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Timeshare resale fraud is a type of financial fraud that involves tricking individuals into purchasing timeshare properties or resale packages that are either fake or significantly overpriced. It can be financially devastating for victims, who may lose thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in the process.

Timeshare resale fraud may occur through various channels, including phone calls, emails, social media, or in-person solicitations. Scammers may use various tactics to trick victims into purchasing timeshare properties or resale packages, such as pretending to represent a legitimate timeshare company or broker, using fake or misleading information to create a sense of urgency, or manipulating emotions to inspire a sense of guilt or obligation.

Timeshare Scam Examples

Fake Timeshare Scam

One common example of timeshare resale fraud is the “fake timeshare” scam, where the victim is contacted by someone claiming to represent a legitimate timeshare company or broker and is asked to purchase a timeshare property or resale package. The victim may be told that the property or package is a good investment or that it will provide significant financial benefits, but in reality, the property or package does not exist or is significantly overpriced.

Phantom Resale Scam

Another example of timeshare resale fraud is the “phantom resale” scam, where the victim is contacted by someone claiming to represent a legitimate timeshare company or broker and is asked to purchase a timeshare property or resale package that is listed on a legitimate website. The victim may be told that the property or package is a good deal and that it will be easy to resell in the future, but in reality, the property or package is either not available or is significantly overpriced.

To protect yourself from timeshare resale fraud, it’s important to be cautious and to verify the legitimacy of any timeshare company or broker before purchasing a timeshare property or resale package. Here are some tips for avoiding timeshare resale fraud:

Research the timeshare company or broker before purchasing

Use online resources to research the timeshare company or broker and verify its legitimacy. Check to see if the company or broker is registered with the appropriate government agencies and if it has received any certifications or accreditations.

Be wary of unsolicited requests to purchase a timeshare property or resale package

Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, emails, or in-person solicitations from individuals claiming to represent a timeshare company or broker. If you receive an unsolicited request to purchase a timeshare property or resale package, take the time to research the company or broker and verify its legitimacy before deciding whether to purchase.

Don’t provide personal information or financial information in response to a request to purchase a timeshare property or resale package.

Be cautious of any requests for personal or financial information in connection with a request to purchase a timeshare property or resale package. Legitimate timeshare companies or brokers should not ask for this information in order to process a purchase.

Use secure payment methods when purchasing a timeshare property or resale package.

Consider using secure payment methods, such as credit cards or online payment platforms, when purchasing a timeshare property or resale package. These methods can offer more protection than other payment methods and may make it easier to track and cancel a purchase if necessary.

By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from timeshare resale fraud and avoid losing money or being duped into purchasing a fake or overpriced timeshare property or resale package. It’s important to be cautious and to thoroughly research any timeshare company or broker before purchasing, as this can help ensure that you are dealing with a legitimate and reputable business and that you are getting a fair price for your purchase.

If you do fall victim to timeshare resale fraud, it’s important to report the scam to the appropriate authorities and to any relevant organizations, such as the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

You should also consider contacting your bank or credit card company to report the scam and to cancel any payments that you may have made to the scammer. In some cases, you may be able to recover some or all of your losses through legal action or through your bank or credit card company’s dispute resolution process.

Our investigations into Common Scams of 2024

To avoid falling victim to timeshare resale fraud in the future, you can also consider taking steps to educate yourself about the timeshare industry and about common timeshare scams. This may include researching timeshare ownership and resale options, understanding the legal and financial implications of timeshare purchases, and learning how to spot and avoid timeshare scams. By educating yourself and being vigilant, you can help protect yourself and your financial well-being while still enjoying the benefits of timeshare ownership.

How to sell your timeshare for free

If you want to sell your timeshare without paying upfront fees, you can consider the following options:

Sell your timeshare yourself

You can try to sell your timeshare on your own by listing it on online classifieds websites, such as Craigslist or eBay, or by advertising it in local newspapers or other media. By selling your timeshare yourself, you can avoid paying fees to a timeshare resale company or broker. However, it may be more difficult to find a buyer and you may have to put in more effort to market and sell your timeshare.

Sell your timeshare to a reputable resale company

You can also consider selling your timeshare to a reputable resale company that does not charge upfront fees. Some resale companies may offer to purchase your timeshare outright or may offer to list it for sale on your behalf. You may still have to pay fees to the resale company, but these fees should be disclosed upfront and should be reasonable. To find a reputable resale company, you can research the company’s reputation and check for certifications or accreditations from reputable organizations, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Consider donating your timeshare

If you are unable to sell your timeshare and do not want to continue paying maintenance fees or other costs associated with ownership, you may want to consider donating your timeshare to a charitable organization. Some charities may accept timeshare donations and may be able to use the timeshare to support their operations or to raise funds. You may be able to claim a tax deduction for your donation, depending on the value of the timeshare and on your tax situation.

By exploring these options, you may be able to sell your timeshare without paying upfront fees and without falling victim to timeshare resale fraud. It’s important to be cautious and to thoroughly research any timeshare resale company or broker before agreeing to sell your timeshare, as this can help ensure that you are dealing with a legitimate and reputable business and that you are getting a fair price for your timeshare.

Timeshare Scam Blacklist

The following phone numbers, websites, and emails have been reported to us by the consumer. If you feel this information is incorrect, you may submit a request for removal or correction by contacting us using this form.

Attention: Consumers who have been contacted by scammers could have had their personal information breached. TotalScam!™ highly recommends that consumers whose information has been breached obtain an identity theft protection service immediately.

There are several companies that offer identity theft protection in the US. One of the most inexpensive options we were able to find is the protection offered by LifeLock. You can start your protection here.

Disclaimer: The information and opinions contained on this site are not endorsed by LifeLock. TotalScam!™ receives compensation from LifeLock. This helps support our scam prevention efforts.

Our investigations into Common Scams of 2024