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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.

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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.

Louise
September 21, 2016
Simple: tell any that want money that they can take it out of your proceeds and then tell them to MAIL (not wire) you your check minus the agreed upon fees. If everyone wanting to sell does this, they either go out of business or straighten up their business, or they don't get your business. Legit escrows know how to do this.
Too trusting a…
September 23, 2016
After buying a time share I discovered I had been scammed by the time share company and could not get out of the contract although the promised to sell it for me at a big reduction. Shane with Premium Marketing International convinced they could sell it for a much higher price than I had paid for it. Of course I had to pay $850,oo up-front. Six months later I have not had one single word from either scamming company. My advise is to not purchase a timeshare or do business with any company claiming they can sell it for you.
FTC Staff
September 26, 2016

In reply to by Too trusting a…

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.

Minnimare
October 06, 2016
Has anyone been contacted by Capital One Services Group Inc to sell their timeshare holding? If so, what was the contact person's name. I have just received an offer, out of the blue, to purchase my timeshare and I am trying to verify if this is a scam or not. Ant info is very welcome.
Hopefull
November 06, 2016

In reply to by ptschlep

I've also been contacted. Have you learned anything? My time share is in Playa del Carmen, yours?
Hopefull
November 06, 2016

In reply to by Minnimare

Ive been contacted by Capital one Services Group. The "agents" name was Anthony Reed. Same guy?
GARY G
October 12, 2016
Just contacted by Rockwall Property Management out of Pittsburgh PA. Has a buyer for my property. Can not find out anything on the internet about them. Smells like a scam. Anyone heard of them
Ms PM
October 21, 2016
Also just contacted by Rockwall Property Management Pittsburgh PA with enormously inflated purchase offer. Absolutely certain it's a scam. Concerned how they got original contract details. Most properties seem to be in Mexico. Is someone selling contracts to scammers?
KrisH
October 22, 2016
BTW, File an online report with ic3 at. Www.ic3.gov no saving and who knows if they will ever be in touch. That's another story
Despegar. try…
November 03, 2016
Got a call from someone saying they work for Expedia of mexico - Despegar. com. Offered to buy my timeshare in Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach in Los Cabos, he knew many of the details of the resort and the area. Sent me an offer letter which sounded to good to be true. He was saying there is nothing to pay upfront, and that he will get his 8% commission after I get paid. The referenced website is despegar.com. mx which seems legit, but his email address is sales@despegarcancun. com. Different domains. Don't be fooled!
warycanadian
November 04, 2016
Got called by International Investors who had a good story. They claimed to be a forty-year old company so I asked for details by email. They sent a flaky Letter of Intent with an unbelievable offer so I dug deeper. Their web site was registered just 6 weeks earlier (use a 'whosis' search to find that information). Both the letter and web site - intinvestors. com - are full of grammatical and spelling errors which I think is a big enough red flag to stay away from these people. Their MO sounds very much like the others described on this site. Thanks for keeping this site current.
really too good
January 26, 2017

In reply to by warycanadian

I have been approached by International investors as well. Offering me twice as much as I paid. They never asked for any money up front . Said the buyer had depeoited funds to the escrow account. They wanted 9% commission also. They said all funds went into escrow. From there I would be paid , Also Mexican fees of 10% would be taken before I was paid.. I would then get the money but I'm Leary on it all. I'm still trying to figure out at what point I get scammed
Db1994
April 19, 2017

In reply to by really too good

I actually am dealing with the same thing right now... ask if there are any fees that you are going to have to pay at any point of the process.... If so are they able to take them from the proceeds once the "Commission" is paid.... I also told them I wanted to close with my escrow company and the "agent" began getting nervous.
Hopefull
November 06, 2016
Has anyone been approached by Capital one Services Group, LLC? They have offered to facilitate the sale of our timeshare. From what I've read here, it seems like another scam. I'd really like it to be true, but doubt it fully. They haven't asked for money at least not yet, but have said that they would require an 8% commission after the sale was complete.
BC Guy
November 15, 2016
Has anyone heard of Capital One Services Group out of California? Seems like the same story as I've been reading here. They want $3750 for a Mexican tax # to do business in Mexico such as selling my time shares.
Joseph
November 15, 2016
This company has been calling me during the last few weeks, everhthing they said is totally incongruous. Of course they are thieves. Please be aware and do not believe anything they say.
RedFacedIGotDuped
November 15, 2016
Steer clear of Fractional Property Services out of Atlanta :855-401-9500. I fell for the pitch... forked out $1899.00 for the "lifetime" program for them to rent my unit to corporate customers needing hotel space in Orlando. Well, 9 months later am still getting the run around and now that I have done the homework I should have done before I can tell I got conned. I feel like a jerk... and hopefully this post will prevent someone else from being duped too.
Grand mayan
November 21, 2016

Had anyone dealt with Central Market realty corp in charlotte N.C They are offering to rent some of my vacation weeks at a hefty price no money upfront?

not scammed
November 18, 2016
Please read through this it is a copy of documents sent to us by the so-called Genesis IPI. Beware they sound and act very professional. do not let them fool you. What tipped me off is they offered 3x what our timeshare was worth. I am not stupid or greedy and did my research. good luck folks and please read the following. Genesis IPI is a leader in domestic and international real estate, we pride ourselves on the reputation we have gained through our expertise as the preferred name in international timeshare resale. Our seasoned real estate brokers will assist you through the process and guide you every step of the way in order for you to liquidate your timeshare membership. Your agent Mr. Albert Thomas will be happy to answer any questions you may have with regards to selling your timeshare membership. Please find attached documentation containing an offer for the purpose to purchase your timeshare membership. This letter of intent in no way relinquishes your legal benefits and/or ownership of your timeshare membership. The purpose of this letter of intent is to formalize a preliminary agreement on the proposed purchase offer, therefore if you wish to proceed please go ahead and read, print and sign the attached document please provide a copy of the cover page of your membership contract for verification and return via email or fax to begin the process to initiate the sale of your timeshare membership. Time is of the essence as we have been allocated a set number of memberships to acquire so be sure to return documentation back to your broker promptly. By signing this document, you are not agreeing to the sale of the above mentioned Vacation Club Membership/Property. Your signature represents only written acceptance of the price offered by buyer. Please return documentation via e-mail to info@genesisipi.com Or via Fax: 1-949-299-0126. For any further inquiries contact your representative Albert Thomas 1-866-978-5911. Ext. 264. Location: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Property/Unit type: One Bedroom Unit. Points/Registered weeks: One Week. Purchase Price Offered: $33,550.00 USD. This Letter of Intent is to inform you that our company Genesis Investment Properties Inc. has been contracted to acquire a number of current contracts where your Membership/property is located. Genesis Investment Properties Inc. in this instance will be acting as the purchaser on behalf of our client. Once the process is completed, the title to your property will be transferred to the new owner. The Purchase offer previously discussed with your broker Mr. Albert Thomas is stated at the beginning of this document, and it is the price our client has offered for your property and/or membership. We kindly ask you to verify the description of your property and/or membership provided at the beginning of this document, since it will be forwarded to our client, as well as your conformity with the Purchase Price offered. Genesis Investment Properties Inc. is confident this purchase price offered by our clients will meet your expectations. Please sign the document where your name appears and either fax it or email it back to us, along with proof of ownership for your property and/or membership. Feel free to contact us if you have any question or concern pertaining to this Purchase offer. You have up to 72 hours to return this signed letter of intent to us. For more information please contact us directly to our toll free number, email, or via fax. Phone1-866-978-5911|Fax 1-949-299-0126| info@genesisipi.com 41593 WINCHESTER RD. STE 200, TEMECULA, CA 92590.
Debbie
March 09, 2017

In reply to by not scammed

I received almost the exact same letter of intent from a company called Olympia Investors LLC. Doing a google search has not produced any fraud alerts or scams, but after reading comments on this site, I see that it is most likely a scam too.
Lighthouse
November 21, 2016
Has anyone heard of Olympia Investors LLC out of Seattle Washington and Title America out of New York? I think I was just scammed after reading every ones comments. $3675 10% transfer Fees, $3307.50 commission deposit and $7680.75 Mexico 16% IVA tax +3% FI. Wish I found this website sooner. Suppose receive some of the fees back today but have feeling this won't happen.
also olympia
December 08, 2016

In reply to by Lighthouse

I have also an offer from them, but i don´t know
toross4x
December 14, 2016

In reply to by Lighthouse

yes, exact same approached me with an offer to sell my timeshare in mexico and they had me sign a contract- I backed off when they told me that I have to have my bank pay for the release of the timeshare, before they fund me..now they are threatening me with the penalty clause... is this enforceable?
FTC Staff
December 14, 2016

In reply to by toross4x

If you have a question about whether a contract is legal, you can talk to a lawyer. You could check with your state Attorney General’s office or the Attorney General's office in the state where the business is based, to see if the business is legitimate.

Kcrux
November 06, 2020

In reply to by Lighthouse

Did this end up being a scam? We are working with the same company.
fej5315
December 11, 2016
Has anyone had experience with Prime Alliance Holdings? Sounds like same scam as all the others. Offer to purchase our timeshare points but need funds wired to bank in Mexico to cover expenses of transfer. Company website indicates it is located in Cleveland but no record of the company with Ohio Sec of State. Communication has sounded fishy. Got us to purchase vacation club membership with "exchange" of our timeshare. We expect it is a scam and they will not complete the purchase. Any others have experience with Prime Alliance Holdings?
jrossi
December 29, 2016

In reply to by fej5315

We purchased weeks from Prime Alliance Holdings and now to transfer the weeks to points we have to pay them via wire transfer. I am not sure if we should cut our loss's or send the wire transfer.
fej5315
January 01, 2017

In reply to by jrossi

I have had numerous emails with "Bruce Anderson" of Prime Alliance Holdings. We refused to wire funds to their bank, insisted they wire purchase funds to our title company with their $999 fee to come from closing. They disappeared, no more communication. I realize now it is a scam. We are cutting our losses and not wiring funds. Now to try to get our membership with Amadeaus Vacations voided and fee refunded.
Karlie
December 20, 2016
Any one had deals with Olympia Investors, brokers for time share resale, out of Seattle or Title America Abstract LLC out of New York City. We have sent them $33,000 and they want more. Transfer fees, Commissions, 16%IVA + 3%FI tax, Attorney Fees, Closing &Administration, Use of TS contract and now they want$20,000 IRS taxes. What has happened with people who breach the contract? We feel like we are caught between rock and hardstone. Don't know how to handle situation.
FTC Staff
December 20, 2016

In reply to by Karlie

If you’re selling a timeshare and someone asks for a fee upfront, it's a sign of a timeshare resale scam, and a business you don't want to deal with.

You can check for complaints about the resort developer and management company with the state Attorney General and local consumer protection officials.

You can also research the track record of the seller, developer, and management company before you buy. You also can search online for complaints. This FTC article about timeshares and vacation plans has more information about timeshares and resales.