The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a consumer advisory urging caution when dealing with Foxborough Resort, a Branson, Missouri-based business offering timeshare exit services and vacation club memberships. Numerous consumer complaints have raised concerns about unethical sales practices, unauthorized credit card sign-ups, contract disputes, and unresolved customer service issues. With an “F” rating, the lowest on the BBB’s scale, Foxborough Resort has become the subject of increasing scrutiny. This article examines the experiences of several consumers, sheds light on the resort’s business practices, and provides insights into how to protect yourself from timeshare exit scams.
Consumer Complaints and High-Pressure Sales Tactics
Consumers have lodged multiple complaints against Foxborough Resort, accusing the company of high-pressure sales presentations and deceptive practices. The BBB reports that customers felt coerced into signing contracts without having the chance to review the terms thoroughly. A man from South Carolina, for instance, shared that after attending a seminar in November 2023, Foxborough pressured him into signing up for both a vacation club membership and a timeshare exit service, costing him nearly $15,000. Alarmingly, the company opened a credit card in his name without his authorization, using it for part of the payment.
Similarly, a woman from Texas, who attended a February 2024 seminar, believed she was signing a contract for a timeshare exit service but later discovered it was for a vacation club membership. She also found out Foxborough had signed her up for three credit cards, two of which she managed to cancel. However, a third card with a $12,000 balance remains active, and the woman has been unable to contact Foxborough Resort to resolve the issue.
Lack of Transparency and Misleading Promises
Consumers are frustrated with Foxborough Resort’s lack of transparency, which adds to their high-pressure tactics. In January 2024, a Florida couple attended a seminar expecting to learn how to exit two timeshare agreements. Their daughter reported that Foxborough representatives used scare tactics, warning the couple that their maintenance fees would rise sharply. The company promised they would receive 80 percent of any sale proceeds if they signed up for a program that evening.
The couple, feeling rushed and pressured, signed without fully understanding the contract. A credit card was then opened in the husband’s name, with nearly $14,000 in charges. When the daughter later contacted a Foxborough representative, she was told the company would not contest reversing the charges if the family withdrew their BBB complaint—an offer the family declined. Foxborough Resort never responded to the couple’s complaint, raising further concerns about their business practices.
Foxborough Resort’s Response
Despite the mounting complaints, Foxborough Resort has been inconsistent in addressing consumer grievances. While the company initially responded to some complaints with statements expressing a desire to find a “happy solution for both parties,” many consumers reported that follow-up communication was nonexistent. In the case of the South Carolina man, Foxborough promised to work toward a resolution, yet he has heard nothing from the business since filing his complaint. Foxborough Resort’s credibility has been further eroded by its failure to respond to a BBB notification regarding a pattern of complaints. Although the company acknowledged changing how it leads contract discussions and apologized for not addressing complaints, it has yet to provide the promised updated marketing materials to the BBB.
BBB’s Advice for Timeshare Exit Consumers
In light of the troubling complaints against Foxborough Resort, the BBB has issued guidance to help consumers avoid falling victim to unethical timeshare exit practices. Pamela Hernandez, BBB Springfield regional director, emphasized the importance of conducting thorough research before engaging with any timeshare exit company. “If you receive an offer about getting out of your timeshare easily, you need to look into the company before attending any seminar,” she advised.
The BBB recommends the following precautions
- Research the company and its owners: Review the company’s BBB Business Profile or call 888-996-3887 for more information.
- Obtain a detailed contract: Ensure that any agreement includes specific timelines and clear terms regarding the services provided and potential consequences if the business fails to fulfill its obligations.
- Be skeptical of unsolicited offers: Avoid businesses that promise to sell or rent your timeshare, especially if they request upfront fees.
- Use a credit card for payments: This provides a safeguard if you need to dispute the charges later.
- Read the fine print: Pay close attention to disclaimers and conditions, particularly when considering both timeshare exit services and vacation club memberships.
For further information, the BBB encourages consumers to review its 2023 study on the timeshare exit industry, available on BBB.org, along with travel-related tips and resources.
Conclusion
Foxborough Resort’s unethical practices have left many consumers frustrated and financially burdened. The pattern of high-pressure sales tactics, unauthorized credit card sign-ups, and poor customer service has resulted in an “F” rating from the BBB and numerous unresolved complaints. As Foxborough Resort continues to evade accountability, it serves as a cautionary example for those seeking to exit timeshare agreements. Consumers are urged to remain vigilant, conduct thorough research, and follow the BBB’s advice to protect themselves from similar pitfalls in the timeshare exit industry.
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