Consumer Alert
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
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 Here's another scam timeshare by lwatts
Please report this to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. The information you give goes into a database that's used by law enforcement nationwide for investigations.
Blog comments don't go into the database.
In reply to Has anyone heard of Westport by sdost77
In reply to I'm I retested to know as by ladyhana
In reply to Has anyone heard of Westport by sdost77
In reply to Has anyone heard of Westport by sdost77
Has anyone heard of a company out of Chicago IL, called vacation connections LLC.
Nicole Jones Administrative Assistant Vacation Connections LLC. 55 E. Monroe, Suite 3800 Chicago, IL 60641 Office: (312)248-7959 Fax: (312)661-5170 has emailed me what seems in my opinion something to good to be true.
They want to buy my timeshare at what seems to a great price, but they want 6% closing cost etc. My gut tells me SCAM!!! who out there has had the same experience and went through the process with this company. Just don't want to be dragged down the rabbit hole by scammer's.
In reply to Has anyone heard of a company by dtieman
This FTC article has more about buying and selling a timeshare.
You can check the company with state and local consumer protection agencies.
In reply to Watch out for Travel by Joseph S
In reply to Watch out for Travel by Joseph S
I think I may have been scammed in a big way. I was contacted by a John Miller of Westwood Benson Brokers who indicated he had a buyer for my timeshare in Mexico. I signed a contract and was put into contact with a Simon Silvestri of U.S. Federal Holdings in San Antonio who functioned as the escrow company. I have wired approx. $17K to Scotia Bank in Guadalajara. Now no response from either Westwood. I could use any advice on what to do next other than kick myself repeatedly for being so dense. Brokers or U.S. Federal Holdings.
In reply to I think I may have been by Fritz
This FTC article about timeshares and vacation plans has more information about buying and selling.
You can contact the state Attorney General and local consumer protection agencies in the state where the reseller is located.
Please report your experience to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. The information you give will go into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations.
In reply to Does anyone know Ace Travel by Be Alert
In reply to I received a call from by outofmoney
Please report this to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. Law enforcement can use the details you provide in investigations.
You can also report to your state Attorney General’s office.
In reply to Please report this to the FTC by FTC Staff
In reply to Does one have to actually by jimori
You can report a scam, possible scam or problem any time - even if you didn't lose money. The information you give goes into a secure database that law enforcement uses for investigations. Report at FTC.gov/complaint.
The latest one is:
CORPORATE BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL 1612 STOUT ST. DENVER,CO 80202 tel. (720) 726-9767
Similar to above. Offering more than 2x paid. They want money up front. I paid some and then they came back and asked for more. They use Mexico to further confuse it. They also provided a "reference". I should have known better. BEWARE. Don't let it happen to you.
In reply to The latest one is: by Don't Do It
If you spot a scam, please report to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. The details you give will go into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations.
Blog comments don't go into the database.
In reply to I received a letter from US by savrina
Before you give any money or personal information, read about buying and selling a timeshare, and look at the infographic to see how timeshare resale scams typically work.
In reply to I sent money to Premium by mark t.
If you spot a scam, please report it to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. The information you give will go into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations.
Blog comments don't go into the database.
In reply to We are being pursued by a by mimmssey1
Scam artists buy and sell lists with the names of people who lost money to fraudulent promotions, then call and promise to recover the money you lost, if you pay a fee in advance. That's against the law. Under the Telemarketing Sales Rule, they cannot ask for, or accept, payment until seven business days after they deliver the money or other item they recovered to you.This FTC article has more about refund and recovery scams.
US Federal government websites will end with '.gov'. You said the email came from a '.com' address. That is not a government address.
In reply to I did get scammed for $2500 I by JP
Thank you for sharing your story. These are very useful details for a complaint. Please report this to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. The details you give will go into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations.
Blog comments don't go into the database.
In reply to Has anyone had dealings with by Diligent
This FTC article about timeshares and vacation properties has tips to help you spot a scam. For example:
Same company selling the same line to me... Realty 21. Planning on playing along until they want a shiny new penny and then going into a tirade of sorts you wouldn't want your child to hear. Keep me updated.
Hi, Has anyone heard of Liberty Interactive Solutions? A family member of mine is currently thru process of selling timeshare in Mx and after telling me about all the money he has provided up front and now more is being requested, I decided to get involved and have a very bad feeling! Thanks for all of the tips in prior messages-very helpful.