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The FTC and state consumer protection agencies have shut down dishonest timeshare resellers for bilking timeshare owners out of millions of dollars. If you’re selling a timeshare, listen carefully for the promise of lots of money quickly and a request for an upfront fee. Those are two key signs of timeshare resale scam — and someone you don’t want to do business with.     

In one recent case, Vacation Property Services claimed to represent big-name companies eager to buy timeshares for business travel and events. The company guaranteed timeshare owners hefty returns if they moved quickly on the offer. But first, the company said the owner had to pay from $500 to $2,000, via credit card, in “registration” and other fees to seal the deal.

Timeshare Resale Scams Infographic

Timeshare Resale Scams
Infographic

The company’s promises of ready buyers, fast sales, big profits and money-back guarantees turned out to be lies. What’s more, the timeshare owners were stuck with debt on their credit cards from paying the “fee” after the company told them that the sale would be complete — and that they’d have their money — by the time the credit card bill came.

If you own a timeshare, question any offers to help you resell it. Be skeptical of companies that:

  • claim the market in your area is “hot” and that they’re “overwhelmed” with buyer requests
  • say they have buyers ready to purchase your timeshare — or promise to sell your timeshare within a specific time
  • guarantee you’ll get big returns on your resale
  • require you to pay fees upfront — even if there’s the promise of a “money-back guarantee”
  • don’t provide a contract — or provide a contract that doesn’t accurately reflect conversations you had   

Read about buying and selling a timeshare, or check out our infographic to see how timeshare resale scams typically work.

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maddy
January 13, 2016
Have anyone heard of this company and know if this is FRAUD!!!! Premium Marketing International??????
EG
January 22, 2016
Watch out for Luxury Events and conventions who wanted to buy time at our resort. Would pay me more than it would cost anyone to stay there. They have Denver co. address and a convincing website.Even sent me a contract. Our resort doesn't do business with this group. So many redflags....to good to be true. Raymond Manor was the general manager for this ripoff group.
Jason
January 23, 2016
I just got fooled and gave them my address. Is there a way I can STOP them using my address now? Please help!!!
jg
January 28, 2016
I was just contacted by a man at westport private equity group to see if I wanted to sell my timeshare. the phone number he called from was 816-293-3289 from the town of Archie, Montana.
pattyrue503
February 02, 2016
I was contracted by Ivan Barrera from W&A consulting..
trust no one
February 04, 2016
Contacted by two groups in the last few weeks: Corporate Business International and Hamilton Brokers Inc. Both claim to have interested buyers and don't want money upfront (yet) just a signed letter as an intent to sell or rent. Didn't go forward with either to see what else they want - I just don't trust anyone seeking me out like this; it would be too easy to unload my timeshare this way.
very concerned
February 05, 2016
My parents were taken for a lot of money a few months ago by a group out of Georgia. They now have someone contacting them out of Denver. Corporate Business International - I have done several searches on this name and cannot find anything listed at all - does anyone recognize that name?
mark t.
February 08, 2016
I sent money to Premium Marketing International in 6200 Metrowest Blvd #205B Orlando FL 32835 the owner Freddy Torres which my attorney said its register they are a SCAM do not do business with them beware they never sold or rented any properties they just take your money.
FTC Staff
February 09, 2016

In reply to by mark t.

If you spot a scam, please report it to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. The information you give will go into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations.

Blog comments don't go into the database.

Lesson learned
February 08, 2016
My story is similar to all those posted but the company names are F&S Real Estate Investments in Hahnville, Louisiana and Ajax Holdings LLC (Escrow company) in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Unfortunately we felt for their scam because those 2 companies owned legal business licences in their respective states and very believable websites. Documents sent also looked very professional and authentic. Also quoted Microsoft as the buyer! However I've already verified that Ajax Holdings is a fake company because their company address is actually occupied by another legitimate property management company. Too bad I did not dig deeper before I lost over $3K :( Tell you NEVER trust anyone calling with offers to resell your timeshare!
mimmssey1
February 10, 2016
We are being pursued by a company called Bank For International Settlements. They claim to be a federal investigative group for Time Share scams. They have Stated that the case has been taken before a judge and A large $ amount has been approved. There site is s . They have not asked for money yet.
FTC Staff
February 10, 2016

In reply to by mimmssey1

Scam artists buy and sell lists with the names of people who lost money to fraudulent promotions, then call and promise to recover the money you lost, if you pay a fee in advance. That's against the law. Under the Telemarketing Sales Rule, they cannot ask for, or accept, payment until seven business days after they deliver the money or other item they recovered to you.This FTC article has more about refund and recovery scams.

US Federal government websites will end with '.gov'. You said the email came from a '.com' address. That is not a government address.

JP
February 14, 2016
I did get scammed for $2500 I was called by a Zack Peterson From OT Escapes Consultants out of New Hamspire. They have a website that looks real. I even checked the BBB on line at his suggestion and found them to be in good standing. He must of known that. NOTE later when I started my search and entered BBB company name and complaints I found several people that were scammed by OTC. Be careful when you search on BBB. When I did this search with N.H. Attorney general office he was also suprised. The scam was that they could sell my RCI bonus weeks for a min. of 10K He called it, get this, the Disney military Holiday. They sent me a contract and asked for a credit card and then gave me some lame story about how the could not use it and asked me to send them a check. I think there plan was to cash my check and use my card at the same time. I talked to women in his office and him many times. They were always available and returned my call. If I told you about all the things he said to make me to help me feel comfortable I would run out of space. I still became suspicious. and closed my CC account but it was to late to stop the check. They stopped answering the phone soon as the check cleared. Just lucky that's all they got. I don't know how they got my RCI info. I don't trust RCI now either. I know if it sounds to good it's not and said that several times to him. I hang up on people trying to sell me all the time. He and his group were just super slick and conned me. HOPE this helps
FTC Staff
February 16, 2016

In reply to by JP

Thank you for sharing your story. These are very useful details for a complaint. Please report this to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. The details you give will go into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations.

Blog comments don't go into the database.

Diligent
February 22, 2016
Has anyone had dealings with Realty 21 out of Monterey Park CA? Similar story offering to sell our timeshare - no upfront fees - will use an Escrow Company - we only pay for Certificate of Release. They emailed us a form that will allow them to do a PPA - Preliminary Property Report to verify ownership etc. Then will send us a formal contract. Could it possibly be a lligitimate company?
Scam me please...
March 02, 2016

Same company selling the same line to me... Realty 21. Planning on playing along until they want a shiny new penny and then going into a tirade of sorts you wouldn't want your child to hear. Keep me updated.

Bree Z
October 14, 2016

Hi, Has anyone heard of Liberty Interactive Solutions? A family member of mine is currently thru process of selling timeshare in Mx and after telling me about all the money he has provided up front and now more is being requested, I decided to get involved and have a very bad feeling! Thanks for all of the tips in prior messages-very helpful.

ctressler
March 11, 2016

In reply to by Bree Z

You can do an online search. Type the company name, or even the website, into a search engine together with the words “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” See what comes up. Always use more than one source of information. For more tips. Please see the FTC blog post, Might Your Search Yield a Scam?

Jules J
October 14, 2016

In reply to by Bree Z

hi, we are going through some negotiations with LIS where they are having us go around the usual process for our transfer fees (not through the timeshare company, but into escrow in Guadalajara, MX).

Now the 'agent' in Guadalajara has informed us that we must now pay 25% tax on the sales amount to the escrow account before they can immediately reimburse us. We asked why that couldn't just be part of the escrow payout. Some statement about ensuring it wasn't a money laundering operation.

Has the sale you referenced terminated or been completed - how did it work out? Thanks, Jules

klondiker
October 28, 2016

In reply to by Jules J

Hi I have been approached by Liberty Interactive Solutions re purchase of my fractional in Mexico. Has anyone had any dealings with a Robert Edwards of LISÉ
milk4016
March 13, 2016
Vacation Consulting Services is a Scam. Buyer be aware... The Transfer Group LLC is also affiliated. Do not pay them money
Vicki
August 29, 2018

In reply to by milk4016

Vacation Consulting Services, (VCS) after completing the transfer of my timeshare out of my name to a “contract” with Florida Vacation Villa Club, (FVVC) and after paying VCS more than $16,000. has not delivered on their promise to honor that contract. I wanted to continue getting RCI, but without a timeshare “deed”. I have gotten the run-around since last November of 2017, after making monthly, weekly, now daily calls. I was duped by them, into selling my timeshare, by their use of scare tactics, that my grown children would be responsible for increasingly high maintenance fees and be an expensive liability for them from my Trust, when I die. I think it’s elder abuse. I’d like to know if anyone has started a class action law suit against them. If not, I’d like to start one.
FTC Staff
December 04, 2018

In reply to by Vicki

You can report this to the FTC at www.FTC.gov/Complaint. You can also report to your state Attorney General, and to the Attorney General in the state where the business is based.  You can find a list of Attorneys General at www.naag.org.

Tee in CO
March 18, 2016
We were contacted by "Corporate Connections International" outside of Evanston, IL. Their Logo and name VERY similar to another business networking group on LinkedIn- suspicious. Offer is 'too good to be true'. Trying to do my due diligence and appreciate all this advice and cautionary tales.
dietsincanada
March 30, 2016
Add AARROWllc to the list. from new york. 917-338-0311. you would think these guys would change up their shlock. some of the names they use are hilarious. as with anything on the internet these days, do not automatically believe it. and any reputable company does not phone or contact you first. do your research. also probably a good idea to save any emails or written documents for proof of contact in case of identify theft.
BlueSky
March 31, 2016
Anyone had contact with Fractional Property Services?
caboowner
April 07, 2016

Received an offer from Despegar for my timeshare in Cabo $40K. No upfront money. Everything to go through a broker company called Real Estate Brokerage in Colorado. If this is a scam they are getting better at it. They say I don't pay ANY fees. Hmmmm, if it sounds too good to be true, etc..... Anyone gotten a call from Despegar I know they are a real company because they are online and are a travel reservation type company.

DieselDog61
May 05, 2016

In reply to by caboowner

Have you closed or completed your sale or due diligence on this company?
Joyce
April 10, 2016
Has anyone dealt with Timeshare Closing Services Inc. Orlando, Florida in transferring your property?
Joyce
April 10, 2016
Does anyone know what happens when you die and your children will not assume your timeshare?
Scorpio55
April 11, 2016
Has anyone been contacted by Paradise Vacation Rentals in New Orleans LA? They are working with title company Sharpe Closings in Littleton CO We had a broker/title company in our town check out the contract we were sent. They did a check and everything came back legit. However they did ask us to wire money to Mexico. The buyer is supposed to be an executive group from Mexico and all funds are going through Banco del Bajio in Mexico with an intermidiary bank in New York-Standard Chartered Bank. We became suspicious over the wiring of money to Mexico so we checked further. we contacted Better Business Bureaus in Louisiana and Colorado and there were no complaints against either company. We are waiting on a call from our home resort to see if they can tell us of any knowlege of our timeshare being sold. I've not seen this particular name show up and can not find any complaints on them. Thought I would just ask if anyone else has dealt with them or been contacted by them
FTC Staff
April 12, 2016

In reply to by Scorpio55

This FTC article about timeshares and vacation plans has a list of things to check before you resell a timeshare. For example:

Don’t agree to anything on the phone or online until you’ve had a chance to check out the reseller. Contact the state Attorney General and local consumer protection agencies in the state where the reseller is located. Ask if any complaints are on file. You also can search online for complaints.

Ask if the reseller’s agents are licensed to sell real estate where your timeshare is located. If so, verify it with the state Real Estate Commission. Deal only with licensed real estate brokers and agents, and ask for references from satisfied clients.

too good to be true
April 11, 2016
Anyone have experience with Property Management Interactions? Received a call, and a proffer for time share. No money up front, they are paid 8% commission, money held in an escrow account until sale closed. The amount was close to the retail price of the time share
really too good
January 26, 2017

In reply to by too good to be true

I was wondering if you eventually sold and got the cash. What happened. I'm in the same boat
Nom
April 12, 2016
I've been getting phone calls every couple of weeks lately about wanting to buy my timeshare. I don't own one, and never have.
Lisa W
April 14, 2016

Does anyone know TRAVEL MARKETING WORLD, LLC. working from a Princton NJ address and with Colonial Title in GA? They are asking for a $3,000 Mexican SAT tax to be paid by me (in advance by wire) prior to closing. This sounds fishy... I appreciate guidance

MB
September 13, 2016

In reply to by Lisa W

Fernando Garces supposedly from TRAVEL MARKETING WORLD, LLC called me today. I found out it's a scam, along with COLONIAL TITLE in GEORGIA. I hope the Federal Trade Commission put all of them in jail.
Cricket
April 23, 2016
Has anyone heard of LPA Enterprises. They contend they work with RCI but stuff they are telling my parents doesn't make sense. Thanks
Princess timeshare
April 26, 2016

Anyone heard of Corporate Connections International, Bank One Bldg, 1603 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, web address:             1-847-960-3523??? They are also calling already knowing our timeshare info saying they have corporations that buy for tax write offs, also offering a higher price than we paid, but not asking for a fee yet??? I don't know how anyone can actually take the chance that any of these offers are real!!!

Screw and bar …
April 28, 2016

Universal Reality st. Louis ,Mo. Kyle Fernandez contacted my husband and made offer for our time shares. My husband wire transfered $$. Five different times!!!! To a tune of $72,000!! Needless to say we never got a cent from him. He also used Evans and Moritz Professional Closers Gary Garcia. These guys are cheats and frauds. THEY NEED TO BE REPORTED TO THE FBI!!! Nothing but sweet sounding Mexican guys. WE LOST OUR SAVINGS FROM 32 YRS. Of marriage. Do not give them a.cent.

FTC Staff
April 28, 2016

In reply to by Screw and bar …

You can help law enforcement by reporting what happened. You can:

  • file a complaint with the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint. 
  • report to your state Attorney General’s office, and the Attorney General in the state where the business operates
  • tell the wire transfer company. Look for their customer service number online, or on your paperwork from the transactions
rosapepe
April 28, 2016
Has anyone sold a membership through Resort Owners Services LLC in Cambridge, Ohio? They offered more than we paid for an Occidental Vacation 1st club membership. We would have to pay an up front fee to their title company to do a title research and settlement and Resort Owners Services will then take 7% of the sale.
Robertd
May 03, 2016
Premium Marketing International based of Orlando, FL is a scam they asked for $2,500 up front to sell my timeshare. Beware they are a scam do not do business with them.
DieselDog61
May 04, 2016
Has anyone heard about Despegar out of Albuquerque New Mexico or Real Estate Brokerage acting as the closing agent. They're not looking for any money from the seller, the buyer pays all the fee's but with all the scams going it's hard to tell between legitimate offers and scams
Review5401
May 12, 2016
PREMIER RENTAL SOLUTIONS IS A SCAM. STAY AWAY FROM THEM AND DO NOT SEND THEM ANY MONEY AS THEY ARE A SCAM COMPANY SET UP TO STEAL YOUR MONEY. THEY ARE CONS WITH A CAPITAL "C". STAY AWAY FROM PREMIER RENTAL SOLUTIONS THEY ARE RUNNING THEIR BUSINESS FROM ANOTHER ADDRESS AND THEY ARE A COMPLETE AND TOTAL SCAM.
Maxell24
May 20, 2016
I've had a ton of these calls in the past offering guaranteed buyers for my vacation club plan. I normally just tell them to get on a plan and bring me the cash and I will gladly sign it over to them and pay whatever I need to pay, needless to say they never come and that normally stops them from calling back as well.
gene4038
May 25, 2016
I have been trying to sell or get out of paying any more for my Tahiti village time share in Las Vegas NV. The People I have been dealing with is atagroupsales. They have "sold the property and is now in the hands of the title company. Now I can't get hold of them anymore. Have I been duped again?
FTC Staff
May 25, 2016

In reply to by gene4038

Read the article about timeshares and vacation plans for  information about selling a timeshare through a reseller.

To start, don’t agree to anything by phone or online until you check out the reseller. Contact the state Attorney General and local consumer protection agencies in the state where the reseller is located. Ask if there are complaints are on file. You also can search online for complaints.

Also, ask if the reseller’s agents are licensed to sell real estate where your timeshare is located. Then verify that with the state Real Estate Commission. Deal only with licensed real estate brokers and agents. Get references from satisfied clients.

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