Calgary woman charged in motorhome timeshare scheme

CALGARY – A Calgary woman is facing over 60 charges in connection to a timeshare scheme that allegedly scammed clients out of thousands of dollars.

Between 2009 and 2012, several customers signed contracts with Pamela Vanberg and her businesses – Calgary Motorhome Inc. and Canada Motorhome Inc. – to buy timeshare-style use of a motorhome.

However, it’s alleged that despite paying membership fees ranging from $5,000 to $45,000, the customers still didn’t receive access to a motorhome.

Some customers claim they never received a refund, while others were allegedly refunded with money taken from other clients, resembling a Ponzi scheme.

Officials say seven victims lost a total of $118,852.

Vanberg is facing 63 charges including theft and fraud.

Her companies have been ordered to immediately stop accepting or collecting any money from customers until the business can provide them with an RV.

Vanberg 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.

Investigators believe there may be more victims and are encouraging anyone who experienced difficulties after entering into a contract with any of the companies to contact Service Alberta’s Consumer Contact Centre (toll-free in Alberta) at 1-877-427-4088.

Vanberg is scheduled to appear in court on March 3rd, 2014.