Dave Ramsey, the well-known financial advisor and radio personality, is facing a $150 million class-action lawsuit due to his promotion of Timeshare Exit Team, a now-defunct company that promised to help people exit their timeshare contracts. The lawsuit, filed by 17 former listeners in April 2023 in the U.S. District Court for Western Washington, claims Ramsey misled his audience into trusting this company, which ultimately defrauded them.
Ramsey allegedly received $30 million in payments between 2015 and 2021 for promoting the services of Timeshare Exit Team through his radio show and other platforms. His endorsements led thousands of people to hire the company, many of whom paid between $4,000 and $72,000 for timeshare exit services that were never delivered.
The lawsuit argues that Ramsey falsely assured listeners that the company had a proven track record of helping clients successfully exit their timeshare contracts. Despite increasing complaints and legal actions against the company, Ramsey continued to promote it, earning $450,000 per month in advertising fees.
Timeshare Exit Team, owned by Reed Hein & Associates, promised clients a full refund if they couldn’t cancel their timeshare contracts. However, the company went out of business after settling a $2.6 million lawsuit with the Washington State Attorney General for deceptive practices. Thousands of clients were left with no refunds and no resolution for their timeshares.
The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are seeking $150 million in damages, claiming that Ramsey, along with marketing firm Happy Hour Media Group and Reed Hein, violated the Washington Consumer Protection Act. The lawsuit accuses the defendants of unjust enrichment, negligent misrepresentation, and defrauding consumers.
This case highlights the risks of promoting third-party companies without thoroughly vetting them, especially when those companies engage in deceptive practices. The outcome of this class-action lawsuit remains pending, but it has brought increased scrutiny to Ramsey’s endorsement practices and the broader timeshare exit industry.
Owning a timeshare often feels like a dream vacation plan at first, but for many, it can quickly turn into a financial burden. High maintenance fees, limited availability, and the long-term commitment can make people feel trapped.
Timeshare ownership is marketed as a gateway to affordable and luxurious vacations, offering stability and access to premium resort properties. However, while timeshares can be a convenient solution for vacation enthusiasts, they also come with long-term commitments and hidden costs.
Exiting a timeshare can be a costly and complex process, with prices varying significantly depending on several factors like the method you choose, your contract terms, and whether you need legal assistance.