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.
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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In reply to Just got a new "scam" caller by limonator460
In reply to I received a similar call by KCRealty?
In reply to Has anyone heard of Owners by Grandmarty727
This FTC article has information about buying and selling a timeshare.
In reply to Unlimited Vacation Club: do by UVC Contract
These are useful details for a complaint. Please go to ftc.gov/complaint and report what happened. You can also report this to your State Attorney General's Office and the Attorney General in the state where the scam is based.
In reply to Unlimited Vacation Club: do by UVC Contract
In reply to !!!!!!!!!! These people got by Crisojerez
If you have given your bank account or credit card account number to an untrusted source, contact your bank or credit card company and ask what to do to stop any more withdrawals or charges.
This FTC article has tips on how to handle calls from a company offering to resell your timeshare. You can file complaints with your state Attorney General’s office, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
In reply to Does anyone know of a by amr
If you're thinking of selling a timeshare, take a look at this FTC article for tips on how to handle a call from a company that offers to resell your timeshare.
Don’t agree to anything on the phone or online until you check out a reseller. Contact the state Attorney General and local consumer protection agencies in the state where the reseller is located. Ask if there are complaints on file. You also can search online for complaints; enter the company name and the word "complaints" into your search engine and see what comes up.
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Thank you for sharing this information. Please file a complaint about this misuse of your company name with the Federal Trade Commission, your state Attorney General’s office and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
In reply to Wow, are so many scams out by Wendy
If you're thinking of selling a timeshare, take a look at this FTC article for tips on how to handle a call from a company that offers to resell your timeshare. Be skeptical of a company that wants you to pay fees before you get your money.
Don’t agree to anything on the phone or online until you check out a reseller. Contact the state Attorney General and local consumer protection agencies in the state where the reseller is located. Ask if there are complaints on file. You also can search online for complaints; enter the company name and the word "complaints" into your search engine and see what comes up.
In reply to Wow, are so many scams out by Wendy
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In reply to Scam scam scam: by GP145
To get this information added to the database that law enforcement uses, file a complaint with the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.
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If you're thinking of selling a timeshare, take a look at this FTC article and find tips on how to handle a call from a company offering to resell your timeshare.
In reply to Has anyone heard of Windy by Ham Van
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In reply to AM resorts UVC; scammed by by Kgcolorado
You can report this to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint and to your state Attorney General’s office.
In reply to Received an email from a by Exjefe
Read this article about buying and selling a timeshare, and view our infographic to see how timeshare resale scams typically work.
The article lists agencies you can consult to check out a company.
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