It all starts with a promise- a string of promises- to sell your timeshare to a ready, willing and eager buyer (100% guaranteed!) to give you the “relief” and “rescue” you deserve. All you need to do is provide a “small fee”, or join them for a nice lunch out where they can collect your payment and never be heard from or seen again. None of these stories are too new, they are the stories of scams and frauds that happen daily, but now that you know about them, what can you do?
RCI in an article offers these suggestions:
1. Get the offer details. – What will the fees cost? What will the company do for those fees? Who/what will assume ownership of the timeshare? When will the timeshare be transferred out of your ownership? When will you be responsible for maintenance fees?
2. Be skeptical of any upfront fees. – Just don’t pay them. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
3. Be wary. – Don’t make assumptions. Just because a company claims to work for another company that you know, or has received awards and industry recognition does not automatically mean that they are reliable. Research, confirm the facts and don’t be afraid to ask questions.
4. Call your club or resort to ask for information. – Are there transfer restrictions and fees that may apply to your transfer? Does the resort/club offer a resale or buyback program?
5. Do your research.– Google it, call people, ask people, anything to make sure that your choice is the right choice. Contact outside organizations such as the American Resort Development Association Resort Owners’ Coalition (ARDA-ROC at ardaroc.org).
“Fighting Fraud in the Secondary Market” RCI