Travel Resorts’ Payment Practices – RV Camps or Rip-Off Havens? Unveiling the Class Action

Travel Resorts Class Action: RV Camps Took Unauthorized Payments

When it comes to vacation services, the experience should be stress-free, enjoyable, and certainly not involve unexpected financial deductions. Unfortunately, a recent legal case has shed light on an unsettling situation involving Travel Resorts of America, a prominent provider of vacation services. This proposed class action lawsuit against Travel Resorts of America has taken center stage, alleging that unauthorized payments were deducted from the bank accounts of consumers who had cancelled their memberships. As we delve into the intricacies of this case, it becomes clear that vigilance is vital in protecting consumers’ financial interests.

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The Allegations and the Campground Giant

Travel Resorts of America, an operator of a network of six private resort RV campgrounds spread across various states, is at the heart of this legal battle. With a presence in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York, and affiliations with numerous other RV campgrounds nationwide, Travel Resorts of America offers members access to its parks for a fee. However, a proposed class action lawsuit has brought attention to the company’s practices, specifically related to unauthorized payments and membership cancellations.

The Case Brought Forward

Plaintiff Yvonne Lugo, a consumer who found herself entangled in this situation, initiated the class action lawsuit against Travel Resorts of America. Lugo’s claim revolves around the assertion that she was subjected to high-pressure sales tactics that coerced her into signing an agreement for an RV campground membership back in May of 2015. At the time, Lugo provided her debit card information to facilitate automatic monthly payments of $101.14. However, what’s crucial to note is that she was not provided with a detailed contract specifying these recurring deductions.

A Demand for Cancellation

Merely two weeks following the agreement, Lugo decided to cancel her membership and discontinue the automatic payments. However, Travel Resorts of America allegedly refused to halt these automatic debits, even after Lugo explicitly revoked her authorization. This refusal led to the crux of the legal argument, which centers around the violation of the Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA).

Unpacking the Electronic Funds Transfer Act

The Electronic Funds Transfer Act (EFTA) serves to safeguard consumers from unauthorized electronic fund transfers. According to the EFTA, a consumer’s preauthorized electronic fund transfer should only occur with written authorization, and a copy of this authorization must be provided to the consumer. The lawsuit claims that Travel Resorts of America fell short of meeting these requirements on multiple occasions. Allegedly, the company continued debiting the bank accounts of members who had cancelled their memberships, all without obtaining proper written authorization for the electronic funds transfers.

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The Missing Written Agreements

Central to the lawsuit’s argument is the absence of written agreements between Travel Resorts of America and its customers, documenting the details of automatic or recurring electronic payments. The complaint emphasizes that the defendants did not request or furnish class members with the essential written agreements necessary for these transactions. This pivotal point underscores the gravity of the alleged violations and their potential implications.

A History of Complaints

It’s worth noting that Travel Resorts of America has faced an array of consumer complaints, many of which focus on the company’s aggressive sales tactics and membership cancellation processes. Some disgruntled consumers have taken to travel review sites to express their frustrations. One particularly concerning claim suggests that the company engaged in deceptive practices concerning automatic payments. Allegedly, some customers were never provided with a written agreement authorizing these withdrawals. When attempts were made to terminate the automatic payments, Travel Resorts of America reportedly responded by asserting that membership cancellation was not an option.

Seeking Justice and Resolution

Yvonne Lugo seeks to establish a nationwide class of consumers who have encountered similar circumstances. The main objective is to secure injunctive relief against Travel Resorts of America’s recurring unauthorized debits. The legal action also aims to ensure that the company adheres to the EFTA guidelines moving forward. Additionally, under the provisions of the EFTA, Lugo argues that class members are entitled to statutory damages, pegged at $1,000 for each affected individual. These damages are in addition to claims for actual damages and litigation costs.

Legal Representation

In this pursuit of justice, Yvonne Lugo is represented by Cynthia Levin, an attorney at the Law Offices of Todd Friedman PC. With legal expertise and a commitment to upholding consumer rights, Levin is at the forefront of advocating for the affected individuals in this case.

Conclusion

The Travel Resorts of America Class Action Lawsuit underscores the importance of consumer protection and the adherence to established regulations. This legal battle serves as a reminder that businesses must operate within the boundaries of the law and prioritize transparent dealings with their customers. As the case unfolds in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, it brings attention to the significance of upholding the Electronic Funds Transfer Act and safeguarding consumers from unauthorized financial deductions.

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