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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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Lulu
December 24, 2017
Have you ever heard of WwwPrime Properties from Fortlauderdale Florida?
Concerned Consumer
December 27, 2017
I received an offer from Rock River Firm out in Iowa who are in cahoots with Vinter Trust Assets. Don't fall for it all a big scam. Thanks to you guys, I decided to do my due diligence. I don't know how any of these scammers are able to get away with it now a days. We're such an informed society due to in part to the internet and social media. Always do your research before falling prey to this vultures.
PennyD
December 28, 2017
I have been contacted by Rock River Partners who is using Vinter Trust & Assets. It seemed fine at first, no money up front, except for the resort's transfer fee which was in my contract. Paid that, then was told that the Mexican "IRS" wanted 19% of money that I of course don't yet have, for taxes, including 3% as a foreign investor tax. If not paid, the servicing company, sister to Colorado's servicing company --Vinter-- could not release the money because presumably the Mexican government has a tax lien on the money that the purchaser paid into escrow guaranteeing sellers' their out-of-pocket expenses as well as purchase price. The money originally offered for my timeshare vacation is about what I paid ($18,000) + a little more. So, it didn't seem like it was "too good to be true." I don't know what to do at this point. Call the initial $4000 a loss, gamble and pay the additional $5000? Of course there is also the threat that they can sue for rescission if I don't continue with the supposedly purchase/sale.
FTC Staff
January 03, 2018

In reply to by PennyD

The FTC article about Timeshares has tips about what to do if you want to resell. The first tip:

  • Don’t agree to anything on the phone or online until you check on the reseller. Contact the state Attorney General and local consumer protection agencies in the state where the reseller is located. Ask if there are any complaints are on file. You also can search online for complaints. Type in the company name and the word "complaint" or "review."

Go to the Timeshare article for more tips.

Patrick K.
January 23, 2018

In reply to by PennyD

I to have been contacted by Rock River Partners Firm in Des Moines IA. Been talking to John Wicks, he wants me to send $4,599 for closing cost. Where are you with sell your timeshare? I am in Colorado. Patrick

socalsurf
January 17, 2018

In reply to by Patrick K.

Run away from Rock River Partners. SCAM all the way. Trust me , no one in Iowa wants to pay more money for your timeshare than you paid for it. Google their office building, its the Catholic Church building.
JUR
January 15, 2018

In reply to by PennyD

I was also contacted by Rock River Partners who offered me a lot of money for my resort. I googled their name and there was a notice from the BBB that said this company's address in Iowa does not exist. I did check out their address and it showed 654 Grand Ave.as a vacant lot. THIS COMPANY IS A CROOK AND A SHAM! Julie R.
Bernie
February 10, 2018

In reply to by PennyD

Rock River agent was David Stevens Lic# B59205000 . This is a valid number, I suspect the real David Stevens identify has been comprimised.
Bernie
February 11, 2018

In reply to by PennyD

Both companies are actually the same if you investigate the IP address etc. Ip address traces to England and other places. Sounds like a large scam operation so its time to get the word out on social media that these guys are scammers !!!
sally s
January 03, 2018
Anyone ever met a Steve Holtz? Is there a working phone number, company name, and address of business? Email address? Seems he can be reached only if he calls the seller. New York Realtor? Same old story..."I have a client....."
Fun-in-Sun-Travelers
January 03, 2018
Received telephone solicitations from a (supposed) NY broker in Nov, a follow-up in Dec and anther today. The representative, a Mr Reaves (gave NY DOS lic no 103512110280), claiming to be with Network Brokerage Corporation. NOTE: They only seem to have an 866 number - clue...this is unusual. No BBB rating, though BBB shows an address on Park Ave, NY, NY. 2nd NOTE: Network Brokerage Corporation seems to use another NY, NY company called CCW Holdings LLC for Escrow services...read further in this blog to learn more about them. With Network Brokerage Corporation it was the 'usual' form of contact... claimed: they can sell timeshare at multiple times value; no up-front fees; use an Escrow company to 'ensure it is legitimate'; will close in 30-45 days. We inquired about renting and the claim was they had numerous prospects very interested in a rental but we had to provide all the information about what we own so they can complete the rental. We pointed that WE would be conducting the actual renting, as our timeshare home office would require US to make the reservation, therefore we needed to provide NOTHING to Network Brokerage Corporation in advance, other than a bank account number for them to deposit our rental amount into. This position was of course not well received by Mr. Reaves. We alo requested sample contract forms...lots of discussion, as Mr Reaves to deflect providing same, but in the end promised to do so (of course no such sample contract forms were ever forwarded). I reviewed this Blog and found no less than 8 other companies listed which have contacted us in the past, all of which I suspected as SCAMS, and at least 2 of which were confirmed to be so by home office at our timeshare. THIS BLOG IS AWESOME! Please do more to get the word out about it's existence and people... read up / research before you send anybody ANY information at all other than generalities about what you own and use an anonymous public email for them to contact you.
kjp859
January 19, 2018

In reply to by Fun-in-Sun-Travelers

NBC HAS ALSO CONTACTED US TO SELL OUT TIMESHARE. THEY ARE READY TO CLOSE NOW BUT CLAIM WE NEED TO PAY 60% of the Mexican SAT Tax now to finalize. Then we will get out money from the sale. Sound fishy?
Coreybell14
January 31, 2018

In reply to by kjp859

I too was contacted by NBC. They seemed legit but they needed 3400.00 to transfer title in Mexico. I called the Helmsley Building to see if their office was located there. The lobby attended said that they were not listed in their directory. When I called back the agent they said that they were not listed due to security reasons. The broker I dealt with does have a brokage license, because I researched it. If I do decide to move foward with it, though highly doubtful, I will insist on using my AMEX card. I bet they will come up with a reason why I can't.
Bruce
January 09, 2018
I have getting calls from Regal M about timeshare resell. They made it sound like it was ligitiment, he sent contracts through e-mail,we signed them and sent back got email from resort where our timeshares are through saying a scam. I did an ip search and emails come from Mexico. I didn't lose any money but have to see if contracts are binding to see if we are out our timeshare.
Dianag
January 09, 2018
I have received paperwork from silvercity properties with a Rochester ny address to buy my fiesta america timeshare in Los cabo mexico and statement with letterhead from Citibanamex showing $31,896 in an account sent via email from American Financial they want $3,676 from me first which is to b use for my Mexican naturalization even though I have club points not land. Have anyone heard of these people? I haven't sent or sign anything . Want to know if they're legit first and of course they say fee is refundable
FTC Staff
January 10, 2018

In reply to by Dianag

Read this FTC article about Timeshares if you're thinkging about  reselling. It has important tips, starting with:

  • Don’t agree to anything on the phone or online until you check on the reseller. Contact the state Attorney General and local consumer protection agencies in the state where the reseller is located. Ask if there are any complaints are on file. You also can search online for complaints. Type in the company name and the word "complaint" or "review."
Leesondra
January 12, 2018

In reply to by Dianag

I too have received offers on my two properties. I haven’t signed accepted offers letter yet. I too need to know there legal??? Silver city properties. Please let me know if you get new information. Thank you
smellarat
January 14, 2018

In reply to by Dianag

110% scam. There are other posts on this site about this scammer company. I have posted two other comments dated beginning of January explaining our experience. I didn’t explain the backlash from them when I reported them to government agencies including FTC AAND BBB. We received a voicemail from the most unprofessional sounding male claiming to be a senior broker and advising they were going to sue us . From the first time listening we knew it was a complete scare tactic attempting to threaten us and stop us from reporting the nature of their business. Thank goodness the FTC AND BBB take these complaints very seriously attempting to protect consumers. They keep changing the number they call from to make it difficult to track them so could you please post the number they called you from so a white pages google search will eventually show they are a high risk as a scam as more and more ppl search the latest number they use.
Bakes
January 23, 2018

In reply to by Dianag

I am working with Silver City as well - Jeremy Kaufmann. Everything seems above board and nothing has been asked for. How do you tell is this is a scam? They have a 866 number and the internet does not seem to differentiate between their email contact@ nysilvercityproperties.com and the email on the website as contact@ silvercityproperties.com (no ny). Any help would be great!!
TStroubleIthink
January 30, 2018

In reply to by Dianag

Did you get any feedback? They offered me the same deal- using a bank and putting money in escrow, but I'm not as far along as you. Sounds too good to be true
Myrnie
February 08, 2018

In reply to by Dianag

So I was wondering what happened with your time share from your offer from silver city. Did u actually see any money. We have received an offer and I’m wondering what to do.
a1bigtuna
January 09, 2018
Has anyone heard of a company named bluelight realty management in New York? How does one check on the validity of a real estate company in NY?
gp
January 23, 2018

In reply to by a1bigtuna

yes, I just received a welcome letter from them. They have clients that will make an offer on my 2 bedroom timeshare in Puerto Vallarta. They told me no up-front fees at all. I wonder ....
elemp
January 29, 2018

In reply to by gp

Not true. They'll call you after everything is set up with the sales agreement and tell you you need to wire $2,200 or so to an account in Mexico for an "SRE Taxpayer Identification Number" I can't confirm if they are a scam yet but I'll bet they'll do the same to you.
PaulaS
January 30, 2018

In reply to by a1bigtuna

I have a letter from them myself. A Brian A Harden. I just got the escrow documents from American Finance SLP asking to open an account with CitiBanamex. In the translation the application asks for almost every item someone would need to steal your identity. It certainly must be a scam. I will write to the Attorney General in NY to see if they have any complaints.
foolmeonce
January 12, 2018
I have been contacted by Elliot Mamiye with Silver City Properties as well.This is prolly the 3rd time a diff company has tried this. No way i would ever go forward ...they all will ask you for "taxes " at the end of their scam or ask you for "closing money " etc. Its a scam
Gary H.
January 13, 2018
I hate to admit it but I was suckered in. They were masterful. I had a Mexican Timeshare with Vidanta Vacations and a "finder" company found me by viewing a Timeshare list in Mexico of out of country timeshare owners. They hooked me up with an ESCROW company supposedly located in Houston, TX. They had a fantastic website and I dealt with several different people in this so-called company. The name of the company was LINCOLN FEDERAL SAVINGS. If I just sent some money via a Wire Transfer they would transfer the proceeds from the sale that day. Well it never happened.
J Sue 1/2018
January 16, 2018
Just happened to find this website. Wish I had found it before. In Dec. 2017 I wired several amounts to "be held in escrow" until the buyer of our timeshare in Mexico reimburses us at closing. The total is around $15,000 and now they say they need almost $5,000 more for lawyers etc. to finalize the sale! My bank questioned this but the companies involved seemed totally legitimate. Anyone know anything about : CROWLEY EVENT MANAGEMENT in Chicago? (contacted us first) Frank Miller referred us on to: INDEPENDENCE FEDERAL TITLE SERVICES in Missouri. There we worked with Michelle Garcia and finally Matthew Ferguson. Ms. Garcia is a very pleasant, well-spoken lady - very likable and believable.
J.W.
September 28, 2018

In reply to by J Sue 1/2018

INDEPENDENCE FEDERAL TITLE SERVICES listed at 100 W. Capitol Street, Jackson, MS is NOT LEGITIMATE. I have confirmed in person at the McCoy Federal Building that this business does not have an office at their location. I contacted the telephone number listed on their website and was hung up on when I identified myself as a law enforcement officer. Please do not send money to anyone affiliated with this scam.
C
January 17, 2018
As soon as they ask for money upfront hang-up. I was just contacted by silvercity and I asked them to send me an email with details and I will look I to it. I no longer bother with long calls. Once I have enough evidence to suggest there are legitimate I will email them back.
TStrouble
January 19, 2018

In reply to by C

I'm currently working with Peter Lane from Silver City and they offered me a live offer, but I haven't signed anything yet. They said once I do they will send me an application from American Finance Co. to set up a trust account so they can wire the money. They said they are one of the few companies that is licensed in both US and Mexico. I've been reading many of the posts, but really haven't heard how the story ends with Silver City Properties. It does sound too good to be true and you know what they say. Have you proceeded to the next step????
Bakes
January 22, 2018

In reply to by TStrouble

Have you heard anything further. You sound like you are at the same spot in the "transaction" as I am.
TStrouble
January 30, 2018

In reply to by Bakes

I haven't moved forward since posting this. I keep getting calls daily from Peter though but haven't answered. Wish it were true, but I doubt it.
smellarat
February 05, 2018

In reply to by Bakes

TURN!! AROUND AND RUN THEN READ OTHER COMMENTS
ehoaglin
January 23, 2018

In reply to by TStrouble

I am also "working" with Peter Lane, I haven't done anything yet, because my husband worked with another company last year, and then they asked for money, and we cancelled the deal. I am curious about this company as well. I have made it clear to him that we will not be sending any money. Interested to hear your experience.
smellarat
February 05, 2018

In reply to by TStrouble

DON'T WASTE YOUR TIME, ITS ALL A SCAM. READ THROUGH SOME OF THE COMMENTS AND ITLL SAVE YOU A LOT OF TIME AND AGGRAVATION. WE ALMOST GOT TAKEN BUT GOT BAD FEELING BEFORE WE SIGNED OR SENT ANYTHING. I SPENT MANY HOURS RESEARCHING THEIR COMPANY (SEE SOME OF MY OTHER COMMENTS TO EXPLAIN). I CONTACTED EVERY GOVERNMENT AGENCY ABOUT THE ESCROW COMPANY AND IT DOESNT EXIST. ADDRESSES ARE WRONG. GOOD LUCK AND RUN!!
outlander
January 23, 2018

Has anyone heard of Paramount Networking Solutions? If so, are they a scam? Are there any reliable companies?

FTC Staff
January 23, 2018

In reply to by outlander

Did you check this company with any government agencies? If a company calls you and offers to sell your timeshare, be careful.

Read the FTC tips about selling a timeshare. Here's the first tip:

elemp
January 21, 2018
Started the whole process with Bluelight Realty and American Finance and signed a contract but didn't wire the money. Bluelight Realty said if we "move to cancel" then we still have to pay the escrow agent fee. If it's a scam is the contract still legitimate and we'd have to pay the agent escrow fee?
FTC Staff
February 08, 2018

In reply to by elemp

The FTC article about timeshares and vacation plans has information about selling a timeshare through a reseller. You can read your contract now and see if it states:

  • the services the reseller will perform
  • the fees, commissions, and other costs you must pay and when
  • whether you can rent or sell the timeshare on your own at the same time the reseller is trying to sell your unit
  • the length or term of the contract to sell your timeshare
  • and who is responsible for documenting and closing the sale

You could ask a lawyer or real estate professional to to review your contract and explain your obligations. 

cperkins
January 22, 2018
I want to know about the answers to the Silver City questions. I am waiting to finalize the paperwork and will not do until I see what the result of these enquiries are. Are they legit or not?
Kodyman
January 23, 2018

In reply to by cperkins

I would like to know as well, dealing wit a Max Polsky. I am skeptical website suspicious when you search on Max nothing comes up. he answers email and phone calls. tried contacting and emailing attorney generals office. I keep getting transferered email sent in they didn't get. Government office nightmare. Sure would like help if any one finds something out. Thanks
Bakeaway
February 05, 2018

In reply to by cperkins

I am also dealing with Silver City Properties. Is this a scam? It definitely sounds too good to be true, please help if you have any advice. Thank you Bakeaway

Travel Mexico
January 22, 2018
Does anyone have experience with International Sales Group NY LLC? I was contacted by them with the promise of several hundred thousand dollars for the sale of my Mexico timeshare. No money up front, but it seems really suspect.
Mike B
January 31, 2018

In reply to by Travel Mexico

I have the same question. Any information would be helpful.
cperkins
January 23, 2018
I would really like an answer to the silver City? Can anyone help me out by letting me know about them?
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