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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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The purpose of this blog and its comments section is to inform readers about Federal Trade Commission activity, and share information to help them avoid, report, and recover from fraud, scams, and bad business practices. Your thoughts, ideas, and concerns are welcome, and we encourage comments. But keep in mind, this is a moderated blog. We review all comments before they are posted, and we won’t post comments that don’t comply with our commenting policy. We expect commenters to treat each other and the blog writers with respect.

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Jan
March 28, 2018

In reply to by Nate

I'm in the middle of a proposed sale right now. I'd like to talk with you on the phone about my experience. I live in Detroit, MI. Jan
Scamed by ISGNY
November 11, 2017
These scamers are really good. They know the business and can make it all sound legit. They send forms and contracts that look legal. I fell for the initial stage but stopped when things just did not look right. Now they are threatening to take me to court to get their sales commission. I would think this is all another scam to get me to pay but is there any way they could actually do this if they are phony?
dupedtoo
November 13, 2017
Gold Coast is a scam.
dJ
November 13, 2017
We have been contacted by gold coast reel estate in July for our 2 timeshare in cancun and Playa del Carmen. We infortunaltly fell for it. They cost us over 25 000$ US. we are Canadian so for us it is about 30 000$. A big chunk. First, we needed a visa permit The mexican gouvernment, in order to sell, it would last 90 days. That was a % of the value of our property. Then, the gouvernment of quintanaroo needed us to pay a tax On our property before we received the money. The reason they gave us, was that we are not mexican resident so it is usually how it work. We did it. At this point, the gold coast agent who was responsable of us, told us that we would not have any additionnal fees to pay, but a few days later, they came back and asker us for an additionnal 6000$ us. We stop everything there. And closed the contract, now they are threatening us to sue us for break of contract and they want us to pay for their comission. Thats where we are... we have no way to get our money back from mexico. We would apparently have to show up there, in mexico and debate with the gouvernment. But at this points, all our credit cards and line of credit are full. We dont even have money to defend ourself and get a lawer... we file a complan against them on the FTC website. We are only hoping that they are not legit. So we wont have to pay more money to go in court and fight.
dupetoo
December 14, 2017

In reply to by dJ

They scammed us too. We did not pay anymore money to Gold Coast. They told us the same thing that we would have to travel to Mexico. We filed with BBB, FTC and took out a police report on these scammers.
Nrussell
November 14, 2017
I also received a call and offer letter from Rock River Partners Firm and am trying to determine if they are legitimate.
MrMr8012
November 29, 2017

In reply to by Nrussell

I received this as well. Spoke to a gentleman there named Aaron Bennett. Am being told there is no upfront fee, that they get paid by commission only if it is sold. Am trying to get more information...
Sandra
November 15, 2017
I have been approached by numerous scams, bilked of some money too. have currently a letter of purchase from EVERGREEN EQUITY INVESTMENTS of San Diego. has anyone dealt with them?
ACE
November 21, 2017

In reply to by Sandra

I am currently in conversation with Evergreen Equity Investments (two people, in San Diego), was contacted by them in the last few days as well, but I have serious doubts about them. They made very high offers for my two Mexican timeshares, want thousands (USD) up front, etc. One of the two is a "nonworking" but "licensed" real-estate salesperson without a brokerage, the other not even listed as licensed, per Calif. Bureau of Real Estate. Be careful out there!
Frustrated!!
November 15, 2017
Has anyone dealt with International Realty Corporation in regard to selling their Pacifica timeshare? We understand that we are one of several parties still awaiting disbursement of funds from the bank in Mexico. We are in deep financially and are repeatedly told that the funds will disperse however we are beyond frustrated and concerned. We'd like to join forces with the other alleged selling parties to see if a group action may be beneficial.
i lost money t…
November 20, 2017

In reply to by Frustrated!!

I too was in deep with them, lost it all. they will threated to sue because you did not go through with the contract. the contract is a fake so it doesn't matter. get out get out, look up Mexico wire transfer scam. it will tell you what they do step by step. report it to all the agencies you can and warn others.
lyn
November 16, 2017
Has anyone dealt with Best Travels Deals/Offers
SoCalSurf
November 16, 2017
Rock Rivers Firm called me today. They are definitely a scam. Any broker who has a licence knows that by law, you MUST have your licence number on your website. 1st big clue they are a scam. Of course they make a ridiculous offer, which if they were legit they would have their client buy directly from the resort at a fraction of that cost.
Sully32
November 21, 2017

In reply to by SoCalSurf

What did the Rock River Partners Firm for with your information? I returned the non binding letter today. I'm being cautious.
SoCalSurf
November 27, 2017

In reply to by Sully32

Don't give them anymore info than they already have!!I just pretended that I got a better offer from someone else. They said they would see if their "buyer" would match it. They haven't contacted me back since. I asked them for their broker licence, they said they would send it to me. Of course they didn't, because they don't have one. DO NOT SEND THEM MONEY!!!. No offence to anyone in Iowa, but do you really think people in Iowa are buying timeshare for 3-4 times what you paid for it. If the people know about your resort, it's from going there themselves, in which case they resort would have given them more or less the same price as you..
Bernie
February 06, 2018

In reply to by SoCalSurf

They are a scam !! Not a registered company and working with Vinter Trust and Assets. Addresses are false
SoCalSurf
November 16, 2017
I have also gotten a call from Signature Luxury Properties, They are also a scam. As a real estate broker, I know for fact that your website MUST have your licence number on it, theirs does not. Also if you really get into checking on the names they give you, what I found is they use other licensed agents around the state that are inactive and say that they are them. The "guy" that called me was licensed as a real estate appraiser. Do not do business with them.
Gina
December 03, 2018

In reply to by SoCalSurf

I received a call from Sky Luxury Properties, Richmond VA to but my timeshare residence in Mexico. They offered me 3 times what I paid, they have a third party company called Progressive Roots to perform the closing cost as collateral and transfer holding of money. Only problem, is now they want the closing cost to be paid upfront which equates to apprx $5k. Why can’t they take this from the proceeds and they stated it’s because I don’t own the title of the timeshare only the membership which is with VidantaResort. I requested the agent provide me with a license number by email and this has yet to occur. The website seems legit but also doesn’t have license numbers or agent names, pictures. Has anyone heard or been contacted by these companies?
MB
December 03, 2018

In reply to by Gina

I have been contacted by them as well about my membership, and offering an attractive amount. I haven't gotten to the point that you have yet. I'm beginning to wonder if this is fake, and they're trying to collect these funds like you're talking about, only to disappear after they get them. I'm not sure if I will be continuing any further conversation with them.
Scottw
January 15, 2019

In reply to by Chartle

HAs anyone actually been scammed by Sky Luxury properties? They are wanting an upfront tax that goes to Mexico. I wonder if anyone has actually sold their timeshare through them.
Used
March 12, 2019

In reply to by MB

They are in fact a scam. They did get some money from me. Now I can’t reach either sky luxury or roots capital. Wish I had listened to my first mind; and my sister.
Carl
December 10, 2018

In reply to by Gina

I have been in conversation with Sky Luxury Properties. Thanks to other posts on this site, I stopped having conversations with them. When the "broker" was asking me why I was not going forward, I told him I refuse to pay any closing costs upfront to which he said they could work around that. Then when I told him I had heard about the supposed income tax charged by Mexico, he hung up on me. Also, watch out for AB Marketing. Another fraudulent company according to Vidanta. They give you a story about wanting to rent your weeks for a convention coming up later in the year. The more I talked to them, the more unreasonable it sounded and he eventually made a mistake in some of what he told me to let me know they were not legitimate.
Mar01
December 18, 2018

In reply to by Gina

I also received a call. I am not interested in selling my membership with Vidanta so the call caught me off guard. They emailed me the contract which I now reviewed and noticed the closing cost fee. I do not plan to answer any of the calls or reply to the email. Thanks for alerting everyone on the thread.
Dee
January 15, 2019

In reply to by Gina

I was offered same. This time with a license number. However, when I questioned the contract and the commission, transfer fees and balances; I was told that I would have to change the contract to reflect what was agreed upon. I think a lawyer would have to be called in for me to sign.
karen
January 19, 2019

In reply to by Gina

They did give me a broker license number. I asked why they couldn't take the closing costs out of the final payment. I told them I wanted to meet them in person in VA. I feel like it will be worth it to fly there and see if it is legit.
dupetoo
November 17, 2017
Gold Coast Real Estate in NY is a scam. Please do not fall for it.
help others- p…
November 20, 2017
please post these scammers names and companies and help others to be warned. we need to keep up as the scammers change names and save other from the lost we all had. the stories are so good to show what good scammers are out there. thanks to everyone for posting. was too late for me. but I am continuing to post to warn others as these scammers will call back and I get info and post here to warn.
Perci 123
November 21, 2017
Network Brokerage Corporation called wanted to know if we wanted to sell timeshare in Mexico. Told us he had a buyer Not asking for money up front Letter of Intent to Sell Timeshare is with Sunset . Buyer to Pay for Lawyer , Escrow any other fees. said they were at 230 Park Ave New York City NY. Looked it up called security for building not listed. The Escrow company CCW Holdings LLC has land number answers with a girl with Mexican accent. they never answer. NBC Real Estate has only i800 # no other local # for a so called large company, which is usual. Escrow company supposed to call today agent won't give me their extension #. They are drawing up the contract for sale when ready will send to me . Have my lawyer look it over .Anthony Davis is the agent in charge . Seems so nice to bad its sounds more like a scam. looked them up could n't find info on either men from either company . Some one from a position in the company should have info about them So beware of them Not giving any more info or MONEY Called Sunset so they can tell their clients.
Sally
November 22, 2017

In reply to by Perci 123

We've had an Ellen L. Miller from Network Brokerage Corporation calling us for the past week or so as well. What is the scam? They're not asking for money. Are they somehow able to take ownership of the timeshare away if we do provide them with a copy of our contract, like they've been requesting. We haven't moved on this, since it all seems a little too good to be true.
TraderX
November 21, 2017
Anyone receive a purchase offer from Bayview Property Management? They haven't asked for cash upfront and are taking commission after I get paid. My timeshare is with UVC. Is this legit?
d clark
December 04, 2017
Stay away from International Sales Group LLC, NY, they scammed me for $4300
Darcy
December 07, 2017

In reply to by d clark

They have called me 4 times over last 3 months, and emailed me an offer to purchase my Mexico timeshare for $56760. I paid roughly $46000 5 years ago for a 25 year contract. I smell a rat, and was going to call my resort sales office to check if they heard of them, then a lawyer next if it seams legit.......but I am scepticle.
timeshare owne…
December 13, 2017

In reply to by Darcy

Hi Darcy, Thanks so much for the warning! This same company has contacted me multiple times and offered me a similar price for my mexican property. I was suspicious ie. too good to be true. They haven't asked me for money.....yet! At what point did they do that? I am so sorry you had this experience. If it hadn't been for you going to the trouble to post this I might have been suckered in too.
jpaul444
December 28, 2017

In reply to by Darcy

Over the past 3 months I've received continuing calls and documents from Henry Cohen and his associates + supervisors at ISGNY (17 State St Ste 400, New York, NY 33330, noting that this advertised Zip Code on all of their letterhead is actually for Broward County FL) and their escrow company Emerald Properties Group Inc (Lake View, NY). Neither address checks as valid from talking with building management at the State St NYC address for ISGNY and the Lake View NY Police Dept for Emerald Properties. The State of NY shows a valid license for Emerald, but there is no independent phone number to call for verification so assuming the stole a valid brokers license information. Both companies have websites that I'm assuming are part of the scam. They also set up a CitiBanaMex account that shows funding deposited for the full amount of my transaction. After providing copies of all documents to the FBI's White Collar Crimes Unit, I'm continuing to go along with this "deal" up to the point that they ask for money, also forwarding all new information to the FBI. If they actually wire the promised sale money to me (from which I'm to return them a 9% Commission within 5 business days... probably where their scam will kick in), my bank will set up a special inbound wire account to capture the full amount and hold the sale money as untouchable electronically, requiring a personal in-person withdrawal only by me. There is apparently a waiting period after international transfers to assure the funding source and actual transfers are both legit, so we will have to wait through that period.
Bri 52
December 07, 2017
I received an offer from Rock River Partners Firm, located in Des Moine Iowa. Essentially it says they have a buyer, don't want any upfront money, but will charge 8% at time of closing. They want me to sign the letter as an approved intent to sell. Anyone heard of them?
Crisco
December 09, 2017

In reply to by Bri 52

Hi Brit 52. I too have received an offer from rock river part bets that seems too good to be true. I have proceeded with cautious optimism as they have asked for no money....yet. the only money I should have to pay is the transfer fee from my Resort which was in the original contract when I purchased the membership. they are drawing up the contract now so I will be going through that very carefully. I will let you know how it proceeds for me.
M&M
December 11, 2017

In reply to by Crisco

Been contacted twice by Rock River Partners Firm. Dec 6th and 11th. Close to the comments by the two previous gentlemen. They must be making a run for sales at the end of the year....? Not sure if scam yet but leery. A company called Deep Sky Property Specialists tried to scam me before as well. I have asked for ALL contract documents up front to review first....they hide clauses in them to snag thousands on breech of contract when you try to cancel the scam before the expiration date etc........ More to follow....
M&M
December 11, 2017

In reply to by Crisco

Sorry forgot to add.... It seems that these calls come when the 5 year maintenance fee is due. I wonder if they are in cahoots with the resort to make sure you pay for something they pocket and do not put back in to updating the unit.......just a thought.
cgeurt
December 12, 2017

In reply to by Bri 52

I've had a call as well. I received the same information that the property wants 10% transfer fee because it was in the contract. Most recently, today as a matter of fact, they called saying the Mexican Authority wants 30% income tax now. Income tax for money I have yet to receive and I live in Canada so will need to pay income tax if I do receive the money. Looking dodgey from my end now.
fuzzy
December 19, 2017

In reply to by cgeurt

Contact made by a person claiming to be Amy Walters (IA Real Estate licensee)and another person claiming to be John Wick (IA Real Estate Licensee) representing themselves as Rock River Partners employees. A check of the BBB reveals the RR address to be "a false address and mail sent to the address has been returned as undeliverable." I plan to call the IA Dept of Real Estate today to find out more, now that I have received a contract for signature. I also have received a Trust Notification from Vinter Trust & Assets out of CO. I am unable to find any license information for this company and plan to call the CO Dept of Regulatory Agencies to check them out. I advise to proceed with extreme caution ... with all the state requirements, not being able to find out information about these folks is not right.
fuzzy
December 23, 2017

In reply to by fuzzy

Made contact with the Iowa Attorney Generals Office. Confirmed Red River Partners Firm is a scam. Do not do business with them.
wapati
December 28, 2017

In reply to by fuzzy

Any updated info? I was also contacted by John Wick (Keanu Reeves??) with Rock River and Vinter Trust. Any info would be greatly appreciated
SoCalSurf
December 31, 2017

In reply to by wapati

Rock River is 100% a scam. The only business in that building is Catholic Charities. They sometime "borrow" the names of actual real estate agents to make it seem like they are legit..RUN AWAY AS FAST AS YOU CAN...
Greg
December 07, 2017
Anyone had any dealings with International Sales Group NY LLC out of NewYork? A broker agent named Steven Holtz has sent us a Buyers Purchase Offer on behalf of a "client" who is willing to pay us 7 times what we paid for a 3-week per year membership at the Grande Luxxe in Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico. We have received dozens of similar unsolicited calls over the past several years, but this one seems the most extreme! What's in it for them? We're not buying in to it, but would be interested in hearing the experiences of anyone who has dealt with them.
kpen859
December 10, 2017
are they a scam
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