Rii Stroman ERA Stroman Ripoff timeshare resale scam Conroe Texas

It has now been 2 years since we unwittingly handed over $499 to Rii Stroman (then ERA Stroman) expecting to quickly unload our timeshare week in Florida. Here's what we received for that $499:

- a formal cover letter describing the process with a handwritten note saying "we're on the way!"
- a form to sign
- a business card for a realtor we have never spoken to again
- promises and assurance that our timeshare was in such high demand that it would sell immediately

We have not received a single phone call from Rii Stroman. After 6 months I called and attempted to speak to the realtor on the business card. I was given the runaround and put in contact with a customer service agent. She indicated there was nothing she could do to help and the property would sell when it would sell. I called again after another six months and got a similar runaround. This time the person I spoke to was rude and unhelpful. The final time I called, I pressed the agent for advice on what to do to get rid of my timeshare quickly (e.g. should I lower the price). She kept telling me it was up to me. When I commented that I thought they were there to advise me, she got rude and asked what do you want from me? I told her I wanted my money back.

I had been under the impression this company was reputable given their name in the real estate industry. I'm not sure what legal rights I have but at a minimum, I want to make sure others don't fall into the same trap.

Donna
Northford, Connecticut
United States Minor Outlying Islands