Skip to main content

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.

Search Terms
scam
travel
Topics
Credit, Loans, and Debt
Scams
All Scams
Rental and Housing Scams

It is your choice whether to submit a comment. If you do, you must create a user name, or we will not post your comment. The Federal Trade Commission Act authorizes this information collection for purposes of managing online comments. Comments and user names are part of the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) public records system, and user names also are part of the FTC’s computer user records system. We may routinely use these records as described in the FTC’s Privacy Act system notices. For more information on how the FTC handles information that we collect, please read our privacy policy.

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.
  • We won’t post comments that include vulgar messages, personal attacks by name, or offensive terms that target specific people or groups.
  • We won’t post threats, defamatory statements, or suggestions or encouragement of illegal activity.
  • We won’t post comments that include personal information, like Social Security numbers, account numbers, home addresses, and email addresses. To file a detailed report about a scam, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

We don't edit comments to remove objectionable content, so please ensure that your comment contains none of the above. The comments posted on this blog become part of the public domain. To protect your privacy and the privacy of other people, please do not include personal information. Opinions in comments that appear in this blog belong to the individuals who expressed them. They do not belong to or represent views of the Federal Trade Commission.

Isabel
February 11, 2019

In reply to by anilmd

Me too!!! For my Moon Palace membership in Cancun. Is the guy from Events&Promotions is a Mark Miller? and title company is Title Services Holding Inc by a Andrea White? So far they send a proposal, contract and an email to verify that the membership is paid off by me. They say that they will send the funds (didn’t say how) but that I will get the money first and then have 3 days to sign over the membership. What would be the best and most secure way for me to receive the funds? Cashier check, direct bank deposit or to my credit card directly? Already told Mark that I’m not sending any funds in advance for no reasons. Will see what follows.... Also they gave me an April 2019 date for closing.
tony
March 14, 2019

In reply to by Isabel

i was also contacted by Events & promotions LLC. they sent me a contract, seems ok but hard to believe. has anyone actually received money from these people??
Texaszx7rr
April 15, 2019

In reply to by Isabel

I was also contacted by events and promotions with a May closing date. Has anyone actually received payment from them? I find it hard to believe??? Please let us know!!
LDJ
February 11, 2019

In reply to by anilmd

I have also been contacted by Events & Pomotions LLC and they transferred our contract to Title Services Holdings Inc. All the companies seems legit and they are not asking for any money upfront. What happened when you asked them about the certified check for your deposit?
LDJ
February 15, 2019

In reply to by anilmd

I was also contacted by Events and Promotions LLC. It is a scam. They sent us a contract that was transferred to Title Services Holdings Inc. as well. We contacted the resort where we have our timeshare and they assured us this is a scam and not to deal with these people. If you Google the address of Events and Promotions LLC on your contract it doesn't exist. This deal is definitely too good to be true. They wanted to pay us three times what we paid for our timeshare - major red flag. Do not ever give out your membership number. They wanted us to send them a copy of our timeshare agreement that has all of our personal data and membership details on it to prove we own it. Another major red flag. Don't ever give out this information.
curious
February 20, 2019

In reply to by Once bitten

I was also approached by Events & Promotions. My research revealed the same--no scams or complaints. Did you ever experience any result from them...good or bad?
shameonme
January 28, 2019
thanks for the heads up regarding Master International 1090 3rd Ave. Suite 9B New York we have been communicating for the last 5 months, they keep asking for $4465.00 to cover Legal & Recording Fees???? Can hardly wait for their next call, told them my lawyer is looking after this request. I will get everyone in the loop.
shameonme
February 06, 2019

In reply to by shameonme

I got a call from their legal person said I was in breach of my contract and he will sue if I did not pay the legal & recording fee . Still not sure if a scam is afoot. Called my lawyer to handle this person. I will keep everyone in the loop
JCV
January 29, 2019
We have been contacted by Agoda to buy our timeshare in Cabo for $86,000+. We said we were not interested because we have been contacted by so many scammers. They assure us they are not a scam and will never ask us for money to complete the deal, saying they get a 3% commission at the end of the sale. They said to contact our lawyer and/or the resort if we were concerned. So far all I can find on Agoda is the are a travel agency with Priceline. Are they a scam?
EAL
March 16, 2019

In reply to by JCV

I have also been contacted by Agoda (not sure if it is the real Agoda) to sell my Pueblo Bonito Contract. From the process document they sent me, they also state a wire transfer of funds to me would happen first, even before signing final contract transfer documents and paying their commission. I am assuming this has to be a scam. Who will pay before have a signed contract, why don't they deduct any commission, doesn't Mexico use title companies? Oddly when we purchased no title company was involved. I am tempted to fill out the initial form for which I would provide them a bank account to wire funds into (it wouldn't have any balance in it) just to see where the scam happens. I assume they will come back to me with some charge to clear up a paperwork issue. I'm amazed at how they had all my contact information.
alla ripoff
January 31, 2019
I am contacted every week by different companies that want to "help me" rent or sell my vacation weeks at Mayan Palace. One of them used a lawyer's name in NY that was valid but he didn't practice in NY anymore and I talked to NY AG who said to stay far away, it is all a scam. Another was based in Colorado and their agent was located in Fargo, ND. I have a brother-in-law in Fargo and when he went to the address he found a PO box, nobody was ever at the address and the lady from building say to stay away. I sent the info to ND AG fraud department and they say it is a different name every week. If you get call, believe it is a rip off and stay away, far away.
Kaycee
June 13, 2019

In reply to by alla ripoff

Same thing it was Global Business Consultants in NY that wanted to buy my weeks for Mayan Palace in Puerto Vallarta as well. Offering me way more than I paid
Carrie
September 22, 2020

In reply to by alla ripoff

Was this lawyer named Jack Aini? Did he claim to be with NY Simply Real Estate for your Grand Mayan?
Don Watkins
February 06, 2019
Have you ever heard of Wiggens Family Holdings LLC?
BGK
February 08, 2019
Has anybody been called by Realty Network Inc out of Boston and working with Escrow Realty LLC. These people never give up. They gave us license numbers for both companies but their phones are not showing registrants. They are asking for $5000 to be wired to Mexico (because of Mexican timeshare laws). I lived in Mexico for 5 years and no such law exists. Do not fall for any of these thieving Mexican timeshare resellers. They are all cons. Report to the State Attorney General office.
Andy L
February 12, 2019
I got 2 phone calls and then an email and said they would like to buy my timeshare at $33000! I bought it 10 years ago only worth $18000 US. A guy called again and said he has a buyer for my timeshare. Then I go online and see this article! Thanks and I will ask them to find a real job instead of scam people!
john
February 13, 2019
been contacted by trust holdings llc they want to buy my timeshare are they legit
robinia
February 13, 2019
Does anyone know anything about Colorado Acquisitions Partners, LLC? They are out of Lakewood, CO
Don't use your…
April 01, 2019

In reply to by robinia

We have been contacted by Colorado Acquisitions Partners. Seems like a scam. We sent them nothing. The stated our resort is undergoing a hostile takeover.....
JLB
February 04, 2021

In reply to by Don't use your…

That's who have contacted us and after doing research, they looked like a legit company. But now they are wanting us to pay a 'fee' as the Mexican government requests that the money come from us instead of deducted from the money we were going to sell it for. Now they say they are turning us over to their legal department.
AMB
February 19, 2021

In reply to by JLB

I have the same problem with Continuum in CO. I have sent them a great deal of money to do business in Mexico. Now they want more I there no end to this and is it a scam? They seamed like a reputable co until they kept asking for more money and would not came up with a way for it to get paid without digging deeper into my pocket
eh
April 06, 2019

In reply to by robinia

I was contacted by them and they sent me a "letter of intent" for 4 times what we paid for our timeshare (UVC International Cabo). I'm glad I am reading all of these. I would love to know what others have experienced.
Lcm
February 26, 2019
I was contacted by Events and Promotions, LLC about selling 10 week of my palace resort membership. It has now been passed to Title holdings, inc. Both have very good looking websites. They look legit. They have not asked for my membership number, personal information, or any money upfront. They have not asked for my membership paperwork either. The price is about half of what I paid for the total membership. Also I found it odd that the contract they sent me says moon palace resort membership which isn't exactly what my membership is. This is too good to be true. I really wanted to believe it. Fake like an online dating profile. I'm glad I found this before I went any further.
mseasternair
February 27, 2019
has anyone been contacted by top-travel" with an offer to buy your time share? are they legit?
DNA Homes
February 28, 2019
Has anyone dealt with Property Owl? I have been contacted to sell our Cabos Resort and everything looks legit. They have an Escrow company called American Corporation of Finance to handle the closing and money transfer. The bank being used is Citibanamex. Am I missing something?
goatfarmer
April 01, 2019

In reply to by DNA Homes

Property Owl has complaints lodged against them in the New York Attorney Generals office. You can file a FOIL request with them to get info takes about a month.
MsM
March 01, 2019
Royal Group International, LLC in Chicago. PV Mexico mayan property. Any experience with this company, also Santander Bank involved.
HAI
March 18, 2019

In reply to by MsM

has anyone been approached by center point advisors? a so called CEO named Robert Chapman? with an address in Chicago?? He says he has a "buyer" in Mexico and his firm does not normally purchase timeshares but they are "willing" to help out....
Ann
December 03, 2019

In reply to by Amy

Yes, I have been contacted by them also. Too good to be true unfortunately but I couldn't resist doing some research because it would be so nice!
randyBDon't us…
April 01, 2019

In reply to by HAI

I was contacted by mr chapman and center-point advisors...same spill...am researching now...what has transpired with your offer?
Susan S
April 05, 2019

In reply to by HAI

I have been contacted by Center Point Advisors to buy my timeshare in Cabo. Is this a scam?
Mike R
April 26, 2019

In reply to by HAI

I was contacted by Centerpoint Advisors to buy my Mexico timeshare. I went to their offices and spoke with Robert Chapman who seems to be in charge of this "project" for the company. They gave me a contract to review and I'm going to have my attorney look at it. We'll see how that goes.
Don't use your…
May 17, 2019

In reply to by Mike R

Mike, have you gotten any updates on Centerpoint?
Zach R.
May 17, 2019

In reply to by Mike R

Would like to know what you ended up finding out about the contract after your attorney took a look at it, did you go for it?
Canadian owner
September 25, 2019

In reply to by Zach R.

I was contacted first by a "real estate" firm with "Mexican Nationals-- a few families" who want to buy up some executive residence club properties in Mexico. Then, I was contacted by a Mexican lawyer. I researched scams, BBB, and relatives from Chicago. The two things that led me to push on were: a. the price was in the range of what it was valued when I had it appraised last year b. I saw a booth for Center Point- out of Chicago at a county fair and spoke to them Next, I got a call/many from Robert Chapman, also saying he doesn't usually perform this intermediary task and that is why he was not super selling like scam artists. I continued to research frauds, scams, backgrounds. He went as far as to align with me about my cancer and his dad who had cancer! All along no money was requested up front so i played on. I set up a meeting with Robert and my/ real estate lawyer. That day, Robert made a big stink about producing the final document for signage. Now, there were red flags such as: Robert signed as buyer, there was no closing date, lots of fees totalling about 6K USD were now due up front paid to and through Sandander Bank in concert with a title company, I could not verify the lawyer office in Mexico City, etc. And, if the buyer pulled out, I was to reap 50% of the agreed purchase price. once i asked questions about capital gains and so on, he said he once reduced the up front fee to about 2K for a woman with bad health. He kept harping that the final fee could not be waived because it was imposed by the Mexican government to prevent fraud since the time share industry in Mexico isn't regulated and there were fraudsters! the "notataria" was mandated. He was never mean not pushy and I didn't budge. Too bad...it would have been a nice windfall. So please be careful and thanks to all who posted above to help me keep a clear head.
joep2887
June 05, 2019

In reply to by Mike R

How did that end up going? We were contacted by Robert Chapman as well and are in process. We have been surprised with having to pay capital gains tax to Mexico now. Really not wanting to proceed at all.
Bill
June 05, 2019

In reply to by Mike R

Center-point, Robert Chapman or Joesph Wolff require money upfront to "release" the funds...
Don't use your
June 20, 2019

In reply to by Mike R

Hi mike, can you give us an update about your case
Ann M
July 02, 2019

In reply to by Mike R

Mike - I was contacted by Center-Point also. I had to push to get info on what costs to expect and how the transaction would be conducted. Still not sure, but seems to add up and haven't heard anything about taxation in Mexico. Was wondering if your attorney was able to determine if this is a legitimate offer.
Tony
June 05, 2019

In reply to by HAI

CPA seems like a scam. They want money upfront. The business address is a share space not a real office. Has anyone moved forward with Robert or CPA? There is another business called Center Point and the CEO is named Robert Chapman... seems fishy
ddbranden
June 10, 2019

In reply to by HAI

Has anybody had a completed transaction with Center-point and Robert Chapman? They took us for almost $2500 and want the capital gains. Now the will settle for $1000 for a Mexican tax ID, to move forward.
trigirl
June 28, 2019

In reply to by ddbranden

Curious if you moved forward or completed your transaction? Joseph with Center-Point called me as well and as soon as I started asking questions, he put me in touch with Robert Chapman as well. It all sounds the same and claimed he couldn't just take the money owed from the proceeds, had to go through title. I'm very leery after seeing yours and others reports so likely will not move forward unless someone can verify if they actually completed their process and came out the other end ok.
thetacgroup
July 13, 2019

In reply to by ddbranden

Someone claiming to be from Center Point Advisors (Victor), kept contacting me (probably 10- 12 times), leaving voicemails on my cell. My wife and I finally called the number that he provided and was deferred to Mr. Robert Chapman who my wife spoke with for maybe 30-40 mins. He said an investor was interested in our PV, Mexico resort membership and will offer top $$$. He also went on to say that the only fee we would incur is for preparation, transaction, legal fees, etc.. which would be $1500-$2000. We were then sent an offer to purchase via e-mail. The offer was $41,000 USD for a membership we paid $23,000 3 years ago. The offer letter looked legit. We also googled CPA and they appear to be a legit company based in Chicago, IL. We then replied back and told them that we wanted to counter because the details on the resort points were not accurate. We didn't tell them our counter offer amount but they came back at $48,000 USD. Wow! we were pretty excited and looked too good to be true. We then Googled CPA Time Share Resort scams and that's where we came across these comment threads. A SCAM in the making we would assume?
Bigrig
June 05, 2019
I just received my offer from Ava at CBM. I think this is a scam. This is the contents of the email. Mr. and Mrs. Xxxxxx, Attached you will find the resale offer we spoke about in our phone call. Please review it, and if you wish to pursue it, we kindly ask you to sign or initial it and send it back to us. If you have questions or require any further information do not hesitate to contact us at the information listed below. We will gladly assist you, our business hours are Monday through Friday between 8:00 am to 5:00 pm MT. Thank you and have a great day. Kind Regards, Ava Miller Capital Management Business Consultants 102 S. Tejon St. Suite 1100, Colorado Springs, CO. 80903 Direct Line: 1 (719) 428 3080 Toll-Free: 866 978 5781 Fax: (719) 960 2588 Email: contact @ businesscapital management. com business capital management. com
DenverDD
March 07, 2019
Smart Advantage Group is a scam. Did not get taken but want to get the word out there.
IcemanGirl
March 07, 2019
I’ve been contacted by Detecta Hotels inquiring about p my timeshare. Does anyone know about this company?
dontdoit
March 13, 2019
Seems like no one has completed any deals. SCAMS!!!!!
Darren
March 14, 2019
Got a call from a company called A&T Real Estate . They appear to have a legitimate website and offered me more than twice what I paid for the Iberostar vacation club. Since I work in IT and don't trust anyone I looked up their company registration on the illinois registry and using google maps the business tracks back to a residential house in Elgin Illinois. Also did a search on linkedin for employees of A&T Real Estate - does not exist. Also looked up domain registration and it comes back to servers in Mexico. ONE THING TO BE AWARE OF IS THIS LOOKS LEGITIMATE ON THE SURFACE. They have people answering the phones with Chicago area codes, the buildings address which is 605 Michigan Avenue does have a 4th floor and the website looks legit to a novice. They are also taking their time and not trying to close in one call. First I was contacted by a rep explaining that they wanted to possibly make me an offer and a Sr. Project Manager would follow up with an offer. The Sr. Project manager called and said he would email the details which I have not received yet. They have not gotten to the part where they want me to put up some money for some made up excuse yet - but I am sure it is coming.
Return to top