SEATTLE (Legal Newsline) - Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced the settlement Thursday of a timeshare consumer protection case involving at least 1,500 Washington consumers.
Jonathan and Christine Gibbs were allegedly involved in a timeshare scam that handled more than 30,000 timeshare transfers throughout the United States. The Gibbs offered to transfer timeshare ownership from people who no longer wanted to own their timeshares, but after facilitating a transfer, the Gibbs allegedly failed to pay the underlying maintenance or obligation on the properties. The Gibbs then allegedly transferred timeshares to their own businesses or paid to have people sign the title documents.
"This large, complex scheme involved unfair and deceptive business practices that harmed hundreds of victims locally and thousands nationwide," Ferguson said. "This settlement will assist Washington consumers and sends the message that if you don't play by the rules, we'll hold you accountable."
Under the terms of the settlement, Ferguson's office recovered $1.2 million from Jonathan Gibbs to cover full restitution for Washington state victims and all attorney fees. The settlement will also provide timeshare resorts that were allegedly duped by Jonathan and Christina Gibbs the chance to obtain titles to timeshares.
Christine Gibbs agreed to facilitate the return of timeshare properties throughout the United States, and Jonathan Gibbs agreed to not sell or buy timeshares or travel-related products as part of the settlement. Both defendants denied any wrongdoing.
Washington AG announces $1.2 million settlement in timeshare case
