forum...need to type in
fradulent assessment fees / Raintree vacations and join us over there ...many entries so far .
A group of very unhappy members have also form a group ...send email address with ( legal names, street address and phone number ) to ogden1995@aol.com

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karma23
Goodyear, US
Jun 18, 2009 9:28 pm EDT

Does anyone have Douglas Bech's email address?

thanks,

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RYoshino
Hacienda Heights, US
Jun 16, 2009 5:29 pm EDT

I just got off the telephone with RVC to find out how to surrender my paid in full membership. They are telling me that I cannot do so and that I am obligated to keep it unless I sell it. Is that true? I am so done with dealing with these corrupt scams!

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JayS
Lakeville, US
Jun 16, 2009 2:24 pm EDT
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The response from Raintree regarding the fact that there is no provision in the contracts for a "special assessment" is that they are obligated to maintain the property even if there is no such provision. Can I be of any assistance regarding a class action?
Jay S

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Connie McDonogh
Prospect, US
Jun 14, 2009 1:23 am EDT

I am confused. Is this assessment for all resorts of Raintree? I am in the process of settleing with Raintree regarding my membership at the Grand Regina which did not happen., The villas were not built and I lost $8, 000 and no use of the property for the last five years. Does this mean I will receive an assessment after Raintree defaulted on their contract ? Thanks, Connie McDonogh

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4:18 pm EDT
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Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] illegal assessment / fraud

I received a "special assessment" notice in the mail yesterday (6/7/09) from Raintree Vacation Club. - This is 50% through the calendar year for which my 2009 assessment (paid before 1/20/2009) has been in effect. I have just reviewed my paperwork from time of purchase and it contains absolutely no information/clauses on special assessments. The operation of this timeshare company has been suboptimal to say the least. The time shares are located in Mexico, (Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos and Acapulco). The address on the assessment notice is in Las Vegas, NV and the Check is supposed to be directed to RVC Members, LLC, P.O. Box 495334, Garland, Texas 75049. If I am legally responsible to pay this assessment, I would like to see the following:
> A detailed accounting (which meets the acceptable principles of accounting guidelines) of where assessments paid by members for the past 10 years have gone - they claim these special assessments are for upgrades requested by members - I have a hard time believing this - and include things like replacement of linens, pool umbrellas, kitchen upgrades, etc. I would have thought our maintenance fees would have covered just the items they're purporting to fix/upgrade and or replace.
> Fees paid to the LLC for club/resort administration - If we're going to be assessed more than double, I would hope a pay cut is in order as with many large and small firms given the economy.
> A listing of current members, polled to support the closing statement in the cover letter w/the assessment notice "Our members overwhelmingly desire these improvements to our resorts now, so this Special Assessment is necessary for implementation." Please note, I own one unit and my mother owns another - no one asked for input from us?
> Review by a bona fide attorney to assess the legality of this assessment – and possibly a class action suit.

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Jim S.
St. Louis, US
Jun 26, 2009 2:11 pm EDT

We have compiled a list in excess of 100 members that are communicating and strategizing with a goal of contacting the attorney general in multiple states, especially Texas and AG Andrew Cuomo in New York. If you want to be a part of the combined effort, please send your email address to Ogden1995@aol.com.

The longest and most thorough thread of complaints and comments is at Raintree — Trying to charge a &Special Assessment&. The title of this complaint is “Trying to charge a ‘Special Assessment.’"

For the convenience of the authorities who might want to read members postings and for future reference, it seems it would be best to accumulate all comments under the above thread. There are already 13 pages on the thread.

Thank you.

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annekernordavis
Barnegat, US
Jun 18, 2009 1:11 pm EDT

I agree whole heartedly and have been bombarding Sharon (?) or RVC with calls that she won't pick up! Her number is [protected]. I'm going to keep calling.

Also, I wonder if Mexican members are being charged the same fee. No one in Mexico City Members Service would answer that question.

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Brian
Glendale, US
Jun 17, 2009 12:27 pm EDT

Checked my contract and could not find any reference to a "SPECIAL ASSESSMENT" or their ability to hold reservations hostage until paid. Seems to me that they screwed the pooch with the 3rd sentence of the 2nd paragraph of the "LETTER OF NOTIFICATION" . They admit that they have defered maintence items. The first few words of the 3rd paragraph again admit that they defered maintenance. I have no problem with them deffering maintenance items. But if defered, you better have a plan to get it done in the future without hosing the owners. 64 of the 82 items on their list can only be considered as maintenane items, no discusson and no debate. The other 2 big ticket items are in room internet access and new TV's. Our everyday lives are consumed by computers and the internet, both at work and @ home. If you just have to have access, there are multiple ways anywhere you go to get it done. This is a "VACATION RESORT" not a business traveler's hotel. Same with the TV's. Must have in room, no debate. Did you take your vacation to watch TV? Are you really going to miss out not seeing your HD TV for a week?. Bottom line is that these are not necessary. I have to agree that there is something going on and I am in agreement with some of the speculation. Here's another item to chew on. We were in Cabo a year ago. While listening to the sales pitch to increase our membership, the sales person let slip that they were using the MF's to purchase addtional properties. I questioned that use of the MF's and was told that it was okay to use the funds in this matter. End result of the sales pitch was "NO SALE". It would be my position that a lot of time and money will be wasted in a class action endeavor. Anyone who knows anything about litigation would be less than honest if told different. In the end, you MIGHT get a winning verdict only to find out that you have lost as RVC files Chapter 7 BK. RVC can do nothing for 2 years if you do not pay your MF. My guess is that if some of the speculation is true, RVC won't last 2 years. You won't be able to use your time share, but there are other places to go that are just as nice. Take a Cruise or go the Caribbean. My position is going to be one of wait and see. RVC cannot do anything to me until o7/01/11. They will get no more $ from me until this little problem is resolved to MY satisfaction. If RVC survives I will deal with them when we get to the "bridge". I will not spend any time worrying about this. If I end up walking away from this "wonderful investment" so be it. This is nothing compared to the losses we all have sustained in our retirement accounts. I am not scared of the collectors or the credit outfits. Don't you be either.

I can be contacted at: brian@ralphwilkens.com

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D. Paslay
Bothell, US
Jun 11, 2009 3:45 pm EDT

On June 10, we received a special assessment fee notice from Raintree. I lodged a complaint against Raintree Vacation Club/Miners Club at the BBB for Utah and Texas for requiring my husband and I to pay a "special assessment" fee of $820 out of the blue. There was nothing stated to us during our contract discussion about this and I do not see anything about such a fee in the contracts. How can they legitimately and ethically impose such a fee out of thin air. The laughable part is that over the 4 years we've supposedly owned this timeshare we haven't been able to use it because there is never an availability open for the dates, times and locations that we have requested. I have called at least 1/2 a dozen times trying to plan a vacation with this resort and each time I have called, which has been between 6-12 months prior, there is nothing available - all my choices are always booked. So now I haven't even used this timeshare in 4 years and I'm expected to pay another $820. That's criminal and unethical. At a time like this when the economy is down, my husband has had his commissions cut in half and I am down to part-time work. The are overreaching and bordering on harrassment with such an unsubstantiated request when no service whatsoever has been received on our end. I've looked through the contracts and see nothing about a "special assessment" in the language. Please tell me how can they get away with this?
I noticed that there are a number of complaints lodged on the web about this assessment fee and if necessary, I would be willing to participate in a class action law suit. Please advise.

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MrD
Oakland, US
Jun 09, 2009 7:18 pm EDT
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There are already at least two running threads about this on this forum. you might want to check these out. Here's the link to one, and the link to the other is in one of the responses:

Raintree Vacation Club — fraud

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Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] - special assesment fee

I rec'd a bill for $820.00 and they call it a 2009 speical assessment fee. I can not afford this ridiculos fee. I will refuse to pay it. This country is suffering a recession & they come out with this bull. Who has this kind of money at this time?

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 29 comments
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Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] Trying to charge a &Special Assessment&

Got a letter in the mail today from Raintree Vacation Club of which we have been members for 6 years. They are whining about not being able to meet all the "upgrades" their members want, so they now have to charge an $820 "Special Assessment". This company is a joke. Every time we have tried to book a timeshare vacation with them we have either been unable to or have had to jump through major hurdles to do so. Now because they are affliated with RCI, everytime I try to book, they want to push me off onto RCI's resorts, not Raintree's.
I urge all Raintree members to join together and file a class action lawsuit against this scam company.

Read full review of Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] and 1130 comments
Update by MrD
Nov 04, 2009 12:59 pm EST

So Daniel, tell us this: where are the financials that were promised to us BEFORE the revised assessment was to be initiated?

Update by MrD
Oct 09, 2009 3:46 pm EDT

Joe S
To be honest, after 6 or 7 months of this bantering that has gone on (and really gotten no where), I'm of the mindset that the time for talk is over. RVC has shown ZERO willingness to do anything that they can't completely control or manipulate. The "committee" is just another example. So enough is enough. The countless hours of due diligence that has gone on behind the scenes by the members committed to ending the tyranny of the current RVC managment has reaped a massive amount of history and evidence. We don't really need to talk or play RVC games any more. The cards are in play, RVC's next move (as they've publically stated) may be their last.

Update by MrD
Oct 08, 2009 9:55 pm EDT

Enrico Suave,
I totally agree with everything you mentioned with the exception of one thing: Bech's current RRI salary. Several years ago this is what he made, when the company had to disclose the information. I'd be willing to bet, now that 6 or 8 years have past since they've had to actually make public what he makes (and given the astronomical rise in executive pay this decade), that his salary is several times that amount. This is but one of the many facts RRI/RVC will go to all lengths to avoid having to disclose to the membership.

Update by MrD
Oct 07, 2009 2:20 pm EDT

Everyone,
Remember one thing, that puppetboy Daniel himself said several times: THIS IS NOT A DEMOCRACY.
That pretty much says it all. Just as Communist countries stage and control EVERY aspect of their countries life- and especially those situations and events that are public-facing, so too RVC is staging and controlling EVERY aspect of their business. Nothing they do should concern or anger anyone, as the only thing that will bring about change is a complete removal of the current RVC leadership. They have failed to run the business as it was agreed to in our contracts. That alone is grounds for their dismissal, not to mention the potential ethical and legal violations they have committed.

Update by MrD
Sep 29, 2009 5:58 pm EDT

Richard,
Non-payment will let you get rid of this scam bucket for sure; however the issue is what will Raintree do IN ADDITION to taking back the membership? By others members information, and sketchy wordings by RVC themselves on these forums, it "appears" they will also go after your credit ratings as some sort of punishment. I have asked numerous people about this however and have yet to receive a definitive answer as to whether this is practice or heresay. One person who posted on this forum recently said they granted him a pardon of sorts and released him from his memberships without punitive measures. A lawyer who looked at my contract recently said there is no provision for them attacking credit for non-payment of future membership in which the benefit is not yet used (he used much more legal terms but thats the gist of it).

Update by MrD
Sep 25, 2009 6:43 pm EDT

Daniel,
Since you guys are obviously more than happy to disclose the proportion of fees that go to third party property managers (as you say, more than half), why is it that you are NOT willing to disclose the proportion of funds that go to executive salaries and bonuses? If that amount comes to the several MILLIONS as I suspect, is this not also information members should have? By your own words, the business is running a deficit each year. That's bad management, and no company would tolerate it. That is unless you've specifically designed your business to not only function running a continuous deficit, but THINK you can tap a cash cow who apparently have NO say as to who runs the business or how badly they run it! Better THINK again, the hour is drawing short.

Update by MrD
Sep 23, 2009 8:16 pm EDT

Thanks Rose and Sam for those awesome posts. RVC, Dan, the whole lot of them are about as infuriating as it gets. Its like trying to reason and rationalize with a child why they can't have ice cream for dinner. No matter how you clearly explain it, they come back with the same ridiculous arguments.

Update by MrD
Sep 23, 2009 12:28 am EDT

Ty,
Can you possibly document the entire set of circumstances, actions you took, responses from Berger etc. and provide that to myself (and any other member that wants it?). Reason being, is that should others attempt to pull out as you have and get rejected, it becomes a violation of precedent. Legally how can they dismiss one and not another? Just another in the LONG list of activities and actions that could warrant legal action.

Update by MrD
Sep 22, 2009 7:28 pm EDT

Oh, well hell, that's all clear as mud. Daniel, let's be frank. RVC is a uniquely developed entity, created by LAWYERS who - and only who- can understand all of this friggen mumbo jumbo. The have set-up a structure unbelievably complex and purposefully de-centralized so that no entity or authority can track, trace or verify their dealing without a huge amount of effort or resolved. All I can say is that Madoff should have taken lessons from Bech & Co.!

Update by MrD
Sep 22, 2009 2:47 pm EDT

Reading the recent posts, it brings back a question that has been raised in the past but never answered to my full understanding. If one has "paid" off their membership, and is only accountable for "future" maintenance fees, what is it that binds them to this relationship with RVC if they voluntarily want to walk away? I have been up and down my contact but can find no clause indicating future binding. Can someone with a good understanding of this please answer.

Update by MrD
Sep 02, 2009 8:35 pm EDT

Dick,
I agree with your assessment and concept for reaching out to a wider RVC member audience. However I am actually stupified that more people are not already onboard with this movement we have going on. RVC at one time said their membership is 50, 000; they have since downgraded that number to 35, 000. Okay, so let's assume it is 35, 000 members. We have how many who have connected with these forums and the google site? A couple hundred? A simple Google search reveals this and other anti-RVC forums. So are 34, 000+ members completely Internet ignorant? The Internet IS the way you connect with others. It is the medium by which people seperated by geography can connect and then collaborate. I just can't believe that 34, 000+ people are just going to passively roll over and pay this ILLEGAL extortion; yet I also have a hard time understanding the lack of participation in joining the fight for this cause.
Jose keeps asking the question "WHERE IS THE MONEY?"
I want to know "WHERE ARE THE MEMBERS?".

Update by MrD
Sep 01, 2009 3:24 pm EDT

berkeleygirl,
If you've followed this issue and read this forum from the beginning, are you really surprised by the propoganda and rhetroic that comes out of Raintree? They are the most cynical, unethical and corrupt organization I've ever encountered. And yes as a matter of fact, we are Raintree's piggy bank - at least in the way they view us. Apparently signing their contract- irregardless of what it SAYS- means they can shakedown the members any time and for any amount they want.

Update by MrD
Aug 31, 2009 3:14 pm EDT

Can't speak for anyone else, but I refuse to believe the notion that for the next 30 something years I have no choice but to have my annual vacations held at the mercy of a management group in which the overwhelming (even that word isn't strong enough) evidence suggests either massive incompetence, illegal behavior, unethical practices or a hybrid of all three. In every business situation their are mutual "outs" in which two or more parties, unable to reach common ground in which a win-win situation occurs, can go their own ways. I am not going to be held hostage by this incompetent group, no matter what. We do not live in the Dark Ages, and people do not have to be victims in a situation that occured because they were lied to in the beginning, and continue to be duped by a group with no intent of providing anything even remotely resembling the truth. Feel free to wallow in your "victimhood" if that's what you perceive to be the options. As for me, and thankfully many others, we're gonna kick some RVC ###!

Update by MrD
Aug 30, 2009 3:57 pm EDT

Brian,
Your statement:
"However, sometimes whether you like it or not you have to work with existing management",
I believe I have read you make about three times in the course of this forum. In a dictatorship perhaps. But last time I checked we still live in a capitalistic democracy in which unjust or unqualified management can be tossed to the curb. You seem very content on keeping this existing management team (as ytou say "whether we like it or not"). Trust me on this: the LAST thing that will be occuring when this all shakes out is the continuance of the existing RVC management team.

Update by MrD
Jul 03, 2009 10:50 am EDT

skidownfast,
Your position is well taken, and I believe most members would likely agree with you. However, organizational transparency and organizational TRUTH are not always one and the same. RVC managements dogged pursuit of SA money, without looking at other options for raising capital, is an almost sure sign that something stinks behind the scenes. The delay of this SA is merely buying them time to present a better argument. No doubt they are going to be working very hard to "present" (i.e. pursuade, convince) to members the picture THEY want us to see, not necessarily the truth. In fact not likely to be the truth at all. The problem, is that this is their JOB, and they can devote massive resources to this project (of course the resources being partly OUR maintenance money); all of us are merely very part-time RVCers and definitely did not sign up to spend our precious free time doing legal research, running audits, forming watchdog committees, etc.
The facts (TRUTH!) about what they've been doing, how they've been spending money, and much more will hopefully come out. However just associating with other members this past month, sharing insights, stories, obscure news bits, etc etc has revealed a very ugly picture of RVC management and practices. Are these insights and stories wrong? Can so many people, with so many similar stories and circumstances be somehow off the mark? I don't think so. A really pretty PowerPoint, or hiring a crafty PR firm, is not going be bring about the TRUTH.

Update by MrD
Jul 02, 2009 5:50 pm EDT

Well looks like we know why they hired Daniel as their "PR" firm. He apparently has a speciality:

Crisis and the CEO – presentation by DPK PR

http://www.slideshare.net/dpkpr/crisis-and-the-ceo

Update by MrD
Jul 02, 2009 12:19 pm EDT

Yes, RVC has decided to withdraw the SA. Here is Bech's direct quote from last night:

"We will be withdrawing the SA tomorrow. We made too many mistakes in the implementation and in educating the members as to the need for this assessment. We will first be providing financial and operating information to show that RVC has been managed properly but that the Maintenance Fees are insufficient to cover the operating costs, most of which go to third party managers such as Starwood. We firmly believe that the SA is legal and proper and we will re-issue later when we have done the job we should have done before issuing this SA in early June. By the way, not once in 12 years has ANY member ever asked for any type of financial or operating information. We will begin providing this. Best regards, Doug"

Notice a couple of crucial things about this.
1. They plan on "re-issuing the SA at a later date". So RVC is saying, in the words of Arnold the Terminator "I'll be back". RVC is just going back to the drawing board, to reload their argument, cook the books to their favor, and then try again. Very comforting. Notice no mention of looking at alternative ways to fund, cut spending, etc. No its all about charging members via a Special Assessment.
2. Admittance that "most" of our maintenance fees go to third-party managers. And so why is this? If $40M a year is mostly going to third party managers, what are they doing for RVC? how much are each being paid and are there not options for replacing them with better, faster, cheaper services?
3. Finally his final mention that not once in 12 years has any member ever asked for financial or operational information. Ya, well duh. It's called Organizational Stasis. When you run a business of any type of size, if run it correctly you, your customers, vendors, suppliers, reach an operational balance in which EVERYONE involved is doing their part to make the machine run smoothly and efficiently. When this happens, there is little need for everyone to jump through hoops trying discover whether others are doing or not doing their part. However, when the machine breaks down at any point, it effects anyone and everyone in the flow. This SA was our clear signal that the RVC machine has broken down. So now we do need to get involved. RVC is pretending to understand this, but all the while wants to control the level of our involvement (and definitely wants to control the level of third-party involvement like AG's). But I'm afraid in the era of extremism, that's not going to happen. In the new era, once a machine breaks down, the first thing that goes is the ability to control what happens next. RVC can thank Global-Crossing, Enron, Madoff, and others for that.

Update by MrD
Jul 02, 2009 12:06 am EDT

Quite frankly, if Raintree is truly "listening" (which of course they are because they have just NOW created a website specifically for listening) then they have already heard what we have to say.

- The SA is not legal
- The circumstances leading to this SA are suspicious at best, negligent and criminal within possibility
- Third party entities WILL be brought in to ensure member rights and justice

And most importantly why would we need to go to THEIR website for them to listen? Its all posted right here, other forums and within the thousands of emails and phone calls they've already received on this matter. RVC has shown ZERO willingness to respond to the questions and inquiries of the members in a way that truly addresses the issues in a meaningful dialogue. All we have received is meaningless platitudes and party positioning ALL stating what Raintree wants to SAY and not in any way representative of "listening" at all.

Update by MrD
Jul 01, 2009 11:41 pm EDT

And who are you?

Update by MrD
Jun 30, 2009 6:59 pm EDT

Does anyone believe that RVC could actually prove ANY of what they state above? In my opinion its all smoke and mirrors. A good bluff, but if this goes the route of a lawsuit, and the doors to financials are opened THEY are going to be in for a world of hurt.

Update by MrD
Jun 30, 2009 12:10 pm EDT

Below is an email that a member sent around to other members. It pretty much sums up why RVC is charging this SA: They are in dire straights, with no money and are on the hook for $25M for another failed fiasco:

"Haven't talked to you in a while...2006 to be exact. That was the year we made the fatal decision to trade our Club Regina for Grand Regina Villas, another RVC ripoff. Turns out, Raintree never built the Villas, sold the project to Starwood, who never did anything either. There is now a group of 154 Villas owners that have put up money and retained an attorney to fight/sue Raintree & Starwood in an attempt to get our money back.

I noticed your name floating around some of the emails from disgruntled Club Regina owners over the "special assessment". I'm sure I'd be furious over something like that, too. To put it mildly, Doug Bech is pretty much of a slime-ball. I'm one of a 6-member owners committee that met with our attorney, Doug Bech and his attorney and Starwood attorneys in Chicago a couple of weeks ago. We spent most of the time listening to "we just don't have the money to return everything". By his own admission, RVC had sold around $25M worth of weeks, yet didn't put the money into an escrow fund pending construction. Supposedly, he only has around $5M to return. They made one offer after the meeting, but it was piss-poor. Supposedly, another offer will be sent on Monday. If it's not, or if it's not any better, a lawsuit will be filed in federal court on Wed.

I had a thought that maybe this special assessment was an attempt to raise money to pay us back, then figure out how to deal with all of the irate Club Regina owners. Do you have a copy of the special assessment letter you could email or fax me? I think we might be able to use it as ammunition in the lawsuit. Oh, did you know that Doug spent $4.5M buying another resort in Puerta Vallarta right across the street from Club Regina, I believe it was last Sept. We figure he used some of our money to buy that. All I know is that we have a bunch of owners in our legal group that want to see him in jail, and he knows it.

I've been getting copied on emails from your group. All I can say is, good luck! You'll need it. Might as well get ready for a fight. We've pretty much figured out that he uses maintenance fee income to buy more properties, instead of using it for maintenance of the existing ones. They probably all do to some extent."

Update by MrD
Jun 25, 2009 6:35 pm EDT

A really great post from Jose Hernandez. It is his formal letter to Doug Bech:
Raintree — Letter to Doug Bech

Update by MrD
Jun 25, 2009 11:37 am EDT

If you look at the profile for all of these invaders they are all the same- random posts on various threads on this board. No meaning or sense to them at all.

Update by MrD
Jun 25, 2009 11:34 am EDT

Looks to me like Raintree is planting some ridiculous posts to attempt to stop this thread.

Update by MrD
Jun 25, 2009 1:08 am EDT

EileenLives,
What you need is a timeshare...yes I think a timeshare will solve all those problems. I have one, will sell it to you for cheap! ROTFLMAO!

Update by MrD
Jun 24, 2009 3:13 pm EDT

Yes, once you get to a resort, people tend to enjoy their experience; people sitting at poolside with a margarita in their hand are generally going to be positive no matter what hell they experienced leading up to their vacation. The human ability to forget pain is incredible (and sun and Tequila helps!)
But go back and read the stories just on this forum. They are all about the terrible experiences people have with RVC as an organization. The contractual nonsense, lying salepeople, billing problems, nasty customer service, RVC pawning members off to RCI resorts, Raintree's own resorts very often unavailable (I've been a member for 6 years, bought in Cabo, and have yet to be able to book a vacation at my own home resort. It's always somehow "booked", under construction, etc.), resorts falling into disrepair, and more.
No one's trying to destroy RVC. We all lose if that happens. But clearly something's gone off track. RVC management wants us to pay for this derailment but also be forbidden from asking the conductor what happened and why. They CAN'T have both.

Update by MrD
Jun 24, 2009 1:45 pm EDT

Tommy,
Thanks for your post. I would not say this is a "lynch mob" that is forming. What you see on this board is just the tip of the iceberg on this issue as there are some enormous offline things happening on this front: group-relationships forming, information sharing and dialoguing, legal-fact-finding and discovery, and some good old-fashioned due diligence on the part of many members.

I am happy that you and Joel have had nothing but "good experiences" with Raintree. But lets check the count shall we? So far around 100 people have posted just on this forum of BAD experiences with RVC. That makes it a 50-to-1 ratio against RVC. How would you describe that ratio? What company could stay in business with 50 negative customers to every one happy customer (okay U.S. Post Offices and DMV's but that's about it!)

Also regarding your email with Bech have you noticed still the failure to address the substantive causes of this issue in the first place? They continue to address the symptoms and not the disease. If mismanagment, mis-appropriation of funds, poor decision making, bad purchases, inability to prepare for the current recession, etc etc are at the heart of this SA extortion attempt, then "money" dropped onto the problem is at best a temporal fix. A "10 year promise" to not do this again is ridiculous in the face of extreme mismanagement. And I'm not saying that is the cause of this, just that we will not know until this company opens up its books on several levels. But that's not likely to happen. So quite frankly, giving the fairy-dust reasoning and lip-service platitudes I've seen so far from RVC, my opinion is that members who blindly send in SA money are fools.

Finally I'm afraid you, and Raintree, need to understand that by opening Pandora's Box (as they did by their own hands), this issue has taken on a life of its own and is no longer in the control of any individual person or online forum. Where it ends is anyone's guess. But do not underestimate the power of people to band together for a cause they believe is just. The history of the world echoes with stories of corrupt Goliaths falling to the passionate David's.

Update by MrD
Jun 24, 2009 12:11 pm EDT

Costrow,
If Bech's base salary was $321K in 2001, you can bet he now makes at least a $1M a year now given the astronomical rise in executive salaries the past few years. I'd venture a guess that the entire executive team of Raintree hauls down collectively at least $5 Million dollars a year in salary and compensation.

Update by MrD
Jun 22, 2009 10:42 pm EDT

Joel,
Apologies, not my board either. But you definitely came across as having made a deal and in your "private" dialogue with Bech sounded like you were selling us out. We are in the first inning, and the first batter hasn't even come to the plate. This is going to go on for a long time. The longer members hold out the better position we will be in to get back our basic member rights- you know those ones stated in our CONTRACTS.

Update by MrD
Jun 22, 2009 8:43 pm EDT

This Joel guy also posted the identical "supposed" email dialogue with Bech on another forum:

http://www.redweek.com/forums/messages?thread_id=10269&page=last&utm_source=forum-alert&utm_medium=email&utm_content=topic

So we are supposed to believe that this guy comes out of nowhere, sends Bech an email and all of a sudden the two of them are having a smoochy-boochy email dialogue solving the SA problem for all of us? HAHAHAHA! Oh please...

Update by MrD
Jun 22, 2009 7:37 pm EDT

Costrow,
I can feel the pain you are going through as it definitely comes through your writing. I agree 100% with you on this. I am just SICKENED by what is happening in America right now. Businesses are just scamming their way through the American consumer, using every loophole, legal trick, and unethical behavior they can to get away with murder. Raintree is SCAMMING us! The probblem is, is that they are fat, wealthy pigs that have been living on free "unchallenged, unaccountable" money for so long, that they have the audacity to believe they are ENTITLED to even more of our money any good, goddamn time they want it.
I also have had enough of duplicite companies, and especially their rich leaders who sit in penthouse offices and live in huge gated communities, all because they figured out how to make seven figures by creating a fictitional "vacation" world for the work-stiffs of the world like me. We work our a**es off for fifty or fifty-one weeks out of the year, and all we wanted out of this deal with the devil was a week or two every year to pretend we somehow, even a little bit, in control of our own destiny. Then these ###****s have the gaul to wipe that little dream away as well. I am so hoping they get what deserve.

Update by MrD
Jun 22, 2009 5:42 pm EDT

Joel,
In addition to Bob's comments I would like to add that you were not part of ANY of our forum discussions. Out of the blue, here you are basically making an agreement with Raintree and then posting on our forum YOUR compromised agreement with Bech, actingly as if you are our delegate or something. The reality is, NOTHING has changed, because there's this little issue of LEGALITY of the SA that has yet to be determined. There are currently several lawyers that I know of (and probably many others I don't) that are working on this issue, as well as consumer groups like the Texas and CA Attorney Generals. So thanks for your submissive posturing, but we'll continue down the path we are on. Likely you are a shill for Raintree anyway.

Update by MrD
Jun 19, 2009 4:23 pm EDT

On another board I found this legal group based in Mexico that specializes in Mexican timeshare scams. Anyone know anything about them? Below is their link, and also a link to the forum post that recommended them:

http://www.gonzalezgonzalezlawfirm.com/

http://www.redweek.com/forums/messages?thread_id=11120;page=7;query=vacation

Update by MrD
Jun 19, 2009 1:08 pm EDT

John W.

To answer your fourth question about repairing your credit here is a great article describing the use of "Credit Repair Letters" as the best tactic to take:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Find-Out-Why-Credit-Repair-Letters-Are-Your-Best-Weapon-For-Fighting-Bad-Credit-Reports&id=1595715

Update by MrD
Jun 18, 2009 4:03 pm EDT

This SA is sounding more and more like a "golden parachute" for a small handfull of execs who know the games up soon. Can you say "offshore bank account"?

Update by MrD
Jun 16, 2009 5:04 pm EDT

Brian,
You are very generous in your view toward Raintree. In everything I have heard, read and experienced first-hand with this organization over the past 6 years I in no way would be that kind. This group, while hiding behind verbiage suggesting an almost saint-like caretaking role they play for members, none-the-less behaves like little unaccountable hooligans. I am pretty certain there is no way they are going to volunteer to give up a member contact roster, nor do anything that might destablize their plans to receive this illegal extortion of $45M from members. This is where the beauty of a class action lawsuit comes in. In a class action suit they can be forced to turn over that information. Yes, its a long arduous battle, but since those of us who aren't planning on paying this extortion aren't likely to be going on any vacations in the next couple of years (at least not RVC vacation), we've got the time!

Update by MrD
Jun 16, 2009 12:35 pm EDT

Brian,
I completely agree. Been wondering myself - "Where all all the members". The hundred or two that have been on this forum are just a drop in the bucket. A Google search using Raintree Vacation Club, or Raintree Special Assessment brings up this forum at or near the top. So where is everyone?

Update by MrD
Jun 16, 2009 12:18 pm EDT

I think the craziest aspect about this whole SA fiasco is how poorly thought out it was on the part of Raintree. Think about it. They are illegally trying to extort money from members on a SA and are holding our memberships hostage as a result. So if I don't pay the SA I don't get to use Raintree facilities or services? Well since I completely disagree with paying it without due process, and won't get to use the membership as a result, why should I then pay my upcoming regular membership fee? So in a couple of months, if they haven't backed down from this extortion attempt, I won't be paying my regular membership fee either. Multiply me by thousands and they are up the creek without a paddle BY THEIR OWN HAND!
What kind of insane business logic are they employing here?

Update by MrD
Jun 16, 2009 12:30 am EDT

Still all smoke n mirrors. They continue to fail to address the legality of their extortion, and remain smug in their ability to charge it. Well we will see. There are so many channels of consumer protection that are now in early discovery by many members - including lawyers looking into this - that I doubt the smugness may last much longer. What they are doing is blatantly illegal, and I don't care what they "think" their duty is. If basic maintenance money did not cover the needs (to the tune of an est. $45million dollars which this SA hopes to generate), then mismanagement of funds is what has occured. So let me get this straight: we are supposed to give "mismanagers" a bunch MORE money to do what? Mismanage some more? No thanks. And don't get me started on the bogus "member survey" - I for one never received one- nor their smokescreen of member mandate's. Wherever Raintree got their intel you can be absolutely guaranteed it came WITHOUT counter-offering the info that "oh, and by the way we're going to charge you a full year's maintenance fee so we can have that work done". BOGUS BOGUS BOGUS!

Update by MrD
Jun 12, 2009 10:01 pm EDT

RVCvictim_sn,
I feel for your situation, its much the same as many of ours. However it does not sound like you addressed with RVC the most basic issue we've all been discussing: What legal grounds do they have to charge this SA? Say it again and again and again until its the only question you can think of: WHAT LEGAL GROUNDS DO THEY HAVE TO CHARGE THIS SA? The answer is none. They have no legal grounds for it, and I for one am not going to take a defensive posture on this. My wife and I are going on the offensive (she's previously posted about what our lawyer has said and is doing). However we all stand a much better chance of reaching the right outcome if we bind together and fight this economic terrorism.

Update by MrD
Jun 12, 2009 11:28 am EDT

After reading all the various posts, I'm beginning to wonder if this isn't simply is a planned win-win strategy for Raintree. Of course they knew the backlash this would create, but maybe instead of it being something Raintree was hoping to weather, perhaps its part of the plan. If you take 50, 000 members (not sure thats the number but for the sake of argument lets say it is), and divide them into the two options:
1. those that will bite the bullet and pay the special assessment and keep their membership
2. those that refuse to pay the special assessment and are therefore willing to let their membership go.

If the division is say 50%, Raintree wins both ways. They get a big chunk of extorted money, and they get back half their memberships- (and all it cost them was printing for three pages of paper and stamps!).
Maybe we'll even receive an announcement that Raintree has decided to grant immunity to those who wish to "turn-in" their memberships and not pay the Special Assessment or have their credit attacked.

Update by MrD
Jun 11, 2009 5:26 pm EDT

Susan,
Good points. This is "entitlement" to the Nth degree. You ask what they've been smoking? I think its that freshly rolled green money that pours in from 50, 000 people every year.

Update by MrD
Jun 11, 2009 3:35 pm EDT

This has all the makings of a really good "Dateline" episode doesn't it?

Update by MrD
Jun 10, 2009 5:27 pm EDT

tgrafix,

I'm not a lawyer (nor do I play one on TV), but it seems to me that if an organization that has taken in hundreds of millions of dollars for "members" to buy a piece of what they are selling, uses contracts to insure understanding of what "membership" represents, then removes the membership for a reason outside the black and white of the signed contract (i.e. trying to charge a special assessment), then I think lots of legal money is there waiting to be won!

Update by MrD
Jun 10, 2009 4:26 pm EDT

Good news! Whe you do a Google search with the keywords "Raintree Special Assessment", this thread comes up first! The more members we can draw in and get involved in this battle shaping up, the better.

Update by MrD
Jun 10, 2009 4:22 pm EDT

Ah, Charismatic, if you had taken the time to read the three pages of this thread so far, you would find that the LEAST likely people on this planet to want to buy another timeshare are right here in this forum. Take your sales pitch to another thread please!

Update by MrD
Jun 10, 2009 3:31 pm EDT

Moe,
Thanks for the outstanding info and incite! If a class-action lawsuit does become out of the question, then it seems everyone's best best is to have a lawyer verify that your contact makes no stipulation for "Special Assessments" (which so far I have yet to read of ONE person having any such clause in any RVC related contact!), refuse to pay the special assessment, then let Raintree take an action against your account (such as suspending your membership. At that point I believe each individual member would have lawsuit potential against Raintree in the jurisdiction of where their contract is based (ours is Houston for example). However, for those who's membership is based in Mexico as mentioned earlier in this thread that's probably out of the question. Note: For those of you who did buy your membership in Mexico at say a Club Regina, read your contract closely. Buying in Mexico may not mean your contracts' jurisdiction is also in Mexico. It may very well be the U.S.
On another note, I totally agree with all the posts about continued harassment (phone calls, emails, etc.) against Raintree. Additionally we need to utilize Social Media to spread the word, not only about this particular issue, but just the general deterioration of Raintree in general. Among other things these clowns apparently didn't learn in their MBA programs is that we live in the age of viral marketing. One well written, well placed letter within Facebook, or Linked-in or MySpace (yes, let's make sure the next generation coming up doesn't get trapped into the timeshare fiasco like we did) can do horrific damage to a company for years to come. A well crafted YouTube video that goes viral has the potential of being watched by hundreds of thousands of people within hours of its release!

Update by MrD
Jun 09, 2009 7:13 pm EDT

Here is the info for filing a complaint against Raintreee International Resorts:

BBB of Metropolitan Houston
(Houston, TX)
1333 W. Loop South, Ste. 1200
Houston, TX 77027
Phone: [protected]
Fax: [protected]
Email: bbbinfo@bbbhou.org
Web: http://www.bbbhou.org

Update by MrD
Jun 09, 2009 3:23 pm EDT

FYI- There is another thread on this forum discussing the same thing:
Raintree Vacation Club — fraud

As I mentioned in that thread, we have forwarded our contract and the special assessment documents to a lawyer for review. Will post feedback when we get it.

Update by MrD
Jun 08, 2009 4:52 pm EDT

There is power in numbers. We need a way to gather member names and contact info. Does nayone have some ideas on the best way to do this?

Update by MrD
Jun 08, 2009 4:50 pm EDT

Well we've begun by filing a complaint with the Houston BBB. This is just the beginning.

The BBB that will handle your complaint is:

BBB of Metropolitan Houston
(Houston, TX)
1333 W. Loop South, Ste. 1200
Houston, TX 77027
Phone: [protected]
Fax: [protected]
Email: bbbinfo@bbbhou.org
Web: http://www.bbbhou.org

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Celeste88
Mcclellan, US
Jun 03, 2016 8:38 am EDT

Raintree, Club Regina is horrible. We have asked for information many times regarding financials and timeshare liquidity with no response. We have refused to pay yearly fees until we get answers and only hear from collection agencies. Difficult to book-RCI points certainly not a one for one. Anyone have suggestion on how to pursue them for poor business practices?

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Susan68
, US
Jan 05, 2016 12:13 pm EST

Thanks for share, timeshare field is a tricky thing just for own experience check this before acquire a timeshare, good luck

http://www.timesharescam.com/timeshare-fraud-and-timeshare-scams-tips-to-avoid/

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aliice
Pompano Beach, US
Aug 19, 2015 4:36 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 recomend you to read a good article about Raintree: http://www.timesharescam.com/blog/215-raintree-vacation-club-timeshare/

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Curtis B.
Los Alamos, US
Jun 18, 2015 8:14 pm EDT

Any news on Raintree?

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pelicanmanor
Southport, US
Jan 03, 2010 9:59 am EST

Unecessary fees charged that are not in contract

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John W
Pensacola, US
Sep 15, 2013 2:00 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Upon receiving the first assessment in 2009, I just quit paying the Annual fee. Had 2 collection letters and immediately responded to them stating that I will not pay, and haven't heard from them for over 8 months. No phone calls either and no hit to my Credit Report. Either my "Refusal to Pay" letters were pretty convincing - or the collection agency was only hoping that it could use fear tactics to scare a small percentage of Raintree owners into paying back accumulated Annual Fees. I had my purchase paid in full, was able to use it a total of 5 times, so I just wrote it off as a loss and let them pound sand. Anyone who actually believes that this company is anything more than a scam probably also still believes they will be able to keep their doctor under Obamacare! Just accept the loss, don't make more annual fee payments, but DO respond to any Collection Letters since a non-response will taken as an acknowledgement that you owe the money.

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Isipo
Las Vegas, US
Jul 17, 2013 12:08 pm EDT

It seems like this is a very common problem in Mexico. My wife & i bought into a Royal Elite Timeshare in Playa del Carmen. We stayed in sandos caracol resort & signed contract for royal elite. we've found out in the last few months that availiablity of resorts that we require are very limited (sales person shown us extensive range of hotels). flight deals are no better than booking myself. we enquired to stay lanzarote sandos dec 2012 the ai rate is in total $1900 for the week. i feel that this is going to be costly in the long run, not the ideal deal that was sold to us. This is a forum with more complaints about this company:

http://www.timesharescam.com/timeshare-complaints-resorts-black-list/6-royal-elite-sandos-timeshare-complaints/

I'm in the process of calling the BBB and PROFECO and seeing what they can do. Possibly the attorney General also!

The Lidman Foundation
The Lidman Foundation
Lewisville, US
Jun 19, 2013 3:09 pm EDT

Raintree bites the Rose.

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EileenReturns
Abbeville, US
Jun 07, 2013 3:12 pm EDT

Raintree, the never ending saga.

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tps43
, US
Jan 02, 2013 10:44 pm EST

Similar to what Sadie419 wrote and experienced: My purchase contract was paid in full, bought in 2001. I refused to pay the Special Assessment and maintenance fees for 2010, 2011 and again in 2012 after class action settlement. I challenged 2 collection agency attempts and never heard from either again. There has been no black mark on my 800+ credit rating whatsoever. I received a letter from Raintree dated September 14, 2012 cancelling my membership effective immediately for non-payment of maintenance fees. Well surprise, surprise! Per my contract, I was exercising my right to rescind the contract by not paying the maintenance fee for 2 consecutive years, thereby releasing Raintree from any further obligation.
Yes, my original investment is gone. But with the increase in fees over the years, we can just as cheaply book a vacation anywhere...and you can bet it won't be at a Raintree resort!
For those still fighting this thing or collection agencies, keep faith and don't let them bully you. I am not an attorney but am going to add a footnote: I believe you are on the hook for the maintenance fees until/unless your purchase contract is paid in full.

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Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] false statements

we bought a vacation club memership on feb 16/09, we were told we could cancel this membership, if we changed our minds in 5 buisiness days. we tried to do this but have gotten nothing but a run around.
call this person email us no it has to be written etc...
i can not tell you how stress ful this has been what should have been a vaction has become a nightmare. do not buy anything from this company

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Mexican Timeshare Solutions
, MX
Feb 16, 2011 8:29 pm EST
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Dear Timeshare Owners,

We invite you to get to know our services at G&G Mexican Timeshare Solutions. We are a Mexican based company that specializes in cancelling contracts purchased under fraudulent premises. We offer free consultations to anybody interested in our services to discuss the details of their case.

We are empathetic to victimized consumers and we work on a contingency basis; which means no upfront fees, and if we don't achieve results, you don't pay us a cent.

We look forward to helping you in your claim.

Customer Service,

info@timesharescam.com

[protected]

www.timesharescam.com

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lorieannk
Neosho, US
Apr 26, 2010 11:48 pm EDT

We too made the sad mistake of purchasing a membership and were told and shown in writing on the contract that we could cancel within 5 business days and we cancelled our membership before we left the resort, that was on 3/05/10 and we have yet to see anything in writing, we are receiving bills for the balance due after our down payment and we have not received a refund (of course). We notified them, face to face, and also by email. We have been told that they are processing the cancellation paperwork but amazingly have seen nothing so far in over 50 days. I am so angry, I plan on writing everyone I can think of related to this organization.

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barbara5272
Martinez, US
Mar 07, 2010 11:43 am EST

I agree, DO NOT buy from this company or any time share, they are all con artists and are just full blown up sales people. The lie to win your sale, they are on a good commission basis for each time share they sell and lie!

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costrow
Kansas City, US
Jun 25, 2009 5:04 pm EDT

Hi - When you signed with Raintree and sales assoc was referring to Regulation Z of the FDIC Consumer protection section (go to FDIC and type in Regulation Z and look for consumer protection headings) Under Reg Z
you are to be given 3 business days to rescind certain transactions. You have until midnight of the 3rd business day to cancel your transaction. I have also heard sales staff talk to people telling them they have a week or 5 days but it is 3 business days which can be tricky. They should have given you a true and written explanation of Reg Z if you took out a loan of some sort with a company regulated by FDIC. Perhaps a complaint should be made in this direction especially if you borrowed money from a US Bank or Banks or Loan Companies regulated by the FDIC. You can go to the FDIC and get info from them directly on your transaction & banking institution. I was an expert witness on a Truth In Lending lawsuit in the US Federal Court in the 70's. This suit was against 3 payday type loan companies that were doing rather dubious things to consumers. I believe these practices are once again being perpetrated by US banks like Bank of American through their Payday loan offices all over most cities. They have somehow gotten around protections afforded consumers and probably these protections have been watered down since Regan's first administration and the loosening of usury laws which used to stop interest at 10%. In the mid 1980's these protections were removed and this is where we have gotten our 28% interest rates of today.

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kEN
Thornton, US
Jun 07, 2009 12:59 pm EDT

We bought in 2004 and quickly discovered the salespersoN lied to us. Now they want a "special assessment" of nearly $800 for maintenance/repairs on their units and we still have an $800 maintenance fee upcomign in December!

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Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] Unauthorized billing

I am writing to report Raintree Village for the crooks that they are. I moved out of the park in October of 2008 with the verbal promise from Ronica (Park Manager) that upon the sale of my mobile home and the move in of new tenants that I would have my $285.00 Security deposit back after 4-6 weeks. That was a lie. Now I get the run around everytime I call them. They don't return my calls. They are nothing but liars, thieves and dishonest people. I am not the only person this has happened to. The park needs to be shut down and demolished. I lived there for three years and in that time the park has been through numerous managers. They fudge the paperwork to scam people out of the security deposits that are paid to move in to the park. If there is anyone out there that this has happened to please try to do something about this! It's not right. I am going further with this complaint the Better Business Bureau is going to hear about them also.

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Raintree Vacation Club [RVC] - fraud

My wife and I purchased a vacation club membership with RCI/Raintree and have never been able to use it. We've called about 10 times to plan a vacation and every single time, I get the same response "We're sold out and have no space available". These were all different dates and locations. We got scammed out of a large sum of money. I am looking to file a...

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