Would you like to know how you can spot a timeshare scam to protect yourself? Do you want to learn more about timeshares and vacation ownership opportunities, but want to take care to avoid getting scammed? Read below to learn how you can tell the difference between a reputable timeshare provider and a fraudulent scammer.

• No Reputation?

One of the biggest signs of a probable timeshare scam is if the company does not have a reputation at all. It goes without saying that a good reputation is very important when it comes to determining a safe choice from a bad decisions. So if you come across a timeshare provider that has no reputation at all or you are approached by a vacation ownership or timeshare company that you can’t find any information on, tread very carefully. As the majority of fraudsters and scammers regularly change their name to avoid getting caught by the authorities and to confuse their next victim, make sure to do your research on a timeshare provider that you want to buy from. If you find they have no reputation at all, you should be extra suspicious as it is probable you are at risk for becoming a timeshare scam victim.

• Are They Part Of A Timeshare Network?

Another suggestion on how to spot a timeshare scam is to ask if they are affiliated with or part of a timeshare group or network with resorts in various locations. The vast majority of reputable timeshare companies today are part of a partnership with other resorts throughout Mexico, so if you find yourself in dealing with a resort provider that has no affiliation, it is something to question. Most timeshare companies today are part of a network as individuals that invest in vacation ownership memberships today have demanded increased variety and flexibility that comes with access to additional resorts. Today, most reputable providers are part of a network so their members have the ability to visit various properties as opposed to be limited to just one location. If you come across a vacation ownership opportunity where they are not part of a network, it is a warning sign that they may be a timeshare scammer.

• Sales Reps Cannot Produce Valid Identification

The sales representatives that promote timeshares or vacation ownership investments also give big clues about the validity of the provider. If a sales representative or promoter is unable to provide proper identification that they work for a particular resort, that is a huge red flag. All sales reps that work for genuine providers should be able to produce proper identification that associates them with the specific timeshare provider they are promoting. Another consideration is to think about where did you meet the sales representative? Scammers are usually found at random locations throughout town as they are not allowed to legally work inside the airport or shopping centers. To help protect yourself from becoming a timeshare scam victim, always ask to see ID before you agree to attending a presentation. By doing so, you can avoid wasting your time with a potential fraudster.

• Off-Site Interaction: Red Flag!

Another common trend that timeshare scammers practice is that they take potential victims to a specific resort, but then ask them to sign paperwork off site at another location. If a sales rep piques your interest about one resort, but then takes you for a tour of another, that is something else to be aware of. Any sales rep that gives a sales presentation that covers the membership plans, amenities, facilities of one resort, but then quickly takes you to another location to talk further, be very wary. Any sales rep who conduct a timeshare presentation off site is likely a scammer so be very careful.

• Trust Your Instincts

Lastly, another simple way to avoid becoming a timeshare scam victim is to trust your gut if you have a bad feeling about the sales rep or any of your conversations. If you just have a wary feeling or have caught the sales rep in lies, you are probably dealing with a scammer. Legitimate timeshare sales reps for genuine resort providers are honest and not allowed to misconstrue any information about vacation ownership membership. If you feel your rep is not trustworthy or if something just feels wrong, listen to your gut and trust your instincts.

Vacation ownership memberships with genuine resort providers are an excellent investment for you and your family. Just make sure you follow these tips on how to spot a timeshare scam, and you can keep yourself safe.

Recommended article: Should I beware Villa Group Scams?

Are you a current timeshare owner and you have been thinking about canceling your membership? If you have, then you will want to make sure you read the information provided in this blog. We have provided all of the important information that you need to know if you are wanting to cancel your timeshare membership. There could be possible repercussions that you will have to face if you cancel your membership, so continue to read below to learn more.

Can I Cancel My Timeshare or Not?

The first thing that you should know about timeshare membership contracts are that they are legally binding agreements that can’t be cancelled if the cooling off period has expired. It really doesn’t matter what reasons you have on why you want to cancel your membership, it is very important that you understand that the contract that you have signed is legal and breaking it will come with repercussions. Once you have recognized that you can’t legally cancel your vacation ownership membership, you should make the most of your investment and start enjoying the best vacations. You can avoid all stress and worry when you avoid becoming a victim of a potential timeshare cancellation company scam that will try to convince you that you can cancel your membership, but realistically you are not able to.

Cooling Off Period – How Long Is it?

Timeshare providers and members are equally protected by the cooling off period. Timeshare members will have several days to go over their membership contract commitment, and the providers will be protected from customers that are just wishy washy. The cooling off period is usually five to fourteen days once the timeshare contract has been signed. You should always check the contract thoroughly to verify the specific cooling off period time frame that is in your contract. Once the cooling off period has expired, timeshare members are not able to cancel their membership and the timeshare providers are now able to process the sale and to pay their sales agents any commissions that they have earned.

Cooling Off Period Has Expired – What Can You Do Now?

Were you going through your timeshare contract and you have learned that your cooling off period has already expired and you are wondering what you can do now, because you were wanting to cancel your membership? As you know now that you are unable to cancel your timeshare membership, why not start planning a vacation so you can get the most out of your investment and your membership. If you purchased your membership from the Villa Group, rest assured it is a reputable timeshare company that operates some of the most luxurious resorts throughout Mexico. The Villa Group has resort properties in Loreto, Riviera Nayarit, Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Cancun. Not ready to vacation yet/ You have another option, which is you can bank your timeshare points and use them for future vacations. However, the maintenance fees will still need to be paid, but you can keep banking your timeshare points and let them accumulate until you are ready to have an amazing vacation at one of the top and luxurious resorts within the Villa Group family.

Never Contact a Timeshare Cancellation Company

There are fraudulent timeshare cancellation companies out there that try to scam and convince existing owners that they can cancel their membership contract legally for them. We know that it is not possible for them to cancel your membership contract, and they will only take your money, bring stress, and waste your time. All of the timeshare cancellation companies are scammers and frauds and will only bring added stress to your life. Avoid them completely!

Are you still asking yourself “Can I cancel my timeshare or not” after reading this important information? Remember, once the cooling off period has expired you are not able to cancel your membership. Instead, you should make the most out of your investment and start using it and enjoying it as soon as possible. The Villa Group provides the best destinations and resorts for their valued members, and you will have the ability to enjoy these resorts for many, many years.

You may have heard about fractional properties and you thought they are basically the same as a traditional timeshare. While both traditional timeshares and fractional timeshares are great investments, you should also know that there are major differences between the two. Fractional timeshares and traditional timeshares have many differences and you can learn more about their differences by reading below.

• Yearly Use and Ownership Numbers

Approximately fifty-two owners share one unit with a traditional timeshare, and this is designed so that each timeshare owner can have one or two weeks at the property each year. Approximately four to sixteen owners share a unit with a fractional property. With a fractional timeshare membership, you will get to use the unit more times each year than a traditional timeshare. Typically, the fractional owners can spend anywhere from three to twelve weeks each year at the property for their vacations. If you feel like you don’t get enough vacations in a year, then a fractional ownership could be a great investment for you.

• Maintenance and Wear and Tear

One important difference that exists between fractional ownership and timeshare ownership is the wear and tear that occurs at the property. It is important to know that with a traditional timeshare ownership there can be up to fifty-two owners for one single unit. There will be a new family arriving each and every week at the property, which means the traditional timeshare will receive a lot of traffic. The traditional timeshare property will have a lot of wear and tear due to the sheer volume of visitors it receives, which means that the property will likely become older more quickly. Due to the large amount of traffic the property receives each week, that usually results in more damages, too. Fractional properties have less owners and there isn’t a big turnover either. The staff knows all of the guests and each vacation experience for fractional owners is a great one. Fractional properties have well-built construction for each unit and the décor is upgraded. Only high end fixtures are used at the fractional properties and you can expect to have more amenities and the best services when compared to traditional timeshare properties.

• Required Income

The required income needed to qualify to be an owner with the fractional ownership versus the traditional timeshare is a noteworthy difference. To be qualified for a traditional timeshare ownership, the minimum income required will start off at $75,000. To be qualified for a fractional ownership, you will have to make at least $150,000. With the large income discrepancy required for a traditional timeshare ownership and fractional ownership means that the clientele will tend to be at a higher level for fractional owners. Fractional owners are used to living a higher standard and they expect the best amenities and service from the staff, too.

• Second Home Connection

Usually, traditional timeshare developments are very large and they often have hundreds of units. Fractional properties are much smaller and there are usually only fifty units, which provides a more exclusive environment that some people are looking for when it comes to selecting their vacation destination. Traditional timeshare owners are not as connected to their unit and property because they only spend seven days at the property each year. For a fractional property owners, they often consider their unit and property as their second home. One similarity between traditional timeshare ownership and fractional ownership properties is the ability of spend your vacation time at another property that is within the network of the resort. Fractional property owners can use their weeks at another resort property just like the traditional timeshare owners do as long as the resort is within the resort group’s exchange network.

There are many differences between fractional timeshares and traditional timeshare ownerships. Knowing the differences between them will allow you to know which one is best for you. Do you want to invest in a traditional timeshare ownership or a fractional timeshare ownership?