Springfield law firm offers a sketchy exit to timeshares, Better Business Bureau warns
Citing a practice of ghosting their clients, the Better Business Bureau is warning consumers against using the services of Springfield-area law firm Montgomery and Newcomb, LLC to get out of a predatory timeshare.
On their website the law firm promises to help their clients escape from "burdensome timeshare contracts" by suing "Goliath timeshare companies." But the BBB is warning that the firm's promises may not be all they claim and to engage their services "with caution."
"Consumers reported to BBB that they believe the company failed to cancel timeshare contracts, failed to contact customers, failed to provide refunds, conducted misleading sales presentations and provided poor customer service," reads a press release from the private consumer protection agency.
As the name suggests, a "timeshare" is a home that is leased or owned for use during a specific period each year. Timeshare contracts can be difficult to escape and, as a result, services offering an easy out include bad actors who may request upfront payment for nonexistent services.
Because of their alleged bad practices, the BBB gives the law firm an F on its grading scale.
"If you need to get out of a timeshare obligation, try to work directly with the company from which you purchased,” said Michelle L. Corey, BBB St. Louis president and CEO. “Consumers have told BBB that paying thousands up front to a third-party to get out of a timeshare is not a good solution.”
The BBB lists two dozen complaints about Montgomery and Newcomb on its website. One such complaint states the law firm was hired to terminate a timeshare contract.
"It has been 2 years, and nothing has been done. They sent 2 letters only. They have their money upfront, so it seems there is no desire to help us. When you call it goes to voice mail and they will not return our call. It is extremely poor service. Do not trust their web site. It makes them appear as experts in timeshare elimination. It's all smoke and mirrors. Don't make the same mistake as us. DO NOT GO WITH THEM," reads the complaint.
Montgomery and Newcomb claims over 75 years of experience on its website.
"Every working day, our dedicated staff of paralegals and attorneys works hard to help our clients try to become released from their burdensome timeshare contracts and ever-increasing maintenance fees," reads the website.
"Every person at our firm is passionate about helping our clients escape the clutches of the timeshare pushers. This work now consumes about 95% of our practice. We do what lawyers do. We file lawsuits, initiate arbitrations, and negotiate settlements without litigation when possible."
Montgomery and Newcomb LLC did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the News-Leader.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Better Business Bureau warns against Springfield timeshare law firm
