Meridian Media Group review: timeshare sales and rent 40

Mr. Alaimo,

You signed a contract that clearly states you bought one year's worth of advertising with our company. I have never stated that I could sell anyone's timeshare within a month. I cannot predict how long it will take a timeshare to sell. Your timeshare is a "for sale by owner" and all I am doing is promoting it. Again, you signed a contract agreeing to this.

I am sorry there has been no offer on your vacation property yet. If any reader of this message wants to buy Villas on the Lake in Montgomery, Texas, please let me or Mr. Alaimo know.

Further, if you want to complain, you can just call me on the phone which, by the way, you have never done.

- Jim Casey

Timeshare customer's complain that the "Advertisers" are responsible for following up on THEIR timeshare for rent or sale. Most owners simply do not take a proactive stance and do any type of follow up whatsoever. They fail to read their agreements, and at the end of the day, its not the advertisers share for sale. Furthermore, in my honest opinion, Timeshare resorts are the fraudulent parties, You pay for your vacation time UP FRONT!, then pay maintenance fees and special assessments on top of the thousands of dollars you spent on an intangible dream. If you want world class multi media promotions and advertising the smart move is to use Meridian Media Group who have a stellar reputation. Forget asking to "take a commission" out of the sale, the warranty deed's on Time and Space have NO LAND attached, and are rarely handled by realtors, there simply isnt enough profit. Do your homework!

Mr. Alaimo,

Upon further investigation, this complaint is unfair and you need to retract it. According to our records you didn’t even give us the correct resort information until Thanksgiving, which means we have only had your unit up for sale for two months. Our records also show you have received repeated calls from us about your timeshare that you have not even returned. Without your cooperation, we are very limited as to what we can do. On top of all that, we have even given you free advertising upgrades just to try and move the process along faster.

You should be thanking us, not complaining about us.

- Jim Casey

I have had an extremely similar relationship with Meridian Media Group and agree with the original complaint. I was told my timeshare would be rented within a week and sold within a month. Then I had to hound the sales rep to even return my calls. After a lot of conversations even a couple with the CEO Greg Christ my account was moved from my original rep to the "best" rep in the company. My main complaints at the time was that I was told that Meridian Media would be actively managing my advertisement and I received zero proactive calls from the sales rep. Since my account was moved 2 months ago I have received one call from this rep at the start and not a word since. I am beginning to believe this company is a complete fraud. They tell you up front that they are a reputable company and they have a stellar BBB rating which was a B- at the time and is now a C+. Their explanation for this is that it is the industry they are in and not their fault. After working with this company I fully believe they will continue to go down in rating over time as they have zero integrity and do not deliver what they promise. This is not a BBB accredited business and never will be with their current business model.

I was told exactly the SAME thing. I reported them to the Better Business Bureau and they agreed to refund half of my money. This has yet to take place. I will once again, put this complaint in with the BBB. This company is a rip off and it's unfortunate that I ever bought it in the first place. Jim presented the package all wrapped up in the "I'm a Christian" blanket. What a joke! WWJD? I'm sure he wouldn't mislead folks trying to unload a timeshare by charging them $500 under false pretenses. They are sales people, but the only thing they are actually selling is a lot of BULL! My name is Teona Kirksey. As I stated...back to the BBB with this one! Wow.

had the same experience with Meridian. Nonstop solicitation until the $500 was paid. Then I couldn't even get them on the phone when I called.

I bought into the Merdian bull. no info and no return calls. Major scam. The Original address given was a mailbox at a fedex store. real class. they need to come to NJ. I want my money back. These people are scammers and should be exposed.

Meridian group are scammers. they sucked me in and now i cant get a return call or a refund.

Has anyone actually had a positive experience with them?

I would just like to state for the record that I am very impressed with the service I received from Meridian Media Group in selling my Disney Wilderness Lodge timeshare. The price I invested in this property was well worth it and it took them 91 days to find a buyer, how cool is that? I want to thank Jim Casey, John and the Meridian Media Group and all its employees in assisting me in this sale. Timeshares usually have a difficult time in re-selling but this was a pleasant experience.

It's really easy to complain about a company. But, then again, that's what this website is about. It is hard to please everyone, especially given the amount of business that we do. Thanks D.T for the positive comment.

By the way, for the record, we always answer our phones. We have a full customer service department available. You can always call us at 866/722-8958. We work hard to try and resolve any complaints we might receive.

It's really easy to judge a company just by a few complaints on a website specifically made for complainers. Unfortunately there exists no website for satisfied customers.

this site is [censor].

stinky

You are not receiving multiple calls from Meridian Media Group. You are on a telemarketing list that is being sold to multiple companies.

Same here Jim Gibson told me I would recieve $3600 for my rental weeks within 6-10 days that was December 7th it is now January 12th I have recieved NOTHING and Jim Gibson wont return my calls. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY. And for the record I have it saved on voicemail the above statement from Jim Gibson if you dont believe the facts.

I have been swindled by these people too. I told them that I wasnt interested for I had another company that said they would sell timeshare for me and they promised they were not like them. I told them I was disabled and couldnt afford to pay this and not get results from it. I was told that they had 4 interested parties that wanted to purchase a timeshare like mine RIGHT NOW! Well my friends that was back in June 2010. Here it is Jan 2011 and I havent heard a thing from these frickin people. All they do is make promises they dont keep/ take your money- they dont give it back/ and do NOTHING for you. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THEM/THEY ONLY TAKE YOUR MONEY!

for the life of me i don't understand these web sites based on negativity. i have to assume if i were to look deep into the lives of every individual who has made a complaint on this site and/or other sites like it, there are people standing in line to bash you as well, (bosses, co-workers, ex wives/girlfriends, some maybe even law enforcement, or the i.r.s). as i scrolled down to type my two cents, i couldn't help but notice a picture of what appears to be human excrement, i must say i am offended that this site doesn't filter its posts. does that mean i should post a complaint on this site, about this site? and do you suppose the admin of this site is taking the time to look in to any of yours, or is this an electronic witch hunt?

i personally dont give a damn about anyone on this board, tho i got screwed too, without even so much as a phone call, thanks chuck lorre! i'm loosing 2 million per episode, and you crybabies are concerned with your timeshares. treat them like i did my career, smoke some crack, bang a couple of hookers, it will all go away i promise.

Are you complainer sure youre not talking about Meridian MARKETING? Because they are a scam. Meridian Media Group is a legitimate publisher of Timeshare Advisor Magazine since 2003, I am sure there are plenty of satisfied customers, too bad this is Whiners and Complainers .com. You should all get together and cry, and have an intervention. You are all REACTIVE, and that will get you nothing. I am sure had you been PROACTIVE, you would have had satisfactory results. I rented my timeshare in Daytona Beach 3 years in a row through Meridian Media Group and their service was timely and impeccable.
I'm am looking for "At a Boy".com...cant find it because all you complainers do is flood the net with negativity.
I have NEVER had a problem getting through on their toll free number, and as for the whiner about the address being a Fed Ex store...You didnt do your due diligence, that is NOT Meridian Media Group. Now I have to file a complaint against you for being a jerk, and really, really stupid for sending your money to a Fed Ex store.

Why dont you complainers blame Obama and the Banks for the economy or go back a couple years and blame Bush...better yet, call your timeshare resort and see how willing they are to help you whatsoever...so go ahead and complain, you shouldnt have been gullable in the first place to be "swindled" by a vacation pitch. The stupidity started ther, not when you submitted an ad with a Media company, its not their fault the economy sucks and the resorts dont like you anymore, AFTER THEY GOT YOUR MONEY...Tisk Tisk. You cant fix stupid.

b.b.b report for westgate: rating D+
v
v
Business Contact and Profile
Name: Central Florida Investments Inc.
Phone: [protected]
Address: 2801 Old Winter Garden Road
Ocoee, FL 34761
Website: www.westgateresorts.com
www.discountthemeparkvacations.com
www.hotelscorp.com
Original Business Start Date: June 1972
Principal: Ms. Judy Smith, Director
Customer Contact: Ms. Judy Smith, Director - addia_abraham@wgresorts.com;correspondence_team@wgresorts.com
Email Address: addia_abraham@wgresorts.com;correspondence_team@wgresorts.com
Incorporated: FL
Type of Business: Vacation Time Share, Financial Services, Hotels - Reservations, Internet Marketing Services, Resorts, Timeshare Companies, Vacation Certificates & Vouchers
BBB Accreditation: This company is not a BBB Accredited business.
Additional DBA Names: Westgate River Ranch
Westgate Villas
CFI Inc
CFI Sales & Marketing Ltd.
Westgate Lakes Hotel
Westgate Flamingo Bay
Westgate Vacation Villas Ltd.
CFI Westgate Resorts
Westgate Towers
Florida Getaway Vacation
Westgate Vacation Villas
Discount Theme Park Vacations .com
Westgate Leisure Resort & Spa
Blue Tree Resorts
Blue Tree Orlando 1 Ltd
Westgate Lakes Resort & Spa
Westgate Myrtle Beach, LLC
Travel & Selection
CFI Resorts Management Co
FloridaVacationStore
Westgate Smoky Moutain Resort
CFI Cellular Outlet
HotelsCorp.com
Westgate Resort at Westgate Lakes
Blue Tree Resort
Westgate Resorts LTD
CFI Hospitality Group
CFI Travel
Westgate Resorts and Spa
Westgate Finance, LLC
These complaints concerned :
+ 57 regarding Advertising Issues
1 - Advertised terms not honored
1 - Advertisement misrepresented a product
2 - Advertisement misrepresented a service
53 - None of the Above - Advertising Complaint Issue
+ 86 regarding Billing or Collection Issues
2 - Failure to correct billing errors
1 - Failure to substantiate charges
3 - Improper collection practices
75 - None of the Above - Credit, Billing or Collection Complaint Issue
1 - Unauthorized bank debits
4 - Unauthorized credit card charges
+ 91 regarding Contract Issues

4 - Failure to honor a contract or agreement
5 - Invalid or false contract
79 - None of the Above - Contract Complaint Issue
1 - Unauthorized changes to the contract or agreement
2 - Work performed outside the terms of the contract or agreement
+ 31 regarding Customer Service Issues
6 - Failure to provide promised assistance or support for products or services
1 - Failure to respond to phone calls or written requests for assistance or support
24 - None of the Above - Customer Service Complaint Issue
+ 10 regarding Delivery Issues
10 - None of the Above - Delivery Complaint Issue
+ 4 regarding Guarantee or Warranty Issues

4 - None of the Above - Guarantee or Warranty Complaint Issue
+ 10 regarding Product Issues
2 - Defective, damaged, or incorrect product received
8 - None of the Above - Product Quality Complaint Issue
+ 83 regarding Refund or Exchange Issues
3 - Failure to honor promised refunds, exchanges, or credit
6 - Failure to honor refund, exchange or credit policies
74 - None of the Above - Refund or Exchange Complaint Issue
+ 2 regarding Repair Issues
1 - Improper or inferior repair
1 - None of the Above - Repair Complaint Issue
+ 213 regarding Sales Practice Issues

Similar experience. I was told they had so mnay rental requests that they could sell within three months max, and at a very inflated price (according to one of the companies that has zeroed in on me since the three months have gone by). Of course, no one seems to be available to take phone calls now, and the answering service provides very limited hours during which the company and its affiliates are open. It's also illegal under Florida law to collect upfront fees, I learned today.

@ bilben: thats funny, you paid for ADVERTISING! have you ever paid upfront for a movie you didn't like, or a meal, maybe a haircut that you weren't happy with? if you put a car up for sale, and it doesn't sell at your expected sale price, in the time line you had hoped for, do you call the place yo purchased the "for sale" sign to complain? do you post hateful things about them on an anonymous cry site? you stated your property is being marketed for an "inflated" sale price, have you considered contacting the company to reduce your asking price? as with any sale, the owner decides the sale price.And it is not illegal to collect advertising money upfront in Florida, nor any other state, try advertising through your local newspaper on a commission basis i did no luck! they say "it pays to advertise", and as a seller, so do we. its time the people on this site come to realize the wool was in no way pulled over their eyes, they simply failed to read their contracts. If you can find in your contracts a guaranteed sale price and/or a guaranteed sale date, you in-fact have a leg to stand on, mine said nothing of the sort. I'm sure if you take the time to read those contracts you will see you agreed to pay for advertising. i have had many offers delivered to me from meridian media group for my rentals, some i declined, some i accepted. As of 2011 this company, specifically Jim Gibson has held to what was stated to me. mostly because i didn't read, or hear what i wanted to.Any time i had questions, or concerns the customer service dept was there to assist me, even when i was in fear of being a pain. my resort "screwed" me, not meridian media group. i think so many people are burned by the resorts, that it automatically puts them in a complacent state of mind.after dealing with multiple companies who did nothing other then disappear, i was impressed with meridian media group's professionalism, and patience with with a skeptical old woman. thank you meridian media group.

-L Harris
Springfield Ohio

I find that the comments (good or bad) are difficult in themselves to verify. Who knows if the comments are coming from someone inside the company or someone with a grudge to bear. Without the ability to email actual customers of this company and get their direct input and experience, the comments don't mean a thing.
There are too many frauds out there and it's getting to the point where you can't trust anyone.
It does sound too good to be true when they promise to have your timeshare unit rented and/or sold immediately at great prices. This just isn't the case these days.
Bill

Listen to Happy Bunny... :)

Add my name to the list, but I ACTUALLY GOT MY $1, 200 back. I was initially cold called by a Tammy from Meridian, probably around April of 2010. She described their program to me and although it sounded good, I have to this day, not been able to find a timeshare reselling/advertising company that is honest. They are all lying crooks. I took some time and did some research and with skeptisism I entered a contract over 6 months later in September.Tammy was actually laughing just before I entered the contract. She was laughing at how ridiculous I was being because this was such a no brainer and my resort weeks would be rented for about $1, 200 a week. It was actually more advantangeous to continually rent out my weeks instead of selling my timeshare. She said it was such a no brainer becuause I had a 10 day right of recission and before that 10 days ways up she would haveat least 2 sign contracts for 1 week rentals. If I did not have them, I could just cancel and get a refund. I heard nothing from her and cancelled on the 10th day. My next conversation said I had gone beyond the 10 days, which was not the case. I am then put in touch with Joe Carbonaro who says Tammy got involved with a personal crisis and could not perform for me but he begged me to let him take over and he repeated all the junk Tammy initially tried to con me with, stating he had several people that were about to rent my weeks. You guessed it. Nothing happens. Future phone calls happened and I was told that I had been misinformed and my case had been mishandled from the beginning. I even had a 3 way call with Joe and Dan Zane (CEO and Owner) although he never represented himself as the owner. We finally settled on me giving them 1 more month to perform and if they did not, they would refund me. They sent me an addendum to the contract and it was not very specific and it was not even signed. I did not make an issue becuasue I thought I was at their mercy. This was because after I fell for Joe's line about Tammy's personal crisis and decided to give him a chance, I was now outside of my recission period. I had felt confident with Joe becuase he actually gave me his personal cell phone number. If you're going to rip someone off, you don't want to give them your personal cell number. Who knows, maybe this is a cell phone dedicated just to disgruntled customers, not his true personal cell phone. This way he can just ignore the calls, which is what he did. Before I finish, let me tell you that I had 2 friends call up Meridian, posing as interested customers that wanted to rent a timeshare week. I told them to specifically mention my resort and the week they wanted, which coincided with when my resort was available. I did the same thing from a different phone number. Neither of my friends ever had a phone call returned and my call was returned a week later and they never offered my a week at my resort. Theydid not even offer anything in the Ft. Lauderdale, which is where my resort is. If you go on to their website where they post their rentals and for sale units, you will see over 1, ooo units and they are just brief descriptions. There is nothing to separate your unit from any other. Think of it like playing the 3 digit daily lottery. If you play one number straight up, you have a 1 in 1, 000 chance in winning. So even if meridian ever gets a unit rented or sold, it's like the owner hits the lottery. They are the lucky one out of a 1, ooo. Meridian, like almost all other resellers are not even realtors. They are advertisers and all you are paying for is advertising. You give them, in my case $1, 200 and in return you get an obscure ad, lumped in with hundreds or even thousands of others. There is never an attempt to sell or rent these. Me and my 2 friends proved this when we called up and never got any service. Meridian already has your money. They get nlothing for finding you a renter or buyer, so why bother. I finally called DISCOVER CARD, which is how I paid. When I tried to make a dispute, and i told them about the contract addendum that was unsigned, DISCOVER said if Meridian challenged my dispute, DISCOVER would find in Meridian's favor because Meridian never signed their addendum. I called DISCOVER after about 3 weeks of leaving messages with Meridian and on Joe Carbonaro's "personal" cell phone. I actually won the dispute, but only because meridian never challenged it. Even if this was their way of being honorable, which I doubt, why couldn't they have the decency to take my phone calls. The whole reason I was calling them at that point was to ask them to credit back my DISCOVER CARD. Were they just too embarrassed or ashamed to talk to me? I doubt it. I think I was lucky and maybe my complaint just fell through their cracks. I just got off the phone with DISCOVER and they verified that Meridian failed to respond to my complaint within the 60 day allotted time period. So now that I am in the clear, I want to do my best to drag Meridian through the dirt and keep them there. By the way, Joe Carbonaro's personal cell number is [protected], and is still a good number as of 4-22-11. Why don't you give him a call and ask him about me. I'm sure he'll appreciate it. The lesson here is to only deal with places that have a decent right of recission period and only use a credit card. Make sure if you change your mind that you do it during the recission period and make sure you have a signed vontract. Do not give a credit card number without a signed contract first. However, I do not believe there is even 1 legitimate timeshare company out there, and believe me, crime pays. These places rkae in millionseventually get shut down, and then re-open under another name, and rarely face criminal charges. It's tough to bring criminal charges against a corporation and if you are successfull, there is almost, if never any prison time. That's our great country. Walk into a 7-11 with your finger in your coat pocket and say it's a robbery. Get caught, go away for years for armed robbery for a few bucks, or stael miilions with a pen or a computer and nothing happens. Go to hell Meridian. May all of you operators die a slow and painful death, and that's too good for you.

I was just contacted by these people and was basically told the same thing...your billing would come after your sale as it would see right away! What a crock. They represent themselves as different from the other time share resale, but these guys are all crooks! I was stupid enough to fall for the pitch twice - not again.
I am glad this place showed up when I googled it. I told the guy to go on the complaint board and see what is said.
Bob

I HAVE BEEN WITH THEM FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW AND SO FAR EVERYTIME I CALLED THEM THEY CALLED BACK. I JUST HOPE YOU ARE ALL WRONG ABOUT THIS COMPANY.YOU WERE LUCKY YOU PAID $500. I PAID THEM $715.00
I AM IN DESPERATE NEED TO SELL THIS PROPERTY. IT IS IN ORANGE LAKE RESORTS AND IS BEAUTIFUL AND YOU CAN ALSO USE IT IN VERMONT OR ANYWHERE YOU DEAL WITH HOLIDAY INN WHICH IS VERY WELL KNOWN.
ALL I CAN HOPE FOR THAT THEY ARE HONEST ABOUT WHAT THEY DO. TRUST IS SO IMPORTANT TO ME. I DO NOT HAVE MUCH BUT I TRY TO TRUST PEOPLE AND IF THEY ARE NOT TRUE TO THERE WORD SHAME ON THEM

I had the same unpleasent experience with Meridian. I have been lied to by similiar reseller companies before and I was not convinced and I initially turned them down. A few days later, Joe Cabonaro, called me again, and told me that he had someone who wanted to rent my timeshare for $1806 in "a few days" and all that was needed is to sign on with him for legal reasons. He also promised me that I can sell it in 3 to 6 months for $11, 000! I paid $500 . All this took place in May. I have not heard from them since. Meridian and all these so called reseller companies are nothing but frauds. The entire time share industry is a fraud.

Carmon and Joe both ripped me off. They assured me that my $500.00 would be sufficient to sell my time share. NEVER HAPPENED. Meridian Media Group are thieves and liars that falsely acquire money from people and swindle them to get it. They will lie and cheat however necessary. I waited 6 months to hear any news and was told it was sold and they (meridian Media Group) were in closing to be patient because I was to get a check within a couple of weeks. After a week passed I called and was given a lie about it being in the mail. Then Carmen said he need $300.00 more dollars and it was "sold" again. Against my better judgement I thought I was close I sent it and was duped because they refuse my calls and will not answer or return my calls either. So YES Meridian Media Group in Florida is a company of fraudulent, thieves and liars. DO NOT DO BUSINESS with them. You will be robbed. I hope there is a lawsuit because I would love to get in on it. I am calling the state attorneys office now!

The same thing happened to me that it did to you MMorris both Carmon and Joe ripped me off too. Please let me know if there is a class action lawsuit becasue I would love to get in on it. Thanks.

I've been in contract with these people since March of 2011. How dumb am I that I actually believed Joe, especially when he told me they would call me monthly to give me a status report. They have never initiated a call. Well lesson learned and I'll figure out another way to sell my Hawaii timeshare.

You are so wrong. I have been calling everyday and maybe one phone call back.. Talked to one of the secertary's, always at meetings. Promised they would call back. In December they were remolding and there voice box was always full etc. I do not consider myself a Whiner or a complainer.

I too have been scammed by Meridian Media Group. In June 2011 Jim Gibson conned me into a contract with this company. He told two weeks at my property would be sold within weeks which would pay back what I spent initially and then the property would be sold shortly after. I paid $946 and have nothing to show for it. I have not received one phone call or email inquiring about my property. Haven't heard a word from Jim Gibson but was contacted Joe Carbonara back in the Fall. He told me their have been inquiries but nothing solid which is why I haven't heard anything. According to their contract I'm suppose to be getting all inquiries by email or phone and I've seen nothing. And to top it off they aren't even advertising my property correctly. The timeshare home club is in NH and the ad has a picture of palm trees. Has anyone seen palm trees in NH? I don't think so!

It's been almost a year and all that's happened is that I'm out almost $1000 which is unacceptable in this economy. I plan on reporting them to the BBB and see if there's anyway I can some sort of a refund. I tried through my credit card with no luck.

I was too scammed by Joe and Carmen, please let me know any updates on class action lawsuits. I have tried to get my money back from my Visa, BBB and the FL Attorney General...But no luck. Can anyone get a hold of anyone at Meridian, none of the phone numbers I have even work.

I was scammed by Carmen DeSciocia and Joe Carpenter. I gave them $999 was told that I would have check at end of the month. That was October 2011. It is now April 2012 and just like everyone else...no phone calls, no contact. Every time I call, I leave message no return calls. Now when I call it says that the mail box is full and can't accept any messages. I too would like my money back. Anyone have any success in doing this?

I didnt stop receiving solicitation calls from mr.scott until i finally gave in and bought into his pitch! What a b ig mistake! All you people who write negative comments about the people who got scammed should just keep their idiotic coments to themselves. We are just trying to keep other people from making the same mistake we did. Please people read our comments before you use meridian media to sell your timeshare.THEY ARE SCAMMERS

MERIDIAN SUCKS! They will take your money and you will NEVER hear from them again.

These people cheated me out of money also I have no heard from them in over 2 years now