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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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JEP
July 17, 2019
I wish I’d read these comments a couple of months ago!! We were contacted by Universal Real Estate Brokerage in New York who said they had a buyer for our RCI points/timeshare in Cancun, Mexico. The offer was generous - about $24,000 US for our remaining 84 nights with a closing date of July 5. They asked for an upfront payment and then another for the Mexican registration and additional “taxes”, totaling about $5,000 and each time sent us “proof” of escrow funds that would reimburse us for these payments. A third request came last week for an additional $5,000 by the time we figured out it must be a hoax. Lots of theatrics and threats from these people and they finally “cancelled” their client’s generous offer on Monday. We are out over $5,000 and received a note from their legal department on Monday threatening legal action if we don’t pay a commission to the intern who was the go between. Still exploring all avenues to get some of these funds back and will contact BBB for sure.
krang
July 17, 2019
I've rec'd an offer from TripHedge from Mexico and acting attorney Karen L. Anderson from Houston TX. Has anyone dealt or heard of them? Are they legit?
rokelley
July 29, 2019

In reply to by krang

I too, got a call and an email from TripHedge. Trying to determine if they are legit. They sent an estimated offer based on my vacation points on the contract. Now they are looking for more information before working a final offer. Here are the terms and conditions shown on their initial offer: "The purpose that this letter of intent serves is to present to you an estimated offer for your membership. This letter of intent offers to purchase the subject property in accordance with the following terms and conditions: * This letter of intent is only for our company's internal purposes and is a non-binding document. * Both seller and buyer are in terms of agreement of the purchase price for the above described membership. * By signing this document is not waving / loosing/ sharing / any privileges or rights of his/her contract." The spelling on that last bullet is exactly as in the letter. I'm always wary when a somewhat official document has misspelled words. Anyone had any experience with TripHedge in this regard?
Kristina
July 30, 2019

In reply to by krang

I also go a call from TripHedge. I can’t find anything on them except a website for travel. The guy who called me said he they will buy my timeshare in Mexico then upgrade it and rent it out. Has anyone had any experience with them?
Sandy
August 01, 2019

In reply to by krang

I also received any offer from TripHedge from Mexico, haven't gone as far sending them anything but says they want an 8% commission which is paid at the back end. Did you find anything out about them?
Rocky
August 05, 2019

In reply to by krang

We've been contacted by TripHedge as well. There is no specific name or license number. They have several Mexican addresses on their website. Not sure if they are legit, anyone dealt with them?
Jacksonparadise
August 21, 2019

In reply to by Rocky

We have been contacted by TripHedge as well. They are offering a lot for our time share.. I can’t find much information about them. If you or anyone else does please let me know.
stagger
August 29, 2019

In reply to by Rocky

I have also been contacted by TripHedge and they sent me an offer, and requesting a copy of my contract to complete the process. They claim that they only require an 8% commission after the payment has been made. It sounds too good to be true ... was just wondering if anyone has actually successfully completed this process?
Blue
September 04, 2019

In reply to by Rocky

What ever came of your dealings with TripHedge? I am knee deep in the process and have been asked to pay a fee at customs to finally get my money but just not sure if it's good money after bad!
newbo
August 07, 2019

In reply to by krang

I've also been contacted by TripHEdge and they offered me 21K for a timeshare I paid 15K for. They said to send a copy of my contract in and that I would receive a check, and only after I receive this check that I would pay an 8% com. fee. How far did you proceed with them? I want out of my timeshare but obviously don't want to be ripped off either!
Hyde
August 16, 2019

In reply to by krang

I have recently been contacted my TripHedge. They sent over a $35,000 offer and request for us to send our vacation contract. It’s not the first company out of Mexico and it just doesn’t sound or feel right. I’m stringing them stringing them along but I’m not signing anything.
mauricio26
August 21, 2019

In reply to by krang

i have a meeting set with Karen L Anderson tomorrow to find out if they are legit or not
Carolyn
September 04, 2019

In reply to by mauricio26

Hi there, what did you find out? I have also been dealing with TripHedge and Karen L Anderson out of Houston TX.
stagger
September 23, 2019

In reply to by Carolyn

I also just got the offer letter and contact from Karen L Anderson. Why is it so difficult to see one good testimony that someone successfully completed a transaction with TripHedge without any issues?
NM
September 24, 2019

In reply to by stagger

what did you find out- I received the same offer and both companies with Karen as the attorney....any news?
Suspicious in Canada
September 30, 2019

In reply to by stagger

I have also received a purchase agreement from Karen L. Anderson and TripHedge. Has anyone actually closed a deal with these people?
Pissed_User
November 07, 2019

In reply to by Suspicious in Canada

Beware!! .... I went through the process with Trip Hedge and Karen Anderson. Initially they requested $2500 for notary fees, and later the attorney said she found a cheaper one for $1100, with a guarantee that I will get the money back within 48 hours. Even said trip hedge has sent a check to cover the fee. They sent me a guarantee/passport photo of the attorney. So, I obliged thinking it was the end of the story!!. After that, they now called and said that the money has been wired but I have to pay over 12K in taxes, before they can release it. I asked them why they did not tell me about these taxes upfront ... and they told me it was their first time!!. Heck No!!. Now, the attorney has refused to refund the notary $1100 .. I am seeking remedies. Please Beware!!
dodar
September 05, 2019

In reply to by mauricio26

What was the result of the meeting? They are asking me for $3500.00 to acquire an international transaction.
Scammed
October 12, 2019

In reply to by mauricio26

Sent 2500.00 to JP Morgan Chase Bank Trip Hedge time share now they want 8200.00 capital gains . Did you find out if Karen L Anderson is legit
Suspicious in Canada
August 30, 2019

In reply to by krang

we got the same exact attorney listed on some paperwork from triphedge ... we can't track down a lawyer by this name in houston with an actual phone number or practice address ... still looking
Florida Couple
July 17, 2019
Does anyone have information on MB Real Estate in NYC or Transaction Real Estate in Spring, TX? The former wants to rent 10 wks on the back end of our Grand Luxxe and the latter wants to buy 2 wks this year. MB wants a $6000 license fee up front. Transaction wants the 2 wks maintenance fee paid up front. Both say we will be reimbursed at settlement. I haven’t found anything specifically bad about either, but we’re still nervous about proceeding.
Jc
October 03, 2019

In reply to by Florida Couple

Did you end up using transaction real estate? They are contacting me.
JAB
July 23, 2019
Anyone hear of Rocky Mountain Equity out of Denver? They are saying that they represent a real estate investor who is looking to accumulate time share memberships as an investment. They are offering a buy price of about 2x what i paid for it. Googled their address and it shows a 2 story apartment building. Hardly a place for a real estate investment company.
DonRandroid't …
July 23, 2019
There is a company claiming to be able to sell a timeshare with no fees until you are able to get a buyer from emails that they have sent out. The name of this company is CFTSales.com I am not sure but I suspect this is a scam operation. I received a bunch of emails from people telling me that they were not interested in buying a timeshare. But eventually someone is claiming to be interested. If I do not get a contract in writing then I know CFTSales is another scam.
Berta
July 24, 2019
We were contacted by clear trip to purchase our timeshare type of package we have. Is this a scam? The want no money up front at all, just take a small portion once sold.
It is a Scammer
September 06, 2019

In reply to by Berta

It is a SCAM. They will send a fake check that will eventually bounce. Your bank will take back the entire amount plus their fee for a bounced deposit. Cleartrip will ask for a fee once the transaction supposedly goes through, but before the check bounces. They could easily get the fake buyer to pay their fee, but since they are a scam, they want your money.
Adele
September 09, 2019

In reply to by Berta

I think it is a scam. I was also contacted and they wanted my timeshare. Price was great. Then they said I would have to deal with their lawyer John Green Law Firm. They sent me paperwork and had to get approval from the timeshare company. They wanted me to wire funds for a "transfer fee" They had the timeshare company's logo on the letterhead. Everything looked legit. The bank rejected my wire transfer as the recipient came up as "a scam". I then called the so called law firm and the lawyer who said he worked for the firm was quite belligerent and said he would not deal with me. So A SCAM!!!!
Rockie
July 27, 2019
I got a call from Premier Vacations to sell my time share as it is listed and I got a contract and everything. They even checked out on the internet and stated the closing company required a fee to start the paperwork. I sent them a small fee and then they came back with another fee charge and even emailed me a Fedex shipping label to track my check from them for the purchase. When I tried to track the package it did not exist and when I told them I was not giving them another dime they kept calling me to pay the fee. I tried to call them a few days later and the number was not in operation and their website was taken down. It was either the actual real company or someone using their name but the attorney general I contacted will let me know. Beware of anything with Premier Vacation in the name.
DV
August 02, 2019
Has anyone been approached by TripHedge to purchase their membership? Are they legit or fraud?
Frombc
August 05, 2019

In reply to by DV

Yes I was approached from TripHedge August 3 Can not find anything out, their offer too good
txfarmgirl
August 05, 2019

In reply to by DV

My husband was contacted by Triphedge. I was contacted by GDS & Pacheco Attorney At Law. Anyone know any info on any of this people? Times share in Cabo & UVC vacation membership. Almost fell into scam with Highlander but when they said we had to go to Mexico City to pay 4K in SAT tax we hung up.
melina247
August 06, 2019

In reply to by DV

Hi I have been contacted by triphedge and I got an offer... they said time share it's not consider a real estate transaction therefore there is no escrow involved... I guess theres an 8% commission and apparently they wire the money... but I dont know if they are legit... I asked them for their lawyers physical address they just provided me with a name a phone number...
txfarmgirl
August 07, 2019

In reply to by melina247

I checked out their attorney, Karen L Anderson in Houston. Texas law info has her as retired & at a different address. I would be very careful. We have bailed on their deal.
DV
August 20, 2019

In reply to by melina247

Melina, any updates? Karen L. Anderson does not have a phone number listed under State Bar of Texas, only address. Although her license is active. Very strange. I will be contacting the State Bar of Texas to see if I can get a phone number or some way to get in touch with her to validate the Purchase Agreement received from Triphedge.
Wilf
August 23, 2019

In reply to by melina247

We were also contacted by triphedge with an offer for our travel vacation opportunities. The offer is 3 times wheat we originally paid. They also had the 8% commission requirements in order for the sale to proceed. Obviously they cant be legit !!!!
Steph
August 29, 2019

In reply to by melina247

I was contacted by triphedge and now they are saying they need $2,500 for an international notary.
Mongoose Man
September 03, 2019

In reply to by melina247

I have been contacted by Trip Hedge. Got a contract and apparently a female lawyer contact in Houston Karen L Anderson. I called. Apparently got her. There is a Karen Anderson registered with the Texas Bar, however the address of business does not match the one they gave for the contract. Today when speaking to Ms. Anderson, she said there were "two Karen Anderson's" and one was retired. Still learning. Pretty sure it's a scam. Not 100% though. I know I would never sign the contract just as is, it's have to have stipulations. I have also called my Time Share company and they said my contract with 4 years left cannot be renewed. Trip Hedge has told me they as Mexicans have capability to open that contract right up and own it as fee less weeks making it valuable. I can't confirm Mexican law on this. If this is true it's worth it. Aside from that, why pay $30,000+ for 4 years of weeks along with 10 yearly fees just to transfer? Anybody else got any news? Any actual sales out there? Anybody get scammed and would like to save us? Thanks
Jay
August 08, 2019

In reply to by DV

I was approached by TripHedge back in June 2019 Monterry. I asked to be taken off the phone list. TripHedge CDMX has been contacting me this month. I have also asked to be taken off the phone list. IT IS A SCAM.
Rams
September 05, 2019

In reply to by DV

Are just got a call today they want to buy my shares that they offered me pretty good money I don't see any bad reviews or any fraud claims but I'm not sure about this I'm scared I never done this before and I don't want to lose my timeshare.
DV
August 02, 2019
Has anyone been contacted by TripHedge to purchase their timeshare package? If so, are they legit or fraudulent?
Baygazer1949
August 03, 2019
I have been approached by Global Business Consultants, 590 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022 with an offer to resell my $29K timeshare ( fully paid for already) for $142,450. I told the man on the phone, Gregg Hayden, that I wasn't interested in selling, but he insisted that they had a buyer. They don't require any upfront fee. Has anyone had any dealing with them? I can't find much about them online at www.global-businessconsultants.com.
Confused in Canada
August 07, 2019
We have been approached by Goldburg Holdings and Trust LLc. and Volaris in Chicago to purchase our El Cid Vacation Club timeshare. They have been relentless with calls and even sent a Purchase Contract. I am skeptical as to how they got my information and to the high offer they are making. Are they a scam??
BAB
February 19, 2020
I continue to receive repeated calls from the telemarketing firm of Precision Reservations Group based out of Oklahoma City, OK. I have repeatedly requested that they remove my number from their calling list and cease all future calls. However, they have not done this. I have filed a complaint with the FCC. For anyone's future reference, the company's information is as follows: Precision Reservations Group 2401 Northwest 23rd Street Suite #80 Oklahoma City, OK 73107 (877) 831-0733 Ext 2 (918) 710-9347
JLV
August 13, 2019
Anyone have any information from GMG Brokers LLC the offer me to buy a resort
Singh
August 14, 2019
Has anyone been contacted from Trifecta LLC / Colorado event planners? I got a call saying they’ll take my weeks for a 7% fee. Is this a scam?
Dlopez
September 04, 2019

In reply to by Singh

Has anyone heard of Colorado event planners, using trifecta title services to use 10 weeks. Is this really a true business arrangement.
PJM
September 11, 2019

In reply to by Dlopez

I was recently contacted. Went as far as getting a contract but it sounds to good to be true. They want 10 weeks of my vacation membership in Cancun. Having second thoughts think it’s a scam!
dg
August 15, 2019
had a company claiming to be with a Stewart law firm out of New York. The law firm is legit but the address is not. They wanted me to pay $3,600 and I would get $36,000
Scammed in Canada
October 04, 2019

In reply to by dg

did you contact the legit law form and get them to investigate their being hacked.