ITRA

Highest Warning (as at 02 Jan 2018)

Reasons for warning

We have received many consumer complaints regarding ITRA (International Timeshare Refund Action) and several associated businesses. Many complaints have also been reported to Action Fraud by consumers. In 2012 ITRA were identified as having a significant involvement in the illegal activities of a network of businesses that were compulsorily wound up in the public interest by an action brought by the Department of Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) in 2012. It was made clear that ITRA were operating an illegal ‘bait & switch’ operation.
ITRA do not disclose details of ownership of their business and have misled consumers by claiming that their ‘Head Office’ is in Gibraltar, which the Gibraltar authorities have confirmed as untrue.
A number of consumers have also successfully taken legal action against ITRA, with either judgement against ITRA in court or a settlement being made just prior to the court hearings.

 

We would advise extreme caution regarding this company or any associated company

 

Please also see our profile which contains a full list of associated businesses and further information https://timesharebusinesscheck.org/international-timeshare-refund-action-itra/

Businesses under the same ownership include

  • ECC (European Claims Centre)
  • Timeshare Advice Centre
  • Timeshare Release

What to do if you believe you have been affected

Reporting

Consumers that have been affected are advised to immediately file a report with Action Fraud online https://www.actionfraud. police.uk/report_fraud or by calling 0300 123 2040.

 

Getting your money back

Make a written complaint and demand information. Write (recorded delivery is recommended) to the business at the address given on the contract / agreement. Outline your complaint and ask for an urgent response. You could include demands for a refund / return of paperwork.
In many cases, consumers have stated that they do not believe that ITRA have carried out the promised work they promised. Consumers that wish to check can do the following.

 

Submit a Subject Access Request (SAR) to ITRA. This legally compels them to provide you with all the information they have regarding what they have actually done on your behalf.

 

Write (recorded delivery is recommended) to ITRA at
Churchill House
1 London Road
Langley
BERKS SL3 7FJ

 

If you are not satisfied with the response or do not receive a response, you have the following options.

 

Section 75 refunds

If the initial payment was made by credit card to ITRA or any of the connected businesses we would strongly recommend contacting your bank. A Section 75 claim can be made for the initial payment and any other balance payments (even if these weren’t paid using the credit card).

 

PayPal

If you paid via PayPal – even if you used a credit card, contact PayPal and raise a dispute via their Resolution Centre resources.  Advise them of the circumstances.

 

Civil claims

If you paid by other means than a credit card, such as a debit card or bank transfer,  you can file a claim through the UK courts. The most convenient way to do this is via the Money Claim Online (MCOL) service. This does involve paying fees and most likely appearing in court. You can represent yourself or consult / appoint a solicitor. We would advise that there is of course always a risk in pursuing a court claim – and that this also includes the possibility that the business could be wound up / made insolvent and / or have accounts and assets frozen.

 

Insurance

It is worth checking your insurance policies to see whether you are insured against fraud, theft and/or dishonesty. This may be through a stand-alone policy – for example, for card protection (individuals) or employee dishonesty/fidelity (businesses) – or as part of a wider insurance product such as home contents, travel, or legal expenses.

 

We hope this information has been helpful. You can contact us via the following link https://timesharebusinesscheck.org/report-your-concerns/