"Trendwest misled consumers through deceptive sales practices and non-disclosure, and illegally denied consumers the ability to cancel their contracts," says California Attorney General Bill Lockyer. "This settlement will help make victims whole, and ensure Trendwest operates lawfully in the future."
The state Department of Real Estate estimates the restitution, penalties and reimbursement for fees and costs could bring the settlement's total value to about $4.3 million. The Attorney General's office says prosecutors are calling it the largest settlement of a consumer protection lawsuit filed by a law enforcement agency against a timeshare operator.
Under the settlement approved by San Mateo County Superior Court Presiding Judge Mark Forcum, Trendwest will pay restitution to consumers who purchased timeshare contracts since March 31, 2001 and who requested cancellation within 45 days of executing the contract. Trendwest also must provide restitution to consumers who signed up for the firm's Explorer Program and have yet to exercise their rights under that contract. Total restitution to consumers could top $2 million, according to he AG's office.
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