StarResort International ripoff Clearwater Florida

I am embarrassed to say that I trusted that StarResort International, Inc. held itself to an ethical standard. It is that embarrassment that has kept me from filing this compliant sooner. However, my frustration and sense of obligation to fight against fraud and protect other victims has compelled me to contact you now. I am also filing a complaint with Better Business Bureau, Federal Trade Commission, American Resort Development Association, and Florida Attorney General's Office.

StarResort's activities are nothing short of fraudulent. Its advertising is misleading, selling practices improper and misrepresenting; and it does not deliver on promised services. In fact, once I paid them, I never heard from then again. Despite incessant messages, no one EVER returned my calls. Not even once in 3.5 years. They claimed that once I sold my timeshare for equal value, I would be reimbursed. However, I am convinced that had I sold my timeshare, they would not, in fact, have reimbursed me, since they do not return ANY phone calls. Furthermore, I am convinced that their address does not exist. I would like proof of a physical location as required by ARDA Ethical Guidelines.

Since paying StarResort, I have learned about advance fee schemes. In March of 2002, StarResort charged 399 dollars not just to advertise but to resell. It claimed to be the most dynamically growing timeshare advertising and resale company in the world. In the WORLD. It claimed to have direct connection with buyers and sellers. I am convinced they have no connection with buyers. They only scam sellers. The employees I spoke with, Gina Fernandez, Bob Matthews and Phyllis Boyle, repeatedly lied and falsely advertised. For example, StarResort falsely claimed that they advertised in newspapers and magazines including USA Today and Boston Globe and have live show promotions in Orlando.

I also believe that by listing my information on their website, I have become a target of other timeshare scams. Although I have never been contacted by StarResort, I have been contacted by other cold callers claiming to be able to sell my timeshare. I have no explanation as to how they received my information other than through StarResort. I believe they are selling my information to facilitate other scams.

Furthermore, I question whether the company is in fact, Incorporated (as it represents with the Inc.) and has the ability to enter into contracts or conduct business. If so, its articles of incorporation should be taken away immediately. In addition, employees should be prosecuted.

StarResort are nothing short of liars, stealers and scam artists preying on people who are desperate to sell (in an industry that makes it close to impossible). I DEMAND my $399 back. In addition, I demand you to delist my timeshare #0958 as I do not wish to be associated in anyway with a company that scams and takes advantage of people.

ANANYMOUS
Brooklyn, New York
U.S.A.