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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.

  • We won’t post off-topic comments, repeated identical comments, or comments that include sales pitches or promotions.
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Don't use your…
December 14, 2018

In reply to by Peter O

Yes...they have been contacting my elderly mother. They offered her $138000 for a two week time share in Nuevo Vallarta that she doesn't even own!!!!!! It's time consuming and its a SCAM.
Jessica
January 10, 2019

In reply to by Peter O

Maple International has been contacting us non-stop too over the last few weeks. They sent us an over 3x what we paid for but said their client needs to buy 210 units for a tax write-off. Told us money would be transferred into an account and once settled - 9% would be taken out for broker commissions. They went as far as telling us to contact an attorney and have them work on our behalf. After reading some of these posts I'm even more convinced it's a scam! I'm sure there some how would be issues with the account the money was transferred into...and then the scam begins.
BXJ
December 06, 2018
We were contacted by Capital Management Business Consultants offering to purchase some of our weeks. They sent a one-page Rental Offer signed by Robert Swenson. Has anyone obtained information about the legitimacy of this company? I read the previous comments about concerns about their website, the length of time in business, the address, the representatives/staff, etc. I do not wish to do business with scammers so if someone was able to obtain some information about this company, please share. I will continue to do as much research as I can. Thank you.
Mat
January 24, 2019

In reply to by BXJ

Same company and names robert swenson ceo of business management capital in colorado springs. Did you make sucessfull Well or was it scam? Not sure what To think
Alan
March 01, 2019

In reply to by BXJ

Total scam, I drove all the way to the supposed office in Colorado Springs, they have never been a tenant, so will be going after them as they are still trying to get money from me. I cancelled contract they are now threatening crazy damages and lawsuit, not knowing I came to address.
cabo
December 07, 2018
I got a call from ADS REALTY LLC in North Carolina ask to buy my time share for 50,000.00 seems a lot of money to pay for my time share. Has anyone been contacted by them. Agent name was Emma Martinez.
Jen
January 10, 2019

In reply to by cabo

They contacted me as well with a too good to be true offer. I still can't find any info about them anywhere. Have you had any luck?
Me too Cabo
January 21, 2019

In reply to by cabo

I also received a phone call from ADS REALITY. However, it was from a Mr. Baciel, he left a voicemail. He had a heavy accent & I can hear the other callers in the background. The noise in the background is a red flag for me.
rocket
December 10, 2018
anyone heard of all travel services out of colorado
MariaD
December 11, 2018
Has anyone ever had dealings with Land Investment Mgmnt, Corp? I received a phone call that they have a buyer for my timeshare. I was sent a sales agreement with the request of $1950.00 to be wired to Chicago Title for escrow for transfer fees that are to be refunded after settlement.
Peter from Canada
December 14, 2018
I was just contacted by Property Market Investors, out of San Francisco. They emailed me an offer of 3 x the value of my Mayan Riviera timeshare. Their email contact is contacto @ invermedical. com. mx. They didn't think this through. After reading all these stories, there is no question that this is a scam.
toscamornottoscam
December 20, 2018
Has anyone had any experiences with Wonderful Reality Corp and Asset Advantage LLC both out of NY? I have been contacted by Wonderful stating they have a buyer for my timeshare in Mexico. Both businesses are registered in NY (looked it up with the state attorney's office). We spoke with a few people. They have contracts in place, escrow and the whole deal. However, want us to pay almost $5k for naturalization and other fees. They have also named the buyer out of Mexico - looked up the buyer and they are a legit business. Any advice? Thanks!
Jf
January 02, 2019

In reply to by toscamornottoscam

Did they ask for the money or say it was coming out of proceeds?
Loohoo
January 16, 2019

In reply to by toscamornottoscam

We've been contacted by wonderful reality corp as well and not sure I trust them. They dont have a legit address.
E-jet
December 20, 2018
ADS REALTY LLC in North Carolina ask to buy my time share as well. The price they are quoting me is seven times what i paid 15 years ago. So, only 15 years left on the Timeshare. Sounds like a sweet offer if it was legitimate. Anyone actually sell ADS Realty a property?
ShellE
December 22, 2018
Any one heard of a scam with Xtreme travel wanting to purchase your timeshare?
csmith
February 12, 2019

In reply to by ShellE

Did you get any information on this company. I recently got called. I got suspicious and did some digging around but could not find anything. Website looks legitimate. All the numbers match. Could not find a thing. Even called the number and it all matched. The only thing left is to call our timeshare to see if they've heard of the company, but I doubt they'll provide information or say "we don't know anything about any companies buying "our" timeshares" (and why would they). Anyways, they say they'll provide a lawyer that is in the states and I can contact them directly. I'm on the fence on this one. No money upfront, no commitment and their commission AFTER I receive the money and it clears (via certified check). If anyone has any input, we'd all appreciate it. Thanks
Rrrew
October 02, 2020

In reply to by csmith

Hi I was wondering if you sold to the company you mentioned??
Timeshareidiot
February 19, 2019

In reply to by ShellE

We also have been talking to X-treme Travel and have been trying to figure out if they are legit. They seem too good to be true. But they say they send the money via wire directly to your bank and you don’t pay the 8% sales commission until after you have received the money. There is a contract. We just can’t believe they are legit. Anyone used them?
Teri
December 22, 2018
Has anyone had an offer from extreme travel to buy your timeshare? I think it’s a scam but they say I don’t sign anything until the money is in my bank account
gdtogo
February 12, 2019

In reply to by Teri

Has anyone dealt with x-treme travels out of Mexico? I recently received a call from them asking if we would be interested in selling our timeshare. From reading many, many forums and blogs, we were leery about doing it, BUT they said no money upfront, lawyer is in our area, and their commission AFTER the certified check clears our bank. I'm on the fence since all the things are all checking out, website, phone number, address, etc. they all match up. I can't find anything on them at all, no forums or blogs saying they're good/bad. I'm close to calling my timeshare to ask about them, but I don't think they'll be willing to provide any information since they don't care who owns their property, just as long as they're getting paid. If anyone has any information on this company, please post. Anything will help everyone. Thanks
travelstart co…
December 24, 2018
Has anyone heard about this company? partner with Jacob Adams law firm, office in NY.
MG
December 26, 2018
I have been approached by Event Management Organization llc to buy 10 weeks of my membership at Moon Palace. Has anyone worked with this company?
Isabel
February 11, 2019

In reply to by MG

I had a company called Events&Promotions out of Mobile,AL wanting to by my membership at Moon Palace for three times what I paid 10 years ago. They are using a title company named Title Services out of Mendota Heights, MN. All seems legit (look it up in the internet) but still not 100% sure. They haven’t ask for any upfront money, supposedly they will deposit the money directly to my bank account and then I’m signing the membership over to them.
debib713
December 27, 2018
International real estate group. Offering to buy our timeshare in Mexico.
Darrell
February 12, 2019

In reply to by debib713

Can you share any more about these outfit? They have been contacting me as well
Tom Williams
December 30, 2018
I believe the new name for one of these companies is Worry Free Timeshares (WFT). I was told no upfront fees too but when I had a person by the name of Ruby Murphy contact me and indicate interest in buying. I notified Michael Burgess at WFT that there was interests and he then asked for a finders fee. When I questioned Ruby Murphy about her email comments about the legitimacy of this sale she knew way to much about the process to be an innocent buyer. When questioned, she became irate and the good news is I have heard no more. Will be contacting the attorney general of Florida office this week.
Rzapata
January 03, 2019
Received a call from MASTER INTERNATIONAL CO from NY, regarding my timeshare in Mexico. They represent a group of investors and corporations who are searching for business opportunities in selected locations in Mexico. Sound familiar?
Tahoe Ed
January 31, 2019

In reply to by Rzapata

Received a call from Master International Co from Brooklyn NY also, they want a 5% commission if there investors purchase your timeshare. Will see what transpires.
Mia
February 04, 2019

In reply to by Tahoe Ed

They are going to come back and tell you that you have to get naturalization papers and it will cost $2020.
Bob Lucas
February 04, 2019

In reply to by Tahoe Ed

I’ve been working with them since September on a deal so far I had to send 8000$ for paper work and they still asking for 4500$ for additional taxes. I really don’t know if this is legit?
Don
January 07, 2019
I recently was contacted by ADS Realty. They offered me 5 times what I paid for it. I asked them why? They came u p with the answer that a company wanted to buy up shares of Villa Del Palmar so they could take over the company. They want no upfront $? I am supposed to sign the contract and email it back with a copy of my sales contract and number. Probably won't.
Scarp
January 10, 2020

In reply to by Don

I received a similar call today from a company called Centerpoint advisers supposedly out of Chicago. He was interested in our timeshare at VDP And said they were buying memberships to have more control. Not sure what to think as I’m just starting to research.
Forge
March 19, 2020

In reply to by Scarp

Same here. Received a call from Centerpoint yesterday about my VDP timeshare.
RB
April 28, 2020

In reply to by Scarp

I have the same company contacting me, did you have a negative experience with them? Are the a legit company, I know they work on commission and some sort of fee will be expected but not sure if I should waste the time communicating a deal.
Allyv
June 16, 2020

In reply to by Scarp

I am in the middle of the CenterPoint Ad company contacting me. All I can find online are questions from others “Is this legitimate? Is it for real?” No one ever gives an answer, if it was successful or real. I’m guessing it’s not legit because there are no success stories.
yaya
January 10, 2019
Wondering if anyone has used Royal Group International to sell their timesh....are? Asking us to wire money to Santander Bank in Mexico
cscott0
February 12, 2019

In reply to by yaya

Hello yaya, I have recently been contacted by Royal Group International regarding a selling of a time share. I was curious if you had anymore information on the matter, as I have been researching them and have come up with little to know negative feedback. I also checked the BBB, and could find very little.
DNA Homes
February 28, 2019

In reply to by yaya

I have been contacted by Royal Group International as well. Also using Santander Bank in Mexico. I called the Consumer Protection Agency in Illinois, and they do have some complaints on file but couldn't give the details from that particular office. The phone number is a VOIP system and may not be local. I also noticed that they spelled "Avoid" wrong on their website. They spelled it "Avoide". Ironically it was in the Title Section " "Avoide Scams" Everyone I spoke to seemed to know their stuff and were pleasant to talk to. If I could get passed the spelling error, and also have the 8% commission fee taken from the proceeds of the sale, I am all set. I am NOT sending any money.
danatrudavis
January 11, 2019
Has anyone been contacted by a law firm of Donald Wallace out of Detroit, MI to facilitate a purchase by a company named Zicasso? I think they are trying to scam my Aunt out of her timeshare in Cabo San Lucas.
nancy
February 07, 2019

In reply to by danatrudavis

I have a client that was also contacted by them. I am pretty sure it is a scam. It looks legit, but while the attorney is a real attorney licensed with Michigan, he doesn't come into the office - the office is run by "paralegals". They keep asking to have money wired.
Another one al…
February 28, 2019

In reply to by danatrudavis

Yes I was contacted by what seem to be a paralegal from the offices of Donal Wallace, I almost failed in the trap but thanks to all of you that are posting now I know for sure this is a scam.
ConcernedCitizen
January 23, 2019
Hi, has anyone been contacted by Detecta Hotel Travels? They have requested to buy my UVC and the offer is “too good be true” They are not asking for any monies upfront, only proof of sale by send first page of contract but with all information protected accept names of owner. Wondering if anyone else has dealt with them??
Noli
February 12, 2019

In reply to by ConcernedCitizen

Yes, I’ve also been contacted by DetectaHotel to purchase my timeshare, they informed me that The Law Office of Patrick William Chapman will be handling all transaction, I’m still researching for more info on this, but like you said , one of those too good to be true offers... everything does looks so legit though... Please let me know if you find any other info on this buyer..??
cowgirl address
January 24, 2019
just wondering since I was dumb enough to give Masters International 2000 and 4000 then they came up with this song and dance how they needed 4500 more . Q; since this is a scam the paperwork we signed is valid ?????
poseidon
January 25, 2019
never send money up front. nooooooooooooo
Once bitten
January 28, 2019
First — very glad to see FTC employees back to work and getting paid — thank you for your service. Events & Promotions, 1201 Montlimar Dr. STE 500, Mobile AL 36609 — sent a “Resale Proposal” Has anyone dealt with them. The proposal Guarentees to pay said amount “after transfer of funds and proof of ownership”. Sign the proposal back and i’ll be contacted....... i’m sure that’ s when i’ll Be asked for the credit card payment. I’ve looked for info on Events & Promotions and can’t find a scam or complaint against them - they’ve been in business for years and has a website that doesn’t feature timeshare resale’s - anyone else contacted and had a sale completed and received any payment FROM Events & Promotions?
anilmd
February 05, 2019

In reply to by Once bitten

I’ve been contacted by Events &Promotioms LLC and they offered $28000 for my timeshare. I’m playing along and they have now transferred it to Title Services Holdings Inc. they haven’t asked for any payment. Contract says they will take 10% from the sale. I’m sure it’s a scam and having som fun playing them along. I Will ask for certified check for deposit for $10000 and see what they say