Fantasea Flagship Resorts Equiant, La Sammana Fruad and misrepresentation , Atlantic City New Jersey

In July 4th of 2012 I attended an auto show at the Oaks convention center in Oaks PA and there was a large enticing display. This display offered discount vacations and a trip without actually disclosing the intent behind this display except the possibility of a getaway weekend. I filled out a slip and a week later I received a call explaining if I came and listened to a 120-150 minute presentation I would receive a 3 day and 2 night getaway, coupon book for the Walk Outlet Stores in Atlantic City, 2 tickets for a buffet at the Resorts hotel, 2 show tickets at Resorts and 100 dining card. Also I was told that I had to be present for the tour by the following Sunday after I received this call in order to qualify for the “gifts”.

I arrived at FantaSea resorts on Saturday July 8^th at approximately 12 noon was asked to fill out a form and sat waiting for a representative to go over the package with me. I waited for about an hour before I was introduced to this young fellow who started to welcome me to their “fabulous resort”. I was then brought into a large room with a lot of other people apparently being given the same presentation. Throughout the presentation there were mini “celebrations” happening throughout the room. I later figured out what that was.

Basically the salespeople “suckered” another couple to purchase their timeshare. I believe it was more of a celebration for the sales people than the people suckered. Anyway the during my presentation the salesperson told me all these wonderful vacation spots I could go to for a lot less than if I were not a member of their resort. He continued with all sorts of propaganda never really explaining what this was all about for about 2 hours. At multiple times I wanted to leave and made this very clear.

He would then get up and walk over to another fellow whom would then come over and state I would not get the getaway weekend unless I let the salesperson complete his presentation. 2 hours in I still had virtually no idea what this was exactly about, I did realize that it was a timeshare but I was then becoming hypnotized into believing this was something that would benefit me because I do like to travel and this timeshare would allow me to do this. Finally I was then given a tour through the resort. He showed me this Fabulous room, it was extremely nice, I was very impressed. Showed me exercise rooms restaurants, all kinds of nice amenities.

            After the 2 hour talk about exotic vacation spots and how much I could save on travel and vacationing I saw the rooms. I was then escorted back to the large room and the high pressure sales started going into hour 3. I then started to tell the sales person that I was not really interested in the “program” it was not in my budget. Of course at this point I still did not know the cost, but I was ready to go, this is when the high pressure sales began. He proceeded to tell me how owning here would be a total investment and would appreciate in value just like my home. He told me it was “real estate” and an investment that I could easily sell in the future if it was not something I wanted to continue keeping.

I was also shown a map at a display showing future development of an amusement/entertainment park much like Disney and that sort of thing. He said I am getting in on the “ground floor” and this was an excellent opportunity to have a valuable commodity. So at this point I am thinking ok maybe this would be good. He then brought me to a wall of monitors showing beautiful vacation spots I can exchange my week for and go anywhere anytime. I was also told I could do this without using my “week” and actually rent my unit out for my week at a profit. After showing me various displays on the “benefits” of owning here I was then escorted again back into the large room.

Still I was on the fence about this whole thing, but I was being persuaded. So I then asked what is this going to cost me? He then went on to tell me that cost is negligible because I could get maintenance fees waved if I referred people to the resort. I was also shown a “membership” package that was worth $5995 that they would throw in the deal for free, and if I did not purchase today the offers would expire. Plus he told me I could have my friends and family could use it in my place. I was also told I could use the resort anytime I like because I was a “member”.

            Now it was time to find out the actual cost, this was when they told me it was a great deal at $15,900 and they could finance it no problem and with the $5995 Platinum package thrown it I was getting a bargain. I then said no. This was when the salesperson went and got another fellow to come over and speak to me. This fellow started to say this is a great opportunity and I am missing out on a great investment. I told him I could not afford it, it was too expensive. He then stood up and said let me see what I can do. He walked away and left me there with a catalog of great vacation spots to browse.

I was waiting at least another 15-20 minutes. He then returned saying “you are in luck another couple just upgraded their package and traded in their old package, I can offer this to you for less”. So at this point I am feeling pretty good, thinking wow I can get a $20K plus deeded timeshare for $12,900he then said let me see what I can do I don’t want you to miss out on this great opportunity., getting maintenance fees waived owning property in Atlantic City. By this time I had been here for about 4 hours.

Then on to the finance office which was another crazy time. I was told I would get unlimited or “High Peak” downstairs, what I was presented with was restricted package. I then again told them I wanted out. Oh I had also already used my debit card  for down payment of $1879. I was told I could not get out of it now but they will upgrade what I “actually” purchased to the High Peak season or “Red” season. I then said ok to continue. Oh and there was congratulations all over from the staff. Also in the Large room they announced me as a new owner blah blah blah.

            So now 16 months have passed, I have paid monthly 191.60 plus $476 for maintenance fees and have yet to use this thing. I have not received my 3 night 2 day vacation getaway, this was a total scam and very difficult to get anybody at “Grand Incentives”. I also paid them $150 and still have nothing. I did however get the 2 show tickets and buffet for Resorts. Never received the $100 dinner gift card. Now I am also discovering that this thing is worthless and I can’t sell or rent. So now I am basically $5000  into this thing with a debt of $11,500 for virtually nothing.

I was completely duped into this thing with lies and high pressure. I also tried throughout this summer to get a room to stay during a weekend, as I was told because I was a Platinum member I could stay at a discount not as a user of my timeshare unit. This of course proved virtually untrue, I could not get a room and when I finally was able to get one it was absolutely not what I was shown during my presentation. It was dirty and disgusting and I would not ever want to stay there. Therefore I feel I should be able to have this debt or contract cancel due to fraud and deceptive practices.