Attorney General Leslie Rutledge Announced $500,000 Judgment Against Owner of Bentonville-based Real Travel LLC for Deceptive and Misleading Business Practices
OCT. 26, 2020 (LAS VEGAS, Nev.) – Diamond Resorts®, a global leader in the hospitality, vacation ownership and entertainment industries, applauds Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge’s action to protect timeshare owners from fraudulent timeshare exit companies. Last week, Attorney General Rutledge announced a $500,000 judgement against Bart Bowe, co-owner of Bentonville, Arkansas-based Real Travel, LLC. According to Arkansas’ lawsuit, Real Travel and its owners charged timeshare owners exorbitant fees but did not deliver on their guarantees to help consumers transfer or cancel their timeshare interests.
Rutledge’s lawsuit, filed in July 2019, alleged that Real Travel sold timeshare exit services to consumers nationwide in exchange for large upfront fees ranging from approximately $5,000 to $18,000. According to the complaint, Real Travel “convinced consumers through deception, high-pressure sales tactics, and a so-called ‘100% Guarantee’ that it would liquidate, cancel, or transfer their unwanted timeshares.” However, Real Travel failed to deliver on these promises and during the investigation, the Attorney General’s Office discovered 83 consumers impacted by Real Travel’s illegal acts.
“We applaud Attorney General Rutledge for being one of the first Attorneys General to pursue legal action against unscrupulous so-called timeshare exit companies,” said Mike Flaskey, CEO of Diamond Resorts. “To protect our members and owners, Diamond Resorts remains committed to challenging the deceptive operations of these companies in court. These companies mislead consumers for their own benefit. Diamond Resorts and other timeshare developers offer a safe way for owners to exit their timeshare contracts without someone stealing their money. We are pleased to see Arkansas lead the fight here.”
Under the consent judgment in this case, Bowe will no longer be able to conduct any business related to timeshares or timeshare exit businesses in Arkansas. The state of Arkansas is still pursuing a judgment against Real Travel and Scroggs in Benton County Circuit Court. In July 2020, Missouri Attorney General Schmitt also announced that his office filed a lawsuit against Brian Scroggs and the so-called timeshare exit companies under his control: Vacation Consulting Services LLC, VCS Communications, LLC, The Transfer Group, LLC, and Real Travel L.L.C for defrauding consumers.
Diamond Resorts encourages timeshare owners who may be interested in modifying or exiting their contracts to their developer for options. To learn more about red flags and report possible fraudulent third-party exit activity, visit TimeshareCancellationAwareness.com.
About Diamond Resorts
Diamond Resorts® offers destinations, events and experiences to help members make a habit of breaking from the routine. From unforgettable getaways to exclusive concert series to VIP receptions and dinners, members turn to Diamond to recharge, reconnect and remind each other what matters most. Our focus on quality resorts, customer service and flexibility means members can return to a favorite resort, book a cruise to explore new countries or attend a once-in-a-lifetime event with the same level of confidence and anticipation. With access to a world of entertainment and activities, a Diamond membership ensures that people are always looking forward to vacation.
Media Contact
John Eddy
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