A Calgary woman is facing more than 60 charges in connection to a motorhome timeshare scheme that allegedly bilked clients out of more than $100,000.
An investigation was launched into an apparent Ponzi scheme following a tip through Crime Stoppers and 63 Criminal Code and Fair Trading Act charges were filed against Pamela Vanberg and her businesses, Calgary Motorhome Inc., and Canada Motorhome Inc.
Investigators say that between 2009 and 2012, several clients signed contracts with Vanberg and her businesses to buy timeshare-style use of a motorhome.
The clients paid membership fees ranging from $5,000 to $45,000 and allegedly did not receive access to the motorhome and did not receive refunds as promised.
“Contracts between consumers and companies form the backbone of our economy in Alberta. We actively preserve and protect contracts through strong legislation, and investigate and enforce those laws when necessary,” said Doug Griffiths, Minister of Service Alberta.
Alberta government investigators say some of the first consumers in the time share were allegedly refunded with money obtained from later consumers, resembling a Ponzi scheme.
Most of consumers allegedly did not receive any refund and the seven victims represented in the charges allegedly lost a total of $118,852.
Pamela Vanberg and her companies have also been issued a director’s order to immediately stop accepting or collecting any funds from consumers until the business is in a position to provide the product or service specified.
She also operated companies with the following names that have not been charged: Calgary Motorhome Club, Canada Motorhome Club, AB Luxury RV Inc., AB RV, and RV Owner Group.
The case is scheduled for Calgary provincial court on March 3, 2014.
Investigators are asking anyone who experienced difficulties after entering into a contract with any of the accused parties to contact Service Alberta’s Consumer Contact Centre (toll-free in Alberta) at 1-877-427-4088.
