Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:08/02/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have not received any response whatsoever from ARDA or its leadership team included in my emails after reporting the shady business practices of *****, who is listed as one of their members online who follows the code of ethics. In our personal experience, this is far from the truth, and it is baffling that ARDA continues to display ***** as a reputable member. My family had a truly unfortunate experience with *****, and upon doing some research, we have found that we are not the only ones affected by similar circumstances. Despite reaching out to ARDA and their leadership, we have not received any follow-up or acknowledgement of our concerns.It is alarming that ARDA would list a company that does not seem to abide by their own code of ethics as a member. If ARDA does not hold its members accountable, how can we as consumers trust this organization to protect our interests and keep these businesses in check?We are taking this matter very seriously and are extremely disappointed with the lack of response from ARDA. We hope that by sharing our experience, ARDA and other organizations will take a closer look at their membership practices and accountability measures.

  Business Response

  Date: 08/24/2023

  We received the BBB complaint and hereby provide the following response.  The consumer, ********** ** ****** sent complaints directly to our customer service email. The first complaint was sent on 5/17/2023 and the second on 6/22/2023. We responded to the first complaint on the same day that we received it and explained that as the trade association for the timeshare industry, we do not mediate or arbitrate individual disputes between consumers and member companies. When we receive information regarding a potential violation of the ARDA Ethics Code, we forward those complaints to the member company for its consideration and resolution. It is then up to the respective parties to resolve any potential dispute. ARDA may use information submitted by the public to act against members when there is a consistent pattern of business practices that are in violation of our Ethics Code. Our internal processes in that regard are kept confidential unless our Board determines to make those actions public under Section IV(D) of the Ethics Code. Thank you for the opportunity to respond.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:07/14/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I must share my utter disappointment with ARDA with how they have not acknowledged my concerns with one of their members, ********/ ***** (****). I sent the attached letter multiple times to the contacts listed on ARDA’s website and have yet to receive a response other than the standard automated email. This includes the CEO, ***** *****, ****** *****, ********* *****, ****** ********, ****** ******* and ***** *******. I had also used the contact information posted on ARDA for ********’s leadership including ********* ******, **** ******, ***** ****** and **** ******. I had sent a response back after receiving the automated email asking for additional information including how the timeshare businesses become ARDA members and what actions are taken when complaints such as mine are brought to your attention. Is there a possibility to revoke their membership? What does it take for that to occur? I feel completely cheated by ********/ ****/ ***** and do not see it fit that they are awarded and getting away with manipulating people into these contracts by having their sales team lie to them about what they will experience and get out of owning a timeshare. I urge ARDA to rethink their decision to allow ******** and ***** to continue their membership with their association. I would like further assistance as well.

  Business Response

  Date: 07/28/2023

  We received the complaint and hereby provide the following response. As ******************** mentioned in her complaint, she sent her complaint letter to us before sending it to the BBB. As the trade association for the timeshare industry, we do not mediate or arbitrate individual disputes between consumers and member companies. When we receive information regarding a potential violation of the Code, we forward those complaints to the company for its consideration and resolution. It is then up to the respective parties to resolve any potential dispute. ARDA may use information submitted by the public to act against members when there is a consistent pattern of business practices that are in violation of our Ethics Code. Our internal processes in that regard are kept confidential unless our Board determines to make those actions public under Section IV(D) of the Ethics Code. Thank you for the opportunity to respond.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/09/2023

  We did send the same complaint to ARDA prior to posting this because we did not receive any response. As an organization advertising proudly that **** is a part of your association that follows the code of ethics but in fact does not can pose a serious threat to future consumers relying on the information provided on your website when considering purchasing with **** or its affiliates. **** has not provided the standards listed out in your code of ethics and we feel it is our duty as consumers to stand up for ourselves when we are so obviously being taken advantage of. The business will do nothing to investigate the issues, will not offer a way out of the ownership after tarnishing our trust, and will not do anything to prevent this from happening in the future to potential new owners. We feel ARDA is in a position to question **** and even possibly do their own investigation to ensure the standards are being upheld. We also feel these allegations along with any others possibly made by other **** owners should NOT be kept confidential. These are serious problems that feel borderline illegal and to cover it up or hide it from the public is doing nothing but allowing **** to continue the shady tactics.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 08/11/2023

  [To assist us in bringing this matter to a close, you must give us a reason why you are rejecting the response. If no reason is received your complaint will be closed as Answered]
  
   Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  We did send the same complaint to ARDA prior to posting this because we did not receive any response. As an organization advertising proudly that **** is a part of your association that follows the code of ethics but in fact does not can pose a serious threat to future consumers relying on the information provided on your website when considering purchasing with **** or its affiliates. **** has not provided the standards listed out in your code of ethics and we feel it is our duty as consumers to stand up for ourselves when we are so obviously being taken advantage of. The business will do nothing to investigate the issues, will not offer a way out of the ownership after tarnishing our trust, and will not do anything to prevent this from happening in the future to potential new owners. We feel ARDA is in a position to question **** and even possibly do their own investigation to ensure the standards are being upheld. We also feel these allegations along with any others possibly made by other **** owners should NOT be kept confidential. These are serious problems that feel borderline illegal and to cover it up or hide it from the public is doing nothing but allowing **** to continue the shady tactics.

  Regards,
  
  *****************************

• Initial Complaint

  Date:05/25/2023

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Some ARDA rep called to schedule a meeting at some restaurant 2 hours away from where I live. They said this is the closest location. She said the meeting was an informative meeting about my timeshare and how I can get a refund on the maintenance fees due to covid and the lock down. When I asked if I could get all the information by mail or email, she said that they don't do that. I informed her I can't travel that far and if ARDA claims they are here to help and let us know what is going on then they should. She proceeded to tell me that they only help people and give out information to those that come to the meeting. I informed her that not everyone can and it would be better to send me the forms and information that will be given in this "meeting". She proceeded to tell me that if I wanted the information and the documents for some "rebate" I have to show up to the meeting. I told her it would be impossible and asked to have all the information and documents can either be emailed or mailed to me. She then hung up on me.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/13/2023

  This was a scam. ARDA did not call this person. ARDA does not cold call timeshare owners to do meetings at hotels about getting a refund on maintenance fees. We have seen these types of scams before. We post alerts on our ResponsibleExit.com website about the many scams targeted at timeshare owners. Many of these scams use ARDA's name. We are not aware of any programs where a timeshare owners can receive a refund of their maintenance fees. We advise the consumer not to engage with this company or representatives. Again, this was not an ARDA representative who called the person. Thanks

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/06/2022

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I have had no less than 15 calls from this company in the past 5 days. Dedpite me telling them to remove my name/ number. This is harrassment! The numbers they have used are: ************ ***. ******** ************ ************ What can I do to make them stop? Thank you.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/27/2022

  The calls are not from the American Resort Development Association. We do not make any unsolicited calls to anyone. We do not sell a product or service. We are a trade association. None of the numbers listed are our telephone numbers. These calls appear to be scams by someone using our name.