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.

Detecta Hotel …
March 14, 2019
I contacted the main office of El Cid Vacation Resorts where I am a member and they say this company is possibly a scam. I noticed on the offer Detecta Hotels Travels sent me that they do not list their last names, only their last initial. this was a red flag for me. I cannot find a BBB listing for them or their arm Marketing3. I have forwarded the info sent to me to ECVC and they say their lawyers are going to investigate and pursue them if need be.
Rogdelconner
April 05, 2019

In reply to by Detecta Hotel …

We were also contacted this week by DetextaHotel wanting to purchase our Cabo units. Love the offer, however afraid to proceed. If anyone knows if this is legate or scam, would appreciate the feedback.
SK
March 18, 2019
I am being called by Rocky Mountain Equity, making similar offers as the comments above. Are they also scam artists?
Disappointed
March 21, 2019
Has anyone got a call from BNB LLC International and Call C.W Escrow? Went through all the paperwork to find that they wanted us to wire $2,150 to Mexico for the Tax ID and Naturalization fees. My husband was super mad about the last minute fees. I am so glad I read all your reviews to no that its a full on scam. Wish I had done the research first hand. I even tried to call the bank on the forms they gave me and it said the call couldnt go through.
Disappointed 2
March 28, 2019

In reply to by Disappointed

Dealt with the very same thing, same companies, seemed legit but pretty sure after reading things here it was all a scam. Lynn McKnight and Anthony Richards were the people I dealt with
Almost got me!
March 26, 2019
I was just told that tomorrow I needed to wire 5k to Mexico. Worked with Real Estate Properties Management and HH Processing LLC. As soon as he told me I need to wire money I asked about 4 times where the payment was coming from. My wife said at least look them up on BBB. Here I am with all of you. I just saved 5k. Thanks, everyone, for your stories.
Grande Sol Mar
March 26, 2019
I'm am currently in negotiations with Master International and after reading this starting to reaffirm for me that is a big time scam. AMF
Layton
March 27, 2019
I have been contacted by DGI Title & Holdings LLC of Marietta, Georgia. Did anyone hear of them? Is there any legitimate reseller of timeshares?
Jackiefit7
March 30, 2019
I have been trying to get rid of my Westgate resorts timeshare in Orlando Florida for some time now. I wrote to the company and asked if they would assist me, they indicated that they don't do buy backs. That was the end of their side. I refused to continue paying the maintenance fee. I am have collections sending me mails that I have over than $5000.00 owed to this company. I have recently bought into Vidanta and they referred me to a resale company. I was contacted and paid 4000. up front. I tried to stop payment and they told me that the fees are non refundable. Does anyone know where I should go from here. Thank you.
Travelingt
April 06, 2019
I got a call from International Real Estate Group with offer to buy. Said it would go through an Escrow company call North American Escrow and Title out of New York. I asked for both of there license numbers and were provided. They have not asked for anything up front and now have money in my Escrow account. But can’t take out until I agree on sales contract and setup a FBAR. They say I will not pay the 5% commission until I receive the money. Anyone seen this? Is it legit?
Curious
April 17, 2019

In reply to by Travelingt

I am dealing with the same company with the same scenario. Wanting to know if anyone has dealt with this company too.
Max Rivera
April 25, 2019

In reply to by Curious

I HAVE SAME TREATMENT BUT WHAT THEY ARE COMMENTING IS THAT, FIRST, I MUST PAY TO A CORPORATE SUPPOSED THE COST OF TIME SHARED. THAT BY TAX MATTER TO INVOICE BETWEEN THE CLIENT AND THEM. I OFFER DIRECT BILLING AND I PAY TO THE HOTEL BUT DO NOT WANT THAT WAY, IN THEORY IT IS THE SAME SCENE I HAVE MY MONEY IN AN ACCOUNT WAITING FOR PAYMENT AND TRANSFER
Soofnet1
April 26, 2019

In reply to by Travelingt

I have the same offer. Did it workout for you?
SkepticalMe
April 26, 2019

In reply to by Travelingt

I have been having the same discussion. I am extremely skeptical and have been researching like crazy! I searched their website on a scam site and they are considered safe but very new. Phone numbers are virtual and I even supposedly got a review from a previous customer but that number was also virtual and the background noise sounded the same as when I speak to the brokers. Many of properties listed on their site have already been sold. One was used quite a bit "how to" guides. I also received their license number but their is also another company by the same name. I could not find Jonathan's nor the other brokers license searching by name either. Something just doesn't feel right for me so I think it may be best to pass. Too good to be true!
Distimeshare
May 11, 2019

In reply to by Travelingt

I was called by the same company. Sounded legit. We signed contract. Then they sent documents showing we had to get a tax number from Mexico. We did that. We ended up paying Around $3000. We got a legit looking document from Mexico. Now they re asking for over $5000 in tax money before we can get money all has to be wired to Mexican Attorney. . We refused to send anymore money. We said to take out of money’s owed to us. They said can’t do that. Now they are threatening to sue us if we don’t pay them another $1500 fees ( their 5%) to them for canceling agreement. The title company document they send is North American Title & Escrow. When you call the number on document it is another name. I looked up International on BBB and there has been a new report that they are not located at the address they advertise and mail has been returned to ups that had their name and address. Not at that address. We believe now that it is a scam.
estein
February 05, 2020

In reply to by Distimeshare

I have the same experience. What did you do and what has happened since
NeedsAnswers
May 16, 2019

In reply to by Travelingt

Hi, We were contacted by Universal Real Estate Brokerage. The same process as yours where no money need from us. They will put the payment in escrow account before we sign the sales agreement. We were just given a proposal but I am very skeptical. Are you still having this transaction with the broker that contacted you? The one who reached out to us is based in New York. Is this a scam? I would really appreciate your response. Thank you!
AngryDupe
May 20, 2019

In reply to by Travelingt

It is a SCAM. They give you a carrot --- paperwork showing your escrow account--- to get you to feel good about wiring them money. This is how it all starts. If you wire money, it becomes a GIFT. You cannot get it back. Did you check out the Better Business Bureau on these companies?
cebernal
June 13, 2019

In reply to by Travelingt

I had the very same offer but from a company called "Real Estate Hotel Inc." I'm skeptical to proceed. Have you had any updates on your deal?
Afraidofscams
April 09, 2019
Has anyone been contacted by Paradise Vacation Luxury Properties?
regina
May 13, 2019

In reply to by Afraidofscams

I been contacted by a law firm in New Haven CT and told me that they have all the fun for my time share . but I have to pay the SRE 11k for the transfer of my shre and the client is Private Luxury club concord S.a de C.V just want to see if any other where contacted by this firm
Troy
April 11, 2019
I was also contacted by a&t Real estate. Does seem suspicious. Who would want to buy a useless iberostar membership? From what I can see the form they want me to fill out wants my membership number. Maybe that's what they are trying to get from everyone? Maybe that's why they are not asking for money up front? After asking a few question I got passed off to the supervisor who assured me this is not a scam. Lol Iberostar connected me last year about this very issue and said beware.
JC
June 05, 2019
Any one delt with MORGAN EQUITY PARTNERS LLC in Wisconsin? Agent...Robert E Lee offered to purchase my time share in Mexico.
Ted
June 05, 2019

In reply to by JC

I also received an offer from Morgan Equity Partners LLC in Wisconsin. I have had no luck finding legitimate company information online, including their own website. They refused to provide me with an EIN when I called. I'm calling this a scam.
MJD
November 06, 2019

In reply to by Ted

I AWAS ALSO CONTACTED BY AND RECEIVED AN OFFER FROM ROBERT E LEE OF MORGAN EQUITY PARTNERS LLC in Wisconsin. I have concluded it's a scam. BEWARE!
Max Rivera
June 05, 2019
I was contacted by New York Real State network inc. with a great offer for my timeshare, they say that the money they have in my name in a wells fargo account, I do not know everything is so planned that for a moment I thought it could be real. It's something very promising I live in Mexico and they are now trying to cheat. what can be done so that these people do not do their business they call me from newyork realestate networkinc. com international holding groupllc. com
Alex Caicedo
June 05, 2019
I ws contacted yesterday ( 5/1/19) regarding selling my UVC (unlimited vacations club) membership to BMP reality Holdings; the address in the "appraisal format" is below; they offered me a decent amount of money for the UVC contract, i am thinking it is too good to be true. does anybody know about this company? MAIL: info@ bmerealt yholdings. com 235 PEACHTREE ST. NE. ATLANTA, GA 30303, EE. UU. TEL. (+1) 470-800-7076
SUpermanon
May 03, 2019
Travel Guru are constantly calling me with offers to buy my timeshare. Anyone else getting these calls?
Adigun1963
May 22, 2019

In reply to by SUpermanon

They called me too. I think they are scammers. I was called about my UVC resort membership
Mikeg
May 06, 2019
Has anyone had a good experience with Alta Vista Realty Inc in Chicago.?
Tonystark
May 07, 2019
I just contacted by San Diego Dynamics. I don’t know about this.
hblakley138
May 07, 2019
Are there lawyers who will get your money back from these stealing companies? Especially the ones you pay $1500 for an its been over a year and nothing. Please give me some contact information if there is!!!
Distimeshare
May 11, 2019
If this is a repeat, I am sorry. I couldn’t find where my last comment showed upon blog. I have been c0ntacted by International real Estate Investment Group. Using North American Title & escrow. We paid fee to get tax ID in Mexico to sell property. We were told this would cost App $3000 in wire to Mexican Attornwy to sell. The buyer would add this amount to our money’s owed. Now they are saying we owe taxes of $5000 to Mexico. Another wire. We asked them to take out of money’s owed to us and they said they can’t do that. We said we would not wire any more money to Mexico. They said that means we are breaking contract so we need to pay them $1500 (5%) to them. I found a new notice at BBB that they are not t the address as stated on their letters. Mail to them at that address is returned to ups stating they are not located at that address. We refuse to pay fees. They are saying they will take legal action against us.
TXTimeshareOwner
May 12, 2019
We were recently contacted to sell our timeshare weeks through an escrow service called MIT Experts. It looks like a scam to me based upon the other comments I’ve read. Has anyone else been contacted by them?
regina
May 13, 2019
did any body ever made business with this compagny private luxury club concord s.a.de c.v.
src3b
May 15, 2019
I have been contacted by Consolidated Financial Management out of Colorado that a Mr. Aranda wants tp purchase 10 weeks of my timeshare for $28,000. All fees are covered by him and have already been deposited with Northwest Title (Oregon), except now they are saying that I have to wire $4100 to Mexico for the new law that states I can do business in Mexico. They state the law just changed this year. I'm assuming after reading all of your other comments that this is a scam, but advice would be welcome.
lm25
June 13, 2019

In reply to by src3b

I received the same call. Did you get any other information?
GAJR
May 15, 2019
I was scammed by Colorado Acquisitions Partners LLC, Ralph Walker CEO, John Smith Senior Broker, and Edgar Martinez senior Broker; address in Lakewood CO now in Denver--and their Mexican law firm Corporativo Nunez, Guerra, y Associados Jalisco Mexico. They had me pay the following four taxes; capital gains, luxury, timeshare release, and Trump wall--each coming a week after one was paid. All came on SAT (Mex IRS)or their Senado De La Republic stationary. They gave me a guarantee that would cover the costs if the sales money did not arrive 72 hrs after last tax. Well its been 3 weeks and their phones and emails are gone.......
Andy
May 16, 2019
Anyone contacted by Travel Rakuten to purchase timeshare?
andyAK
May 17, 2019

In reply to by Andy

I have been getting calls and an emailed offer from Rakuten travel. It sounds identical to a scam that has been attempted a year or so ago by a different company. I’m playing them along to try and figure out their angle. Pretty sure they aren’t legit.
rryals
September 05, 2019

In reply to by andyAK

How did this turn out with Rakuten Travel? I was contacted today and feel that it is likely a scam. They offered more than twice what we paid for the timeshare at Villa del Palmar.
Adigun1963
May 22, 2019

In reply to by Andy

I just go an email and about 4 calls from Rakuten Travels, I tried to search them online, but I kept getting a Tokyo Japan firm. They offered me $19,600.00 for my resort membership, and the caller promised that I will not pay a dime but only 5%commission after I received my check. He explained that they always buy membership that is short like mine which is only for 5 years and they will convert it to a life time memebership and then rented to others for profit. I told the guy I wanted $25,000.00, he decline that the market value is only $19,600.00. I called them after I couldn't find their website and inquire why, the lady on the other end told me that because they only deal with sales of resorts and that the other website in Tokyo Japan handles other businesses, she was not coherent on her explanation. I am thinking to play along with them but will not like to sign any document that will unknowingly transfer my resort membership to them. How can such a company don't have no website. They are putting a lot of pressure on me.
adgjl12
August 06, 2019

In reply to by Adigun1963

Hello, I have had similar phone calls from the same company. I found a website but it does not seem to be super well kept. Same promises about no up front fees and only having to pay 5% commission after I have received my funds. I have caught a scammer before trying to buy my timeshare, but this one seems different. should I be concerned? They even recommended that I have my own lawyer look at the contract. Not sure who to believe any more but I would love to sell if I could.
Kim
January 09, 2020

In reply to by adgjl12

Hello, Wanted to know what happened with Rakuten travel? They emailed me yesterday and the information I have found on the internet is minimal. Thanks.
kpen859
May 18, 2019
I have been asked to pay for a Mexican ID number and Temporary Nationalization to sell my timeshare in Mexico. It is to be paid to a Mexican Consulate in person in the USA. IS THIS NEEDED?
AngryDupe
May 20, 2019

In reply to by kpen859

No it is not needed. And yes it is a SCAM. Don't do it. If you wire money, it becomes a gift. You will never see it again. Already fell for this scam and even if you signed a "contract," don't let them scare you into paying by threatening a lawsuit. Just tell them no and to "go fish." They don't have a leg to stand on. You will never hear from them again.
mastarsky
May 20, 2019
is there anyone who knows about royal group international llc. out of Chicago? They appear to be high pressure but have not asked for any upfront fees.
Return to top