Trendwest Resorts Ordered to Pay $4M

REDMOND, WA-In an settlement with the state of California, locally based Trendwest Resorts, the world’s third largest timeshare operator, has been ordered to pay more than $4 million and reform its business practices, according to the California Attorney General’s office and the California Department of Real Estate.

“Trendwest misled consumers through deceptive sales practices and non-disclosure, and illegally denied consumers the ability to cancel their contracts,” says California Attorney General Bill Lockyer. “This settlement will help make victims whole, and ensure Trendwest operates lawfully in the future.”

The state Department of Real Estate estimates the restitution, penalties and reimbursement for fees and costs could bring the settlement’s total value to about $4.3 million. The Attorney General’s office says prosecutors are calling it the largest settlement of a consumer protection lawsuit filed by a law enforcement agency against a timeshare operator.