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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 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.

Crisojerez
July 07, 2015

In reply to by UVC Contract

!!!!!!!!!! These people got me! I sent $13,000 total, what do I do?!!!!!!
FTC Staff
July 07, 2015

In reply to by Crisojerez

If you have given your bank account or credit card account number to an untrusted source, contact your bank or credit card company and ask what to do to stop any more withdrawals or charges.

This FTC article has tips on how to handle calls from a company offering to resell your timeshare. You can file complaints with your state Attorney General’s office, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

amr
May 29, 2015
Does anyone know of a legitimate company to contact to try to resell a timeshare? Has anyone had a good experience?
FTC Staff
June 02, 2015

In reply to by amr

If you're thinking of selling a timeshare, take a look at this FTC article for tips on how to handle a call from a company that offers to resell your timeshare.

Don’t agree to anything on the phone or online until you check out a reseller. Contact the state Attorney General and local consumer protection agencies in the state where the reseller is located. Ask if there are complaints on file. You also can search online for complaints; enter the company name and the word "complaints" into your search engine and see what comes up.

kim
May 31, 2015
Beware people have stolen my companies identity, Investment Properties, LLC. They have a hispanic accent, and have set up a website using my company name and address. They claim to be in the timeshare business, and are scamming people with this fraudulent activity. Investment Properties LLC has absolutely NOTHING to do with time shares, and I DO NOT have ANY employees. Please do not fall victim to these con artist.
Carrie
June 03, 2015
Just got a call from Richard Rios and his buddy Jeff Morgan. They say they are from Wilson County Abstract Co Inc. in Topeka Kansas. I throughly checked this company out and it's Bogus. My story is similar to all of yours. Appears to be very ligit but be aware, it is not.
Wendy
June 10, 2015
Wow, are so many scams out there! I wonder if there is a truly legit resale company. I was contacted by Third Coast Group out of Texas a few weeks ago, promising no upfront fees and has a buyer willing to pay us !8,000+ for our Westin Time Share. They tell us it's a big Mexican company Goupo Bimbo that is looking to buy 5 timeshares for write off and incentives for their employees. Feeling a bit suspicious, but if no money out of pocket, what can it hurt to check it out right? So we accepted offer to move forward to closing, they promised a quick closing. They sent us a form from SAT, the Mexican IRS. They tell us that the money is sitting in an account, but in order to release money that we have to pay 16% tax which comes out to $3000+ and they the company will refund us when we close. Now I'm really starting to get suspicious. They give me everything in writing and guarantee that we will get our money back. But don't know if that means anything if this company is not legit. Anyone delt with them before? They say if we don't feel comfortable, then we can sell it locally in the states but value is only 3-4 thousand. sigh.......
FTC Staff
June 22, 2015

In reply to by Wendy

If you're thinking of selling a timeshare, take a look at this FTC article for tips on how to handle a call from a company that offers to resell your timeshare. Be skeptical of a company that wants you to pay fees before you get your money.

Don’t agree to anything on the phone or online until you check out a reseller. Contact the state Attorney General and local consumer protection agencies in the state where the reseller is located. Ask if there are complaints on file. You also can search online for complaints; enter the company name and the word "complaints" into your search engine and see what comes up.

JRA NJ
July 29, 2015

In reply to by Wendy

Wendy, How did end? We are dealing with them and I am in the process of canceling the sale because after the first SAT, comes another and another and it is endless. They sent me now the cancelation letter but asking for more money as a cancelation fee. I'm not suspicious now, I am sure I was catch in a scam.
arnie1602
June 23, 2015
I have been contacted by a company called Instant Traveling Expert Advice inc offering to buy my time share at El Cid in Mexico. Anyone heard of these people? They have a Denver , co. address and phone. Sounds to good to be true!!!!!No Better Business Bureau record.
GP145
June 23, 2015
Scam scam scam: Investment Group Inc 1585 Ellinwood Ave. Ste. 210, Chicago Il, 60016 Phone:(312)940-6833 Fax: (312)276-8890 Email:
FTC Staff
June 23, 2015

In reply to by GP145

To get this information added to the database that law enforcement uses, file a complaint with the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint.

Ham Van
June 24, 2015
Has anyone heard of Windy City Property Management out of Chicago Ill? They a downtown address and phone number. So far they haven't ask for fees and are offering just below the price I paid for my timeshare in Mexico. No BBB record!
FTC Staff
June 24, 2015

In reply to by Ham Van

If you're thinking of selling a timeshare, take a look at this FTC article and find tips on how to handle a call from a company offering to resell your timeshare.

real estate agent
August 24, 2015

In reply to by Ham Van

Hi, My clients have received a call from Windy City Property Management telling them they have a buyer for their time share in Mexico and the money already. The supposed broker Camilo Sosa sent them a 1 ½ page contract in Spanish (without his licence number of the broker nor the company). Long story short, they are now asking them to deposit $13,000 to a bank in Mexico BANAMEX for the transfer fee and they are telling them that they will reimburse the money once they deposit that amount. The broker have them sign a contract that if they cancel the transaction they will be charge $2,000 plus legal fees. They said in the contract that they are not affiliated with no ther company nor organization, and then they told my clients that Windy City Property management have a closing company handling the escrow and title. I search the company for their brokers license and found noting. Be careful!!!
Dave D
August 28, 2015

In reply to by real estate agent

Yes I'm from Canada and got taking for 11000.00 U.S. For my timeshare in puerto Vallarta. Windy City property management are scammers . RCMP are looking into now593
finning123
June 25, 2015
in process of trying to be scammed by :Rose City Resale Group /Portland Ore- Mark Alvarez(sales agent)- Susan Culver(president)- address for company is office building that knows nothing about them
tnhc7777
July 07, 2015
Watch out for Westwood Benson at 233 Wacker WDr. Willis Tower, 22nd floor in Chicago. The address does not match the business. John Miller is the contact person. He is a scammer. They are using the title company that is US Federal Holdings That is at the Bank of America Plaza Suite 101 San Antonio Texas. The Bank of America Plaza says that no one of the name of that title company rents space here. Not only that but when I called John Miller (with a severe Mexican accent) they had talked about me. Evidently they were nervous because I called to ask for their attorneys name.
Sadlyscammedalready
August 05, 2015

In reply to by tnhc7777

Thanks for your info. I am dealing with these same people. Will call the state attorney generals of both states and report these bastards.
red7777
August 20, 2015

In reply to by tnhc7777

I received a call from the same company last night. After seeing the info on here I made a call the the Willis Tower superintendent and asked him if there was a company in there building by that name. His answer was no.
AlmostScammed
September 27, 2015

In reply to by tnhc7777

This company has also contacted me, seems very sketchy. Everything you've said is EXACTLY what has happened. They said the buyer stayed at my property and loved it, but the sales people there were rude so he wanted to buy it from this Westwood Benson Broker instead. Plus, they are offering me twice what the going rate is.
Upset
November 10, 2015

In reply to by tnhc7777

Thank you for doing the research to see if they are really located at within Willis Tower. We were receiving calls from "Frank White" from 708-231-4335. When I asked to speak to the attorney/counsel for his brokerage firm he was thrown back. He tried providing me a number for the building manager and I informed him we already checked and his company is not located within Willis tower. He then provided me the name "John Fitzgerald" 866-979-0130, and he wanted to get off the phone fast. I advised that I will be filing report with State Attorney General.
NYEsq.
July 09, 2015
Here's a new one to add to the list: Property Pro Realty, LLC., out of Columbus Ohio. Dimitries wants to buy our timeshare in Cabo, MX. He sends proposal--which surprisingly specifically states they "do not charge any upfront fees." However, things weren't adding up. The quote was 3-4 times what we purchased it for. 2 days later he called again, spoke w/my wife who provided additional contradicting info about unit size and availability, and we get another quote for over twice the original quote! Signature is IDENTICAL between the two letters. I check out the website and initially it looks legit. However, reading through it reveals poor grammar and punctuation plus the photos of the staff all appear to be taken from shutterstock! I check to see if the LLC was ever registered in Ohio and find it was, but only in December 2014. So when Dimitires called again today, I asked how long he's worked for Property Pro. He said since 2013. I said, "That's strange since the company was only registered 6 months ago." After trying to say he's at a different office, he hangs up. Finally, I called the agent who's name is listed on the registration document. He's a real person, works at a bank and tells me he's aware that someone was using the LLC he created and he had reported it to the state consumer protection office. I just submitted all these details to the FTC but wanted to share the news on another time-share scam artist.
Kgcolorado
July 14, 2015
AM resorts UVC; scammed by this name out of Biringham , AL James J. Bell Account Manager Title Realty Company Direct Line: (205)641-7114 (Majic Jack number) Fax: 1(205)392-2958
tired of the scams
July 17, 2015
Have had John Miller from Westwood Benson Brokers in Chicago contact me as the Branch Manager with a Proposal for the sale of my timeshare for triple what I paid for it several years ago. Sounds good, no money to pay up front until when?? Using a person by the name of Simon Silvestri as accountant in US Federal Holdings again located at the Bank of America Plaza in San Antonio. Spoke to Silvestri who came across as surprised when I advised him that i checked with the Plaza management who advised that no company by that name rents space there.
Exjefe
July 20, 2015
Received an email from a "Susan Wasak" offering to buy my timeshare. After several emails back and forth she offered a price which I believe to be more than the value. She asked for my name and wife's name, address and phone number etc. All I have for her is a phone number. I plan to research that as well as her name. She said she is hearing impaired. (Maybe to discourage a phone call) My next email her will be to ask her for more detailed information about her and her alleged agent. I don't [plan on giving her any further info on me. She claims that American Title Co. will handle the escrow. Anyone have one like this yet?
nychic
July 17, 2015
Has anyone heard of DCM resort properties or of Youngstown Ohio? They have contacted me in reference to selling my Bahia Principe time share,they have offered more than what I paid and say there are no upfront fees they also said instead of putting it in a non interest bearing account I could get a cashier check, cash it and then pay their 7 percent commission..
FTC Staff
July 20, 2015

In reply to by nychic

Read this article about buying and selling a timeshare, and look at the related infographic to see how timeshare resale scams typically work.

If someone you don't know wants you to cash a check and send them money, it could be a scam.  Under federal law, banks generally must make funds available to you within a certain time. But just because funds are available doesn’t mean the check you deposited is good. It can take weeks to discover that a check is a forgery. Until the bank confirms that the funds from the check are deposited into your account, you're responsible for any funds you withdraw against that check. If you withdraw money before the bank confirms the funds, you have to repay the bank if the check turns out to be fake.

Read this article for more about Fake Checks Scam.

brican
July 21, 2015

In reply to by nychic

Just received a similar call from DCM Resort Properties followed-up by a Purchase Offer for my Bahia Principe Privilege Club Membership; the Offer indicates that their 7% commission is paid out from the sales proceeds at Closing of the transaction.Anyone had any successful dealings with this company?
Jennifer
August 14, 2015

In reply to by brican

Hi, There are two posts about DCM but no specific feedback. Did either of you pursue the option with DCM? I am interested in your experience. Thank you.
dabb
October 07, 2015

In reply to by Jennifer

Yes don't speak with them anymore this is a scam they will want you to send $$ to a Mexican bank for transfer fees and Mexican Admin fee. Stay far away
AbC
November 19, 2015

In reply to by dabb

Thank you for this warning because DCM contacted me today and sent me an email. It is too good to be true.
Fernando
July 18, 2015
Does anybody knows galaxyvacationsinc.net? From houston, I think is also a scam. Some comments.
Sandman
July 31, 2015
I have experienced some of the samethings on the sale of my timeshare in Mexico. Has anyone heard of or been contacted by Nicholas Marino of Lake City Private Equity Group in Chicago, IL or the Escrow Agent Aaron Newman of Lafayette Escrow Services in Detroit, Mich?
Taken?
August 27, 2015

In reply to by Sandman

We have been contacted by Aaron Newman of Lafayette Title and Gerry Garcia of Lake City Equity. They said that they were representing a company that wanted to buy out our timeshare along with others to get control of the timeshare property. They promised no money out of our pockets and then at the last few days before the closing said that the Mexican SAT (IRS equivalent in Mexico) was needing the taxes to be paid on this unit before they would release it to have free title. Now they are asking for thousands of dollars, which is 18% of the selling price to be paid to the Mexican SAT government. We researched it online and found enough people that said that this was a scam. OUR ADVICE is to let NO, ABSOLUTELY NO money come out of your pocket. They even sent us a form saying that there is money in escrow from the buyer.
JRA NJ
July 31, 2015
About Third Coast Group. Don't send any money to them. I called today Texas Real State Commission and they are NOT licensed to operate as seller or buyer of timeshare. By the way, if you are trying to sell your timeshare and receive calls from any company, don't waste your time looking for their name through the internet, call the real state commission from the state they are calling and they will tell you if it is a legitimate company or not. Good luck
Fran
August 05, 2015
has anyone been approached from affinity travel saying they have a buyer for your timeshare. I think it's a scam.
RMV
August 06, 2015
Has anyone heard of Timeshare Exit Team? I heard them on the radio. They don't sell timeshares, but claim to legally break the timeshare contract for a fee. They seem to have good reviews online...I just want to get out of my timeshare!
steveyG
August 06, 2015
Anyone had Billy or William Jason of Denver Realty Services call about a plan to Lease 10 years of the end of your Time Share contract ? He claims you don't give up title and you will be paid the full ten years Lease payment after escrow is cleared. They use Int'l Title Services, also in Denver to do the "escrow'
JoK
August 16, 2015
Has anyone had any dealing with ICM resale vacations LLC. Just started getting calls from them.
Hirsch
August 17, 2015
If they are willing to put down the 10% that UVC requires to do the sale, but they are an scam.
no way Jose!
August 18, 2015
Have another name to add to the ever-growing list: Property Management Plus, Inc. Out of California. Bill Walter kindly offered to pay us $20k more than we paid for our points! 1-866-978-7973 is the number used. Beware!!!
FTC Staff
August 18, 2015

In reply to by no way Jose!

You can report this to the FTC at ftc.gov/complaint. The information will go into a database that law enforcement uses for investigations.

Blog comments aren't entered in the law enforcement database.

VoR
August 24, 2015

In reply to by no way Jose!

I got a call from them also. Their email correspondence lists their street address as 11601 Wilshire, Suite 500 in Los Angeles. But that address is occupied by another company, Blacksands Pacific. I called Blacksands Pacific, and the receptionist verified that they were the sole occupants of Suite 500, and that she had never heard of Property Management Plus, Inc. The contact's name at "Property Management Plus, Inc." was Dave Murphy.
VoR
August 28, 2015

In reply to by no way Jose!

Question for no way Jose: did Bill Walter have a fairly deep voice? My contact, Dave Murphy, had a deep telephone voice. I wonder if it's the same guy using two (or more) different names?
debsvan
August 21, 2015
Wondering if anyone has heard from International Consolidators out of Oklahoma City. They have a web page, but I don't know how to find out when it was put up or how long they have it for.
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