Consumer complaint received 2024-11-12 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Getting a credit card — Card opened without my consent or knowledge
Company: BARCLAYS BANK DELAWARE
State: LA

Complaint narrative:
We've owned our timeshare for a year now, and over this period, its become clear to us that we were emotionally manipulated into acquiring it. XXXX clearly told the representative that while we might consider it in the future, our financial situation at the time made this an impractical decision. Despite us repeatedly stating we couldnt afford it, the representativesparticularly XXXX persistently urged with comments like, Dont you want to do this for your wife? This pressure was inappropriate, given our financial constraints and other urgent responsibilities. The encounter with XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX, and a financial team member with a XXXX  accent left us feeling cornered and emotionally pressured. The initial approach at the shopping center, where they shared a personal story of tragedy, was laden with emotional manipulation. Looking back, we regret not walking away after the presentation, but their friendliness made it hard to say no. 

We were also coerced into signing up for a credit card as part of this process, adding further financial strain. The timeshare was originally pitched as a flexible plan where we could use our points at hotels worldwide, making spontaneous trips easier. We were promised an additional XXXX points on top of our initial XXXX, totaling XXXX for our first annual points, with the bonus supposedly valid until the end of our second year. These points were essential for us since we planned to use them for a long-delayed honeymoon. However, during a follow-up call with Wyndham, we learned that these extra points had already expired. Despite owning the timeshare for a year, we haven't had a chance to use it. This is due to our limited paid vacation timeonly one week per year, including sick daysmaking it difficult to use the points as intended, which XXXX tried explaining to the representative. 

This timeshare purchase has been a huge mistake, resulting in specific hardships and sacrifices. The decision has negatively impacted our credit scores and diverted funds we had allocated for other essential parts of our lives. We didnt realize that acquiring the timeshare would equate to taking on the burden of a new mortgage, a fact that came to light only when our mortgage team contacted XXXX after our home purchase in XX/XX/XXXX. Further financial strain arose when we needed car financing following XXXX accident in XX/XX/XXXX. The lack of transparency about the credit card, which was signed up through a third party without our knowledge, raises serious concerns about how our personal information was handled. The combined financial strain, unfulfilled promises, and inability to use the timeshare make this investment feel entirely unworthy. 

Our understanding of the timeshare 's functionality grew more confusing when we tried to use our points at a Wyndham hotel. Contrary to what we were led to believe, we could only use reward points earned from other stays, not the points we purchased. Learning about the narrow ten-day window for cancellation was yet another unexpected surprise. This timeshare has not only failed to meet our expectations but has also severely impacted our quality of life. The financial stress and burden it created have prevented us from fully settling into our home. The lack of enjoyment and fulfillment from this investment only reinforces our desire to terminate the agreement. 

Considering all these factors, we feel the only reasonable path forward is to seek the cancellation of our timeshare. We would greatly appreciate any guidance on the steps needed to relieve us of this financial and emotional burden. The misinformation around the points system and the premature expiration of bonus points have been especially frustrating, and our inability to use the timeshare for intended purposes like our honeymoon has been a significant letdown. Weve also discovered that the promised flexibility of using points wherever affiliated with the company was not as simple as suggested in the sales pitch. The credit score impact and the hidden third-party credit card add to our concerns regarding the timeshares ethical practices, and we believe these issues warrant serious examination.

In light of these additional points, we hope our situation is given a thorough review and that we receive a fair and timely resolution, one that acknowledges the emotional and financial distress this timeshare has caused.

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation