The Five Stages of a Timeshare Resale Scam

Many timeshare owners are eager – sometimes even desperate – to unload their timeshare. Some, in fact, are so ready to sell that they’ll take up any offer to resell their unit – and, in doing so, fall victim to timeshare resale scammers for hundreds, perhaps even thousands of dollars. In this article we will review: The Five Stages Of A Timeshare Resale Scam

While there are some reputable and licensed timeshare resale companies, scammers are neither and prey on eager timeshare owners by promising two things, lots of money and a quick sale. Sound too good to be true? It just might be.

Most Common Resale Warning Signs

The FTC also published an extremely helpful infographic breaking down the steps behind a common type of timeshare resale scam. Let’s look at the stages to this popular scam, as well as the cautionary steps you should take as a matter of due diligence. The 5 stages of a timeshare resale scam starts when…

1.) A Timeshare Resale Company Solicits You To Offer Help

Unwanted telephone solicitation by resale companies You want to “get rid of your timeshare”, and this random resale organization calls you and wants to help! Sounds like a perfect fit right? No, it’s probably a timeshare resale scam.

Be cautious of any timeshare resale company that reaches out to you first with a resale solicitation, particularly if they make claims that the market for your vacation property is particularly “hot” or if they promise they have buyer’s waiting and already lined up to purchase.

Before you go any further with the timeshare resale company, search online for complaints and, more importantly, research them with the Attorney General and the local consumer protection agencies in the state where the reseller is located.

2.) The Resale Company Requires Fees Upfront

No upfront timeshare fees Next, the resale scammer will ask for fees upfront, usually fees that must be paid via credit card or wire transfer. Most commonly, these fees are requested to cover line items like closing costs, registration fees, taxes, or timeshare maintenance. Often, a resale scam artist will request this transfer before any contract or paperwork is ever even signed. This is a big red flag.

Even if the timeshare resale company offers a money-back guarantee, don’t send them money sight unseen. Don’t agree to anything online or over the phone until you have the chance to investigate the reseller and request all information in writing. Before doing any business, make sure you have a contract explicitly detailing the services the timeshare reseller will perform as well as the fees, commissions, and other costs you have to pay and when. It is also advisable to have an attorney review the resale proposal and guarantees.

3.) You Pay A Reseller In Advance

Some timeshare resale scams have bilked vacation owners for thousands of dollars. Remember that, as our own Michael D. Finn shared some experience with creditcardguide.com. Timeshares generally have very little value on the secondary market. Many owners will offer their timeshare on eBay for as little as a few dollars and to be even more competitive, actually offer to cover closing costs or transfer fees themselves.

“In the timeshare world, the seller pays the buyer. That speaks volumes about the value of these timeshares in the secondary market,” said Mr. Finn.

4.) You Realize There Never Was a Resale Buyer

You’ve made it this far and paid the exorbitant fees the reseller wanted. Now you play the waiting game as the scammer disappears with nary an email, phone call, or letter. At this point, it becomes clear that there never actually was a timeshare buyer. And because you most likely never signed a refund policy, you won’t be able to get your money back. To make matters worse, this timeshare resale fraud might not be over yet…

5.) A Second Scammer Tries to Fool You Twice

Consumer Reports explains how a resale scammer may try to double-dip victims:

“A second fraudulent business may then contact the victimized owner offering to help recover the money lost in the first scam for yet another fee. As with the first scam, no money is recovered and telephone calls and emails are unanswered.”

Final Thoughts: Never Pay For A Promise

If you’re thinking about selling your timeshare, know that you shouldn’t have to pay upfront for help. And be very wary of any company that asks you to do so, especially if they guarantee a sale or offer a money-back guarantee. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) says, “never pay for a promise.”

Over the last several years, the FTC has shut down numerous companies that operated timeshare resale scams, and has sued others for deceiving timeshare owners. So if you’re thinking about selling your timeshare, beware of offers that sound too good to be true, and be sure to do your research before you pay anyone for help.

If you have been the victim of a timeshare scam involving resale, file a police report and take the issue to the BBB. You may have other legal options available and should consult with a timeshare attorney to determine your best options.