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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.
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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.

bobo
August 27, 2019
Are global business consultants rep Tarek Morsey a scam?
dulce
August 30, 2019
I was contacted by someone claiming to be from Mobile Travel Agents wanting to buy my timeshare in Cabos. They offered a lot more than what I paid. They said they would wire the money first and I have 5 days to send them 5% back. Don't know if this is a scam???
thirza
August 30, 2019
Hi I just got a phone call from global business consultants out of New York with a supposed buyer for my time share with playa del sol. Which has been bought by bel Air does anyone know if this legit. Seems like so many scams you just can’t trust anyone. Information would be great. Thanks
and1232
September 04, 2019
was contacted by Cleartrip Corp. offered to buy timeshare and Ryan Sanders law group sent a sales contract what to do ? sounds like a scam but ... anyone have dealings with this.
PR
September 16, 2019

In reply to by and1232

Not sure what to make of this. I am in the same situation with same company and same law firm. Hope someone can shed some light on this.
123d4
September 18, 2019

In reply to by PR

I am also dealing with the same groups. Cleartrip and Ryan Sanders Law Group. Started with a letter of intent from Cleartrip and followed through with that. Just received Sales Contract from Ryan Sanders Law Group asking for bank wire info. The contract states 5% commission fee to be paid to Cleartrip once confirmation of funds into my bank. Very hesitant to take next step after reading comments. Has anyone actually gone through with it and received money? Seems too good to be true and why pay 5x what I paid for the membership when they could buy it themselves? Any information would be greatly appreciated
1004
September 30, 2019

In reply to by 123d4

Yes, we started the process month and half later. And several thousands $$ later. Nothing. The claim now is that the check is stuck at customs and no one declard rhe funds. Claim its our fault... SCAM!!! I had that feeling, but was teying. Not to thing scam all the time.
Do123d4n't use…
September 18, 2019

In reply to by and1232

I too was contacted by Cleartrip and received sales contract from Ryan Sanders Law Group. Have not proceeded with final as I am hesitant to move forward. Has anyone actually gone through with transfer of their travel membership and received the money?
Me too
October 02, 2019

In reply to by Do123d4n't use…

I was also contacted by Cleartrip and received sales contract from Ryan Sanders Law Group , a Daniel Stevens, They told me yesterday that my payment (wire transfer) was stopped because the Mexican government put a hold on the transfer as they wanted the 19% Capital Gains Tax before they would release the stop and I had 72 hours to pay them or I would be charged for Tax Evasion. I have to sent $7,262.35US before te funds are released.
niki
November 12, 2019

In reply to by and1232

Same experience. They also said if I don’t pay the capital gains I will have a warrant for my arrest for tax evasion.
concerned customer
November 20, 2019

In reply to by and1232

the same thing is happening to me, I have received an offer, and a contract. I told Ryan Sanders group right up front that I am not going to give any money up front. or the deal is off, they assured me I would not, but then, upon requesting a clear title to my deed, my vacation resort (VDP) suddenly says it will cost me 10% of the sales price. I had a 3-way call, the resort said it was due to the buyer being in direct competition with them ? I would love to hear some advise positive or negative, just factual
Carolyn
September 04, 2019
I was contacted by Trip Hedge, has anyone had anything go wrong with them?
Vivian amari
November 05, 2019

In reply to by Carolyn

They contacted me too for my vacation package. Anderson law firm? Did you go through the sale? Are they legit ? I'm a little hesitant
Dolanaon't use…
December 16, 2019

In reply to by Vivian amari

I have been in a contract with Trip Hedge since July and have spent thousands of dollars in fees including foreign capital gains tax. I just found out that as a US citizen and nom-resident, I am not required to pay these taxes. Probably won't get it back either.
Sarita
September 04, 2019
Hello somebody has been contacted by Ace properties Llc
Bob
September 19, 2019

In reply to by Sarita

I have been contacted by Ace Properties LLC. I am also trying to find out if they are a scam or not
jojo72
January 16, 2020

In reply to by Bob

I've just been contacted by them as well. Not registered with Better Bureau. Have reached out to PA Attorney General Office to see if they can shed some light. Did you do any business with them?
#Helpme
September 04, 2019
Has anyone heard of AM Sunstate? They purchase timeshares.
Topcat
September 12, 2019
I've been approach by International Real State Connections LLC, is this scam? They seem to work the same as all the rest that are scam
Jewls
November 03, 2019

In reply to by Topcat

Hi, Do you mean International Real Estate Connections LLC out of Oklahoma?
SelucasIII
September 12, 2019
To resale a Vacations Club membership based out of Mexico do I need to obtain an FRC and how do I obtain an FRC if it is required. Will I need to pay capital gains tax in Mexico? Thanks
SelucasIII
September 12, 2019
Has anyone heard or dealt with Realty Alliance llc out of Boston. They contacted me about selling my Unlimited Vacations Club membership to an entity trying to acquire a majority ownership. They are not asking for any money payments from me until after I receive my money from the sale, but they say I need to get an FRC in Mexico and they can do it for me with their contact attorney in Mexico for $3700. Is this legitimate or a scam.
john_wayne8us
September 16, 2019
I've been contacted by company IREconnectionsLLC asking to sell my time share for twice what I paid for it. They have sent me a contract to sign. Does anyone have any information on this company. Please let me know
MajorSy
September 19, 2019
What about the Compass Group for buying up time shares. Are they legit? Would like to know as we would like to sell ours in Vida vacations in Mexico.
Anne J
September 19, 2019
I have been contacted by Luxury Vacation Solutions to rent or sell my timeshare. Promised exposure at tradeshows in U.S.A. where they meet with firms like Cocoa Cola et al who purchase these timeshares for business. Problem is Iv'e heard it all before. Has anybody else been contacted.Legit or scam?
Kenny D
September 26, 2019

In reply to by Anne J

Anne J, I was contacted by LVS today. When I talked to them the value is way above makrket value. When I refused to call my wife and make a $4500 commitment in the next 10 minutes the sales person got very short and said she only deals with people theat are really interested. I believe it is a scam. They ask for money up front, promise quick sale or high value rental market, and some strange discount for years you have owned the time share.
Disappointed in self
September 23, 2019
I was contacted early July, while still recovering from knee surgery - not my excuse for this stupidity- RPR Inc. from North Carolina knew A LOT about our Palace Resort vacation property and asked if I was interested in selling for huge bucks. Said it was for the investment of the Mexican train building. Investor from Europe. When I searched google for the company names (real estate broker and legal team) both sites looked legit BUT do not believe it. I cannot find the same names on the NC better business site although I did find the broker but could not locate his business address nor his company name. I lost money when I sent for payment on the "Mexican property fee to conduct business" but will not be sending any more money for the "prepayment on VAT taxes". Fool me once - shame on YOU, fool me twice shame on me. How do these people's mothers feel about their lies and stealing of money from hard working people. Disgusting!!!
ZagForLife41
September 24, 2019
Has anyone been contacted from a company called center point advisors?
Alex
October 20, 2019

In reply to by ZagForLife41

Yes, I have been contacted. The company wants to buy my UVC property at Cancun, MX. I also want to know if this company is a legitimate business.
jpv
January 21, 2020

In reply to by Alex

Hi, I have been contacted by such company? Anybody knew them and tried them?
Woody
September 25, 2019
Has anyone come across A&B Financial Enterprises, Inc, from Chicago? It's laughable....they are offering me $32,000 for a time sghare I bought for $10,000.
Me 591
October 02, 2019
Pacifica Capital Real Estate called me (senior Broker Lisa Moore) to see if I wanted to sell my timeshare when I said Yes they sent me a statement from citibanamex showing me that their Buyer put the money in the account and told me it was held by Coast Escrow of Beverly Hills (Escrow Officer Laura Collins) so far so good. Then on June 25th, I had to send 2,420.00US to Mexican Government some sort of transfer tax OK, Then on July 23rd another 3,679.00 US for a permit now required to sell, then on Aug 13th, 7,304.22 for having Time Share on the Cabo. The most recent was 959,277.70mxn for a bond to check me for money laundering. Come on this is a fraud?
Scammed in Canada
October 07, 2019

In reply to by Me 591

same routine. using poorly photocopied Govt department paperwork. FBI have tracked the scammers we had hit us for 72 grand Canadian. part of a 3.5 million dollar business. you are now in a similar group with us - sorry. They waqnted us to put our house into a second mortgage or assist us with a bank loan through a company they deal with -RIGHT. and wanted our social security numbers. NOPE not Happening. I wonder what account numbers they are all using.
Scammed in Canada
October 04, 2019
last year we lost ~$72,000 Canadian to a companies out of Oklahoma and Tennessee who hit people for 3.5 million dollars in total. FBI were given all sort s of information including cell numbers and cell providers used IP addresses and hosts which came back to Cancun Mexico. this summer we were sized up by another company out of Manhattan NY whose phone number came back to a different person than the company and teh ir google maps locator shows permanently closed and that number disconnected. please triple check everything before you get into bed with the devil because they have no heart and do not care if it destroys you, your marriage or your life to teh point it is not worth living anymore.
Scammed in Canada
March 13, 2020
seems most people have a common thread. THE BANK PAPERS. which when they call the number on the paperwork they get someone who confirms the same amount as the paperwork on the sheet emailed to victims. By chance was the name on the sheet from the bank used: Lic Alejandro Garcia Villareal Managing Director General Cross Border Division Grupo Financiero Citibanamex Mexico City was: your account number ending in 2260? Was your legal representative's name Lic JOSE ALBERTO GARCIA CORDOBA or ROSANA ROMAN CRUZ did you get something from ADUANA Mexico Secretary of Tax? stating you need to pay XXX$$$ because your broker error with the customs number and your account has been SEIZED by the Internal Investigation of teh Secretariat of Tax Administration. and that you now have to pay a penalty now which the broker later states they will cover? ours was signed: Lic. HUMBERTO LOPEZ ARROYO Central Office Mexico City Ministry of Finance and Public Credit Tributary Administration Service there has to be some common threads which can be investigated by USA authorities in an attempt to get to these international thieves. ours was $23,860 USD.
J Pueblo Bonit…
October 07, 2019
I was contacted by letsplaytravel.com, obviously I believe what they're offering is overpriced so I just wanted to throw the name out there as I had already been duped before and this particular company is like the 7th different one offering to purchase my Pueblo Bonito timeshare using the exact same scheme.
Kitten
October 23, 2019

In reply to by J Pueblo Bonit…

I also have been contacted by Letsplaytravel.com. Did you proceed?
PRG53
November 28, 2019

In reply to by Kitten

I have been contacted by Let's Play Travel agency from Mexico about selling our time share and can't find much about the company. I haven't proceeded yet. Can anyone share any information about them?
Santi
October 29, 2019

In reply to by J Pueblo Bonit…

I was also contacted. Offering 49k But first they want me to send 4.9k for document translation, etc. I've purchased property in mexico; title and transfer fees were way less than this. They said to have a check in my name to repay me. Ok, told them to pay the fee. They say I, as the timeshare owner need to pay. They are using an attorney from the US, they say, but I'm still weary. Insight anyone???
Mary Collins
December 11, 2019

In reply to by Santi

Lets Play Travel offer me 50k for my el cid
Jim
November 05, 2019

In reply to by J Pueblo Bonit…

They also contacted me and made a large offer for an El Cid property. I am very reticent
Katinka
November 13, 2019

In reply to by Jim

We must be on the same call list. I was also contacted about my El CID property. This is the 7th or 8th time I have been contacted for this property by various companies. When it takes legal action to get out of a timeshare, I question why I would be offered a large amount to sell.
Chad
November 14, 2019

In reply to by Katinka

My wife and I were also just contacted about our el cid timeshare by lets play travel. At least I’m not the only one that they’re trying to dupe. Thanks for sharing everyone
Pueblo Bonito - Too
March 13, 2020

In reply to by J Pueblo Bonit…

Same here. They want us to forward a copy of the contract... STEP FOR A SUCCESSFUL TRANSACTION After receiving a call from a sales agent at Let´s Play Travel, you will receive an email with our purchase offer. If the price is acceptable it is necessary that you return the offer back signed and a copy of you contract. The copy of the contract is for our legal department to verify the information that you previously provided via telephone. Our legal department will then notify you if your contract qualifies for the sale. After qualifying, all legal documents for the purchase of your membership will be sent to you by a U.S. register attorney. The attorney will then be in contact with you to proceed with the closing of the sale. (The timeframe on the sale is no more than 28 business day). Let’s Play Travel covers all closing cost associated with the sale of your membership. The only fee you are intitled to pay is the 8% commission required once the transaction gets completed. You do not sign over the rights of your membership until receival of funds in your account. Once funds are confirmed you will then forward the 8% commission to Let´s Play Travel. At this point the transaction will be finalized. WARM REGARDS
Katinka
November 13, 2019

In reply to by J Pueblo Bonit…

I was also contacted by Let's Play Travel this morning. They are offering 2X what we paid for our El CID resort. Again, reticent to take any steps. Anyone?
linda
November 18, 2019

In reply to by Katinka

I also was contacted this week by Let’s Play Travel. They offered twice what we paid for our unit in Cabo! I really think it’s a scam. They want to see a pdf of our contract. Would love to know if anyone has followed through in discussions with this group. I am calling my resort to see if they know anything about this company.
Indiandave001
March 13, 2020

In reply to by linda

we have been offered quite a bit and did proceed up to the point of having to get our property changed over into a commercial property in order to sell it. There is a lawyer in Mexico that will do it for $1500. they also stated they have a check to cover that as well as the $36K they are offering. I indicated to them that if they want to buy it that bad, send me a check for $1500 and I will then pay the lawyer. I can't find anything on line that indicates they particularly are crooked, but it is funny it is the same for us, a Pueblo Bonito place
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