Maybe Singapore should ban this as well…
International December 4th, 2007
Came across this about banning stuffs in Malaysia. Apparently, there’s a scratch and win scam going around, whereby people were approached to scratch and win some stuffs, but in order to collect them, they need to buy more stuffs, usually expensive stuffs.
What I find perplexing is that people actually take loans to find these expensive stuffs just to collect the prizes, which is usually a car. Doesn’t this sound suspiciously like that happens in Singapore? Except that they don’t tell you that you’d won a car – probably something less expensive, but they want you to buy into their timeshare s*ahem*c*cough*a*ah-choo*m…
KUALA LUMPUR – MALAYSIA has banned scratch-and-win contests after thousands of people complained they were duped and did not receive the promised prizes, an official said.
The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has made it illegal to hold such contests, said ministry Enforcement Deputy Director Iskandar Halim Sulaiman on Tuesday.
In scratch-and-win contests, consumers are given paper cards with an area coated with coloured plastic that can be scratched with a coin to reveal whether a prize has been won.
Mr Iskandar said direct sales staff often duped consumers at supermarkets or at their doorsteps with cards that showed they had won cars or other expensive items. However, to get the prizes, consumers were asked to first buy the company’s products, and in the end ‘never get the car’, Mr Iskandar said.
Almost 1,400 complaints were filed in the first 10 months of this year, with many people claiming they lost thousands of ringgit in the scams, often used by direct marketing companies, Mr Iskandar said.
Companies found illegally conducting such contests risk a fine, up to three years in prison and a loss of their business licenses, he said.
The Star newspaper quoted a 42-year-old civil servant, Ms Satilah Mahmood, as saying she lost RM27,000 (S$12,000) in a scratch-and-win scheme this year.
The home theatre system and massage chair she bought – to be eligible for more prizes – broke down within weeks, the newspaper said. It said the people who lured her with prizes moved out of their rented office.
‘My family is now saddled with debts,’ it quoted her as saying. — AP
Article obtained from straitstimes.com on 4th December 2007
About
Regarding River Marketing, see Companies claiming to be associated with Travel & Leisure | Travel & Leisure Group Newsletter: http://bit.ly/csOPvJ
TS Victim,
I challenge you to name the Timeshare company I used to work for. Maybe you are the one who is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. I have never worked for any time share companies nor any time share related companies. I am a victim like all of you. I am trying to stop the scam and save all of you losing your hard earned money, like I have.
Please let me know who gave you the information that I worked for a time share company and I will take that person to task or where you got the information from.
Please stop being personal. I am not part of the scammers nor have I ever been.
TIME SHARE AVENGER
THE TRUTH WILL PREVAIL
Even if you can’t get back your money from timeshare fraudsters,report them to CAD. Don’t let them enjoy your hard earn money while you suffer. If you have to suffer, make sure that they also suffer.
In 2003,Tan Miah Soong was prosecuted by CAD. International Timeshare was investigated by the Commercial Affairs Department for cheating in 2003. The company’s former director, Tan Miah Soong, 43, was accused of cheating 38 people out of more than $150,000 by tricking them into believing he could help them sell their timeshare investments.
http://www.case.org.sg/downloads/C@SEBites/C@sebites%20Special.htm
To all timeshare fraudsters reading this, don’t think that you can get away. CAD will come after you one day.
Hi All,
Thanks for all the sharing. I bought TS in 2005 and since have very much regretted. I have been trying very hard to sell but fell into yet another trap. I have been receiving calls from various companies asking me abt the TS, either helping me to sell or buying it from me. I feel so disgusted by their “pretentious” calls.
Yesterday, i received a call asking me why i have not gone down to collect my cheque which has been prepared long time ago. They actually prepared and wanted to return this money to those people who was conned into buying TS. I was delighted initially thinking that “Yes, i finally got back my hard earned money”. When they sent me an email confirmation to go down and meet them, i actually saw the company’s name as RIVER MARKETING LIMITED at Tong Building. They have asked me to go down on Tuesday and last meeting time is 7pm.
I felt fishy and did a search and saw this post. I really thank you for posting this or i will be so stupid and gone down to their office, thinking that i can get back my money.
I have longed resigned that my hard earned money has gone down the drain. I just want to be smart the next time so that they will not be able to get any more of my hard earned money.
Thanks for all your sharing!
Cookies
Btw, the guy who called me, his name is MELVIN SING! I thought of going to the police, but i think we need some proof. Cos all these guys did was just phone calls and emails.
Anyone can share if they have made a police report on this?
Cookies
hi all,
the best thing to do really is to forget about recovering your money and just move on.
just hang up the phone when u receive calls offering to help u resell.
only then u can get ur life back.
i once went for training to work part-time at one of these resell ts company.
after a few days just quit when another worker reveal to me about this blog. check it out then quit, didn’t take a single cent from them, even for the training.
i think quite a few people also quit not long after they realise something’s wrong and found out the truth.
so, really, just forget about your ts. you are better writing it off as a loss.
these people has your ic numbers, it sucks. they will just keep calling u at home, office or cell numbers depending on how many numbers u fill in when u first bought ur timeshare. they prey on those with credit cards.
i am really surprised that after more than 6 months of not coming to this blog, i am still reading the same stories over and over again.
same names mentioned, same complaints.
your not willing to write off your losses, any tiny hopes of recovering your money, is how this group of people can stay in business.
they are exploiting ur hopes. and they take home 5k easily and up to 10, 20k for those who are good at it.
so, forget it. u can’t wipe them out. u can’t get back ur money. change ur numbers, move on, and get back ur life.
i just read there are people who were able to cancel due to the 5 days cooling period.
with CASE help.
good for them. for the rest, unfortunately, i think my above post is probably the best way so u don’t lose any more money or time.
best wishes
Hi best solution,
Can you share what ts company taught you during your training? For example, what they taught you to avoid prosecution.
Hi Timeshare Avenger,
So tell us what is the best solutions to:
1. Terminate the con contract?
2. Get back our monies.
Of coz reporting with the CAD is a must.
Lets pinned down this inhumaned scammers and swindlers to justice!! of coz we condemned those swindlers eating and using from taking our hard earned monies.
Regards,
Spun
sorry, i got out of the company real fast once i discover its a lie, which was 2-3 days after training.
i wasn’t a sales rep. they don’t train new people for sales.
we were led to believe everything about reselling is true during training.
once u r off cooling period, u are prey for these scammers.
as long as u think about getting justice or your money back, you will be the reason these scamming companies stay in business.
ts scamming is a white collar crime. ts owners are not going to commit acts of violence towards these scammers.
write it off, move on.
Hi Spunden,
The best solution is to go back to the company and demand your money back whether it is after the 5 days or not. Insist on talking to the boss of the company or any other person who is the boss. If they refuse, get their particulars down and make a report. The more the numbers the faster we will put an end to this.
DO NOT FALL FOR THEIR SWEET AND CONVINCING TALK. TELL THEM FIRMLY THAT YOU WANT YOUR MONEY BACK AND IF THEY REFUSE, TELL THEM THAT YOU ARE GOING TO REPORT THEM TO THE AUTHORITIES AND MAKE A REPORT!!!
TIMESHARE AVENGER
THE TRUTH WILL PREVAIL
If you are unable to get back your money from those timeshare fraudsters, report them to CAD or go to your nearest neighbourhood police post to make a police report. Cheating is a criminal offence. The more people report, the more info CAD have and it will help in their investigations.
i would like to ask something….
So hw do i get rid of my TS….
Hi Jacky,
To get rid of TS just write to the time share company tellin them you wish to terminate your membership. Not the guys who sold them to you but rather the actual club that you belong to. If they don’t respond, stop paying you maintenance and the membership will lapse automatically. If they contact you asking for the maintenance, take that opportunity to inform them that you wish to terminate.
There is no such thing as reselling or leasing your timeshare. That is a myth. You will get conned out of your hard earned money.
THE TIMESHARE AVENGER
THE TRUTH WILL PREVAIL
Hi all,
The best would be to de careful when signing up for a program. In saying this, look out for credibility. For instance, I have a colleague who got a membership from Marriott’s. They have gone to the villas, complimented on their service and then you realize it is all the brand. Genuine brands who have the resources rather than a private limited entity who have get rich quick ideas in mind. To those, I FULLY trust they would be brought to justice soon. Do checks and you find good vacation memberships available in Singapore. Besides Marriott’s, Banyan Tree is available too. Guess these are the real vacation dealers and any others just fall short. Do not attend any presentation you have never heard of before. Funny these companies can still operate with different names each time and can close down with such ease.
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hi i signed a contract with smiths & baron on 8th april afterward i found some issue about the company in online comments next day i.e on 9th april i canceled the contract and asked them to refund my full amount which i paid but the company charges me with a cancellation fee of s$500 and the balance amount will be refunded within 2-8 weeks. now it has become 3 weeks and the company has not paid yet. in a contract agreement the company mentioned that the contract will be legally binding only after 3 days then i would like to know how they claim cancellation fee with in a day time which is not legally binded.
anybody have the same problem happened, if yes then how the matter is addressed. can i go for consumer court to claim my entire money.
vrvkalvin@yahoo.com.sg
Hi wish to comment about the article posted, is a true case that happen in Malaysia. But i don’t surprise that the company will change the tactic and use it in S’pore since they have such a huge group involve..Just 2 months ago, when i went to JB, i was being cheated by the SCRATCH & WIN too..Those ppl used teenages to seek attention and sympathy to them so you tends to believe them. So BEWARE when you go Malaysia and don’t believe those “easy” win stuff..Finally i file at Tribunal Claim & liaising with the so called “Supervisor”, Mr Tee, Simon (The Partner) to retrieve back the $$. I still hold some of the evidence on hand just in case they’re trying to cheat me again. If you have simlar case, i would able to assist. Don’t wish anybody will drop into this kind of case anymore~!
I am a victim from a timeshare company club emperor and then transferred by them to universal privilege many years back. i serviced all my payment until the point whereby they were supposed to honor me with my first cash-back. Of course they didn’t pay me and in return, I did not pay anymore maintenance fee. Many years have past, would they be in any position to ask for arrears from me? They failed to honor the contract first before I breech any statement from it.
Beware of Project Media P L.
Hi guys,
Pls beware of this TIME SHARE companies in Singapore.
The following companies are scam:
Worldex Asia Pte Ltd A.K.A.
BEAUFORD PARK
COLONIAL STRATEGIES
RIVER MARKETING
RIVER ADVERTISING
KEY PERSONNEL TO WATCH
1. PETER MITCH MABBORT
2. CYNTHIA KAUR
3. GEORGE GRIMES
4. MELVIN SINGH
Dear friends
please beware of LastMinute Marketing & Planning pte ltd.
It is a cheating company. I am a victim of that company. I dont know how to get my Hard Earned money back… I launched a complaint to CASE already. Someone please advise me whether I will get my Money back, If I go to Small claim Tribunal.
hmm..talking a about lastminute marketing..guys..please be aware,they are just a bunch of blood suckers who wants our hard earn money.they had a different company in maxwell house,named GMC.we came down to make a booking and to our horror,there were no sign of the company.we just bought the membership for 6.5k and never use it at all.lucky for me that the guard working in that company inform me that they have shifted to people’s park.i felt cheated.why cant they inform their existing member.so me n my wife decided to wander around in the complex that day and to my surprise,we saw two guys from GMC.one of them is henry lee so called the director and one more is irwan the manager that ask me to sign the membership.i was shock that they cant even recognize us.so after doing our own search.their new company is name lastminute marketing and planning pte ltd.so pleas guys,do not be so naive like me forking out thousand of dollars in a day by their sweet words and concern.i already consult my lawyer,its easy to get away during the course of presentation.ask them all the supporting documents from the goverment but not the travel agent license cause anyone with money can attain that.if you are not sure,then just walk off on dont come at all..they cant do anything to us.SO PLEASE TAKE NOTE
Watch out! The con man from Oriental Travel, Joe Mathews who then left LGM and stole all our confidential information has opened a scam company called UNITED WEALTH MANAGEMENT. They took $7,000 dollars off me and promised to get back my membership money, even though I cancelled the membership. I didnt realise how stupid I was until the company called me back and explained it was already camcelled and I’d got back my deposit eight months ago. Watch out for the indian Justin Colon. He was the scammer that pushed and pushed until I broke. Do not visit UNITED WEALTH MANAGEMENT, they are a scam copy of a real international investment company from overseas just to take your money. I am going to the Law Office to see what I can do.
Dear The truth is out there,
Don’t bloody try to act innocent and like a victim!
I quote from your statement, “con man from Oriental Travel, Joe Mathews who then left LGM and stole all our confidential information has opened a scam company”…. may I know are you working for LGM or Oriental Travel? What kind of confidential information did he steal from you????????
Personally I think you are also one of those blood sucking creatures.
It is people like you who makes this forum puzzling and not knowing who is writing the truth and who isn’t… I am sure if there are people like you writing such stuff, there will be many others like yourself inputting false bul$^”t!
I have recently been to a company in tong building called Beaufort Park i was told that they have a cashback scheme and that they also have a resell company called travel & leisure.I was greeted by an ang moh claiming he is from hutchinson….i felt something fishy and left after he was very rude and persistent.I later found out from my friend that she had been to a company called worldex pte ltd which was the same place i had visited.She later told me that she had purchase a membership called Viva Le Concierge and met a guy called Peter Mabbort who told her that he could sell the memberbship 3 years ago.All these ppl are cheats and cons and the worst part is they continue to reside at the same location.They think singaporeans are stupid and naive think again.Hope this helps all owners that are called up by this company they are at tong building #06-01.If any of you have been there please share your views for the rest of us
oh yes before i forget they also innformed me that they are regulated by a government organization called RDO and that they have representatives here…..all bullshit….wonder what lies they are going to come with soon…i will be watching them very closely…..
This is the latest news i have heard i visited beaufort park which are located at tong building little did i know i own a gold crown membership and did visit a lot of timeshare companies.When i was sat with this lady pretending to be very nice she didnt recognise me but this lady has worked in the scam company called LGM and the also she doesnt know that i recognise the white guy that i had seen 3 years ago at Oriental Travel saying that he is a resale broker from Travel & Leisure and guess what after they have informed me that once i switch to thier product and offer me resale and then to my shock it’s the same guy!!!!!Thier pitch is so desperate what they claim is that if reasle doesnt work then they have a cashback scheme and if that doesnt work then they have a 30 year money back guarantee.This is 30 years later of cos the first two wont work la.Why would they offer so many if they were legitimate.They are all scammers and the lady after asking her she insisted that she is not from there just for your information i am one of those that complained to the authorities about you so please stop hiding behind a company and your lies Miss Ant Lubis aka Eka Elina Lubis !!!! First she claims she was married to a arab then claims she is married to a italian..yap yap yap yap.
To all Gold Crown Members please take note and do not at any point get conned into the maze that they are about to put you in….it will be a longggggggggggggggggggg way down ……We should all gather and go to CAD enough is enough !!!!
i suggest we take photos of them and then go to CAD to report.
ok.. they have shifted their company to rolex building, with new company name, of course… and of coz, PMM is still there…. so beware guys… he’s lurking out there somewhere.
Hi all, thank you so much for your inputs here, I just received a call this afternoon. A lady by the name of Rachel from Beaufort Park called me telling me that I could get my ts money back. I told her that I got a lawyer to sell off my ts a few years back. Not giving up, she called again and transferred me to an English-speaking man (who called himself Jeremy Thomas). He told me that even I had already sold off my ts I could still get my money back because in his ‘list’, my membership is still active and his company would like to buy my ts. I hesitated and said I would call LGM (which I bought my ts) before calling them back. It was during this time that I googled for ‘Beaufort Park’ and came upon your website. Thank you so much or I would have fallen into another ‘trap’.
Got call from this Jeremy Thomas also. But before that a lady called say a cheque is ready for collection to buy the TS, making it sound very tempting. Then I remember few months back I’ve been to the same place and end up walking out cos the fellow there was very rude and wanted to offer me something (which means paying more) in exchange for buying my useless piece of paper. So now if i receive any call to buy my timeshare, i just say i sold it!