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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.

  • 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.

ctressler
March 11, 2016

In reply to by Bree Z

You can do an online search. Type the company name, or even the website, into a search engine together with the words “review,” “complaint,” or “scam.” See what comes up. Always use more than one source of information. For more tips. Please see the FTC blog post, Might Your Search Yield a Scam?

Jules J
October 14, 2016

In reply to by Bree Z

hi, we are going through some negotiations with LIS where they are having us go around the usual process for our transfer fees (not through the timeshare company, but into escrow in Guadalajara, MX).

Now the 'agent' in Guadalajara has informed us that we must now pay 25% tax on the sales amount to the escrow account before they can immediately reimburse us. We asked why that couldn't just be part of the escrow payout. Some statement about ensuring it wasn't a money laundering operation.

Has the sale you referenced terminated or been completed - how did it work out? Thanks, Jules

klondiker
October 28, 2016

In reply to by Jules J

Hi I have been approached by Liberty Interactive Solutions re purchase of my fractional in Mexico. Has anyone had any dealings with a Robert Edwards of LISÉ
milk4016
March 13, 2016
Vacation Consulting Services is a Scam. Buyer be aware... The Transfer Group LLC is also affiliated. Do not pay them money
Vicki
August 29, 2018

In reply to by milk4016

Vacation Consulting Services, (VCS) after completing the transfer of my timeshare out of my name to a “contract” with Florida Vacation Villa Club, (FVVC) and after paying VCS more than $16,000. has not delivered on their promise to honor that contract. I wanted to continue getting RCI, but without a timeshare “deed”. I have gotten the run-around since last November of 2017, after making monthly, weekly, now daily calls. I was duped by them, into selling my timeshare, by their use of scare tactics, that my grown children would be responsible for increasingly high maintenance fees and be an expensive liability for them from my Trust, when I die. I think it’s elder abuse. I’d like to know if anyone has started a class action law suit against them. If not, I’d like to start one.
FTC Staff
December 04, 2018

In reply to by Vicki

You can report this to the FTC at www.FTC.gov/Complaint. You can also report to your state Attorney General, and to the Attorney General in the state where the business is based.  You can find a list of Attorneys General at www.naag.org.

Tee in CO
March 18, 2016
We were contacted by "Corporate Connections International" outside of Evanston, IL. Their Logo and name VERY similar to another business networking group on LinkedIn- suspicious. Offer is 'too good to be true'. Trying to do my due diligence and appreciate all this advice and cautionary tales.
dietsincanada
March 30, 2016
Add AARROWllc to the list. from new york. 917-338-0311. you would think these guys would change up their shlock. some of the names they use are hilarious. as with anything on the internet these days, do not automatically believe it. and any reputable company does not phone or contact you first. do your research. also probably a good idea to save any emails or written documents for proof of contact in case of identify theft.
BlueSky
March 31, 2016
Anyone had contact with Fractional Property Services?
caboowner
April 07, 2016

Received an offer from Despegar for my timeshare in Cabo $40K. No upfront money. Everything to go through a broker company called Real Estate Brokerage in Colorado. If this is a scam they are getting better at it. They say I don't pay ANY fees. Hmmmm, if it sounds too good to be true, etc..... Anyone gotten a call from Despegar I know they are a real company because they are online and are a travel reservation type company.

DieselDog61
May 05, 2016

In reply to by caboowner

Have you closed or completed your sale or due diligence on this company?
Joyce
April 10, 2016
Has anyone dealt with Timeshare Closing Services Inc. Orlando, Florida in transferring your property?
Joyce
April 10, 2016
Does anyone know what happens when you die and your children will not assume your timeshare?
Scorpio55
April 11, 2016
Has anyone been contacted by Paradise Vacation Rentals in New Orleans LA? They are working with title company Sharpe Closings in Littleton CO We had a broker/title company in our town check out the contract we were sent. They did a check and everything came back legit. However they did ask us to wire money to Mexico. The buyer is supposed to be an executive group from Mexico and all funds are going through Banco del Bajio in Mexico with an intermidiary bank in New York-Standard Chartered Bank. We became suspicious over the wiring of money to Mexico so we checked further. we contacted Better Business Bureaus in Louisiana and Colorado and there were no complaints against either company. We are waiting on a call from our home resort to see if they can tell us of any knowlege of our timeshare being sold. I've not seen this particular name show up and can not find any complaints on them. Thought I would just ask if anyone else has dealt with them or been contacted by them
FTC Staff
April 12, 2016

In reply to by Scorpio55

This FTC article about timeshares and vacation plans has a list of things to check before you resell a timeshare. For example:

Don’t agree to anything on the phone or online until you’ve had a chance to check out the reseller. Contact the state Attorney General and local consumer protection agencies in the state where the reseller is located. Ask if any complaints are on file. You also can search online for complaints.

Ask if the reseller’s agents are licensed to sell real estate where your timeshare is located. If so, verify it with the state Real Estate Commission. Deal only with licensed real estate brokers and agents, and ask for references from satisfied clients.

too good to be true
April 11, 2016
Anyone have experience with Property Management Interactions? Received a call, and a proffer for time share. No money up front, they are paid 8% commission, money held in an escrow account until sale closed. The amount was close to the retail price of the time share
really too good
January 26, 2017

In reply to by too good to be true

I was wondering if you eventually sold and got the cash. What happened. I'm in the same boat
Nom
April 12, 2016
I've been getting phone calls every couple of weeks lately about wanting to buy my timeshare. I don't own one, and never have.
Lisa W
April 14, 2016

Does anyone know TRAVEL MARKETING WORLD, LLC. working from a Princton NJ address and with Colonial Title in GA? They are asking for a $3,000 Mexican SAT tax to be paid by me (in advance by wire) prior to closing. This sounds fishy... I appreciate guidance

MB
September 13, 2016

In reply to by Lisa W

Fernando Garces supposedly from TRAVEL MARKETING WORLD, LLC called me today. I found out it's a scam, along with COLONIAL TITLE in GEORGIA. I hope the Federal Trade Commission put all of them in jail.
Cricket
April 23, 2016
Has anyone heard of LPA Enterprises. They contend they work with RCI but stuff they are telling my parents doesn't make sense. Thanks
Princess timeshare
April 26, 2016

Anyone heard of Corporate Connections International, Bank One Bldg, 1603 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, web address:             1-847-960-3523??? They are also calling already knowing our timeshare info saying they have corporations that buy for tax write offs, also offering a higher price than we paid, but not asking for a fee yet??? I don't know how anyone can actually take the chance that any of these offers are real!!!

Screw and bar …
April 28, 2016

Universal Reality st. Louis ,Mo. Kyle Fernandez contacted my husband and made offer for our time shares. My husband wire transfered $$. Five different times!!!! To a tune of $72,000!! Needless to say we never got a cent from him. He also used Evans and Moritz Professional Closers Gary Garcia. These guys are cheats and frauds. THEY NEED TO BE REPORTED TO THE FBI!!! Nothing but sweet sounding Mexican guys. WE LOST OUR SAVINGS FROM 32 YRS. Of marriage. Do not give them a.cent.

FTC Staff
April 28, 2016

In reply to by Screw and bar …

You can help law enforcement by reporting what happened. You can:

  • file a complaint with the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint
  • report to your state Attorney General’s office, and the Attorney General in the state where the business operates
  • tell the wire transfer company. Look for their customer service number online, or on your paperwork from the transactions
rosapepe
April 28, 2016
Has anyone sold a membership through Resort Owners Services LLC in Cambridge, Ohio? They offered more than we paid for an Occidental Vacation 1st club membership. We would have to pay an up front fee to their title company to do a title research and settlement and Resort Owners Services will then take 7% of the sale.
Robertd
May 03, 2016
Premium Marketing International based of Orlando, FL is a scam they asked for $2,500 up front to sell my timeshare. Beware they are a scam do not do business with them.
DieselDog61
May 04, 2016
Has anyone heard about Despegar out of Albuquerque New Mexico or Real Estate Brokerage acting as the closing agent. They're not looking for any money from the seller, the buyer pays all the fee's but with all the scams going it's hard to tell between legitimate offers and scams
Review5401
May 12, 2016
PREMIER RENTAL SOLUTIONS IS A SCAM. STAY AWAY FROM THEM AND DO NOT SEND THEM ANY MONEY AS THEY ARE A SCAM COMPANY SET UP TO STEAL YOUR MONEY. THEY ARE CONS WITH A CAPITAL "C". STAY AWAY FROM PREMIER RENTAL SOLUTIONS THEY ARE RUNNING THEIR BUSINESS FROM ANOTHER ADDRESS AND THEY ARE A COMPLETE AND TOTAL SCAM.
Maxell24
May 20, 2016
I've had a ton of these calls in the past offering guaranteed buyers for my vacation club plan. I normally just tell them to get on a plan and bring me the cash and I will gladly sign it over to them and pay whatever I need to pay, needless to say they never come and that normally stops them from calling back as well.
gene4038
May 25, 2016
I have been trying to sell or get out of paying any more for my Tahiti village time share in Las Vegas NV. The People I have been dealing with is atagroupsales. They have "sold the property and is now in the hands of the title company. Now I can't get hold of them anymore. Have I been duped again?
FTC Staff
May 25, 2016

In reply to by gene4038

Read the article about timeshares and vacation plans for  information about selling a timeshare through a reseller.

To start, don’t agree to anything by phone or online until you check out the reseller. Contact the state Attorney General and local consumer protection agencies in the state where the reseller is located. Ask if there are complaints are on file. You also can search online for complaints.

Also, ask if the reseller’s agents are licensed to sell real estate where your timeshare is located. Then verify that with the state Real Estate Commission. Deal only with licensed real estate brokers and agents. Get references from satisfied clients.

Jenni
June 03, 2016

In reply to by FTC Staff

Bridget, if you have a "Right-to-Use" non-deeded type of program that can be used in multiple different properties (and locations), which one do they need to be able to sell real estate in? We were in Mexico when we purchased (UVC) but we could stay in Panama, Dominican, etc?
FTC Staff
June 03, 2016

In reply to by Jenni

Please talk with a lawyer, real estate professional or other expert about that question.

Possible Scam
May 27, 2016
Anyone heard of American Financial Timeshare-Gregory Myers I have been contacted a couple of times but am leary.
Jenny
June 02, 2016
Anyone successfully sell one to legit company? If so, which one?
Jenni
June 03, 2016
Are there tax implications of selling a timeshare/right-to-use? I.e. gain taxes like real estate?
Weighter1
June 09, 2016
I had a guy call me and tell me that he needed two thousand dollars on my credit card to sell my timeshare...... Big Scam .....telephone number 904-379-9303 watch out!!! claims to give big returns and the market is hot.
JustME
June 13, 2016
Has anyone been approached by a company called Skyline Financial..They cal me and said they have a buyer for my Timeshare and the deposit is in escrow??? They are out of Austin Texas and said they use Timeshare Closing Services, TCS to close deal as their Escrow company.....Thanks..
pissedoff
June 21, 2016
Stay away from Jim Grant as well. he took our money through paypal to help us get rid of our travel advantage network timeshare and sent us some pdf's to print and a letter. We sent them to Travel Advantage network and all they do is call and hound us. Now 6 months later Jim Grant does not reply to our emails! another SCAM!
Sdtimeshare
January 04, 2018

In reply to by pissedoff

Did you ever get your money back? We’ve been trying fir months and even placed a dispute but I think too much time had elapsed! Yes stay far away from this guy. He’s not legit!
Casey Casum
July 29, 2016
Does anyone know anything about First American Premier, St Louise MO.
LSB
July 31, 2016
I was approached by AVS (American Vacation Services) in Atlanta to buy my timeshare, they have asked for a 10% upfront fee and they are using an Escrow Agent WDFinancial Services in Washington. Are they authentic?
GASGON
August 09, 2016
Has anyone heard of"FIRST AMERICAN PREMIER" from St. Louis MO.? Just got a call from them. I live in mexico. I google it and nothin came out. any coments will apprecite.thanks!!
Sounds Like Fr…
August 30, 2016

In reply to by GASGON

YES, "First American Premier", Micheal Ryan Mendoza called my husband yesterday. Then emailed us a "letter of intent to sell" and wanted us to sign it. It would require 8% at closing and they offered $22,370. I googled their address and it's an apartment complex. I'm sure this is a scam. I googled the Phone number which is(314) 546-4838. Supposedly a trust would be set up, blah, blah, blah. My husband said he sounded pretty professional. I googled the phone number and found three scam comments on the phone number and added my own. At this point his number was searched 94 times. We did not and will not go further with this.
Cory
August 25, 2016
How do I get off the public timeshare owners list? I like my timeshare fine, but I get constant calls. I'm on the do not call list, I tell them not to call and they just keep calling.
RVO
August 30, 2016
ANY COMMENTS ON REAL VALUE OWNERS OR RESORT VACATION OFFERS ?
Ralph
September 01, 2016
Anyone heard of or have done any business with Liberty Marketing Group out of New York? 646-757-1891 is ther number.
kaygee52
September 15, 2016

Alliance Trading Associates is another Timeshare Resale scammer. They make all these promises and then they do the scam where they present a buyer who they claim is attending an event in the Dominican Republic and is interested in purchasing our timeshare.

The send over a contract with an Italian couple’s name in this case: Buyer(s):                   Address: Palma Areca Street #202 Punta Cana Village  Palma Areca Street #202 Punta Cana Village City: Higuey State/Country: Dominican Rep. Zip/ Post Code: 23302

They then tell you that you have to send money to the Dominican Republic to a "lawyer" and “Notary” to handle the sales transaction (Omise Jean Louis & Mireya Joseph). Of course, the money has to be sent via Western Union and disappears from there. They even sent a Letter of Assurance that this is a legitimate transaction. The main Scammers are: Steven Cardwell, Sales Manager, Steven Hoffman, Sales Manager, and Jacob Moore, CEO of Alliance Trading Associates. The company’s website is  alliancetradingassoc , office is supposedly located at 75 Marietta Street. alliancetradingassoc    Atlanta, GA 30303. (770) 291-0702 or (770) 249-0635

They send a scan of an obviously forged and doctored check from Scotia Bank and claim you will have to sign for it. But only after you send them more money. They then never return your calls and disappear from there. He lyingly claimed to be dealing with Westgate Resorts and gave a phony contact at the Westgate Main Office: David Johnson; Officer in Charge, Westgate Central Office. 1450 Center Park Dr. West Palm Beach, Florida 33401 Office Gmail: centralofficeaffairs           (561) 273-9890

When we contacted Westgate Resorts they said they never heard of David Johnson and there was no Central Office. The Federal Government should pursue criminal action against these scammers and frauds because not only do they misrepresent what they do but they are thieves who connivingly victimize innocent people.

FTC Staff
September 15, 2016

In reply to by kaygee52

Please help law enforcement and report this to the FTC at FTC.gov/complaint. The information you give will go into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations.

The information you put here on the blog doesn't go into the law enforcement database.