Unfortunately, over the years timeshares have earned a bad name and reputation due to some scamming people and companies that took advantage of innocent victims. Do you want to learn how you can avoid a timeshare scam in Mexico in 2019? If you do, then you are definitely in the right place. Today, most vacation ownership and vacation club providers are being offered from reputable companies that provide individuals with the chance of having amazing vacations and the price is very affordable. Being a vacation ownership member comes with many benefits. The majority of owners are very happy with their vacation investment, but every individual should still know how to keep themselves protected from becoming a victim of a Mexico timeshare scam. When you know this, you will be able to enjoy your vacation investment for many years, which is why we are providing the information below on how you can avoid timeshare scams in Mexico in 2019.

Fraud alert! 2019 timeshare scams tips below. Keep yourself from becoming a victim of a Mexico timeshare scam:

Cancellation Scams to Avoid

Beware if a cancellation company contacts you after your cooling-off period has expired. This is a very popular 2019 timeshare scam that is occurring in Mexico. The fraudulent cancellation companies are unable to cancel any vacation club contract. These companies will charge you a very large upfront fee, then they will disappear with your money. The fraudulent cancellation companies cannot legally cancel your membership contract once the cooling-off period has passed. You should only contact your existing provider if you have any questions or concerns about your membership.

Refrain from Sales Representatives Working Off-Site

It is very possible that you may come in contact with a fraudulent sales rep that is working off-site. The reputable sales reps often work in popular tourist areas, too. In order to discern who you are speaking with, you should always ask to see identification if you are approached by any sales representative. If the sales representative is an actual genuine sales representative, they will not mind showing you their identification. You should never put a deposit down or buy anything before you attend a sales presentation and take a tour of the resort. You should never trust any sales materials that sales reps show you as opposed to visiting the actual resort. If you visit the resort in person and attend a sales presentation and tour, you will avoid from becoming an unsuspecting victim.

Mexico Timeshare Scam Resales

A very common scam that occurs in Mexico is when a fraudulent company contacts an individual and tries to sell them an old membership. Usually, the fraudulent company doesn’t even own the membership, and most times they are trying to sell something that doesn’t even exist. The fraudulent company usually fabricates information about the vacation club membership along with creating an interested buyer to entice the owner to use their services. To eliminate this Mexico timeshare scam from affecting you entirely, only purchase a vacation ownership membership with a reputable provider. You should never buy an online resale timeshare, and you should never buy a resale from a fraudulent company.

Timeshare Contract Scams

Another popular 2019 scam to avoid is to always make sure that you are given a copy of the membership contract before you pay any money. You should never pay the deposit or transfer money until you have read through the membership contract thoroughly. Make sure that you read all the fine print that is in the contract, ask any questions, then sign the legal document. If you haven’t been given a copy of the membership contract, or if the sales rep has asked you to pay the deposit upfront before you have received your contract, then you may become a victim of a Mexico timeshare scam.

Upgrade and Exchange Timeshare Scams

Has an outside company recently contacted you and told you that they have the ability to exchange or transfer your existing membership? If so, then you should beware as this is probably a scammer trying to scam you. Third party companies that are not your existing provider are unable to upgrade or transfer your current membership for you. Your personal provider is the only one that may be able to do that, and that is only going by the rules and regulations of the membership contract that you signed. This is another popular 2019 timeshare scams that existing owners need to be aware of so they don’t become a victim.

We hope that the 2019 timeshare scam information provided above will prevent you from becoming another victim.

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?

Mexico is one of the most popular and beloved vacation destinations in the world for snowbirds, holiday makers, travelers, and attracts droves of expats each year. This worldwide popularity, and the very things which make it so popular, are unfortunately one of the main reasons that scams related to Mexican vacations are so prevalent.

Here’s what you need to know about scams surrounding the tourist industry in Mexico:

Airport transfer scams
Airport transfer/transport scams can be sidestepped fairly easily!

If you book in advance, and it is wise to do so, print your confirmation email (or keep it on a fully charged tablet or phone) and check all details against the reservation list of anyone who approaches you. Check their ID, too, and do so before you enter their vehicle! If you don’t take these preventative measures you could end up paying a secondary fee when you arrive to your hotel and find out you have been scammed!

Rental Scams Affecting Vacations to Mexico
Rental scams work both ways; those who claim a finders fee for third party renters who do not exist, and those who fraudulently hire out accommodation which, for whatever reason, is unavailable, unsuitable or not legally theirs to rent out. If you want to avoid these scams simply use a reputable rental agency that vets their renters and consumers. Check reviews online and do your research before you hand over any money to rent out a vacation property unseen.

Timeshare scams
Timeshare scams used to be the main concern in Mexico, but these days they are a dying breed. This is due to the Mexican government cracking down on timeshare scammers and, of course, a more informed and savvy consumer base. However, there are still opportunists out there and the main scams now are cancellation scams which prey on those who already own timeshares. If you want to avoid these scammers the rule is simple; ignore any and all cancellation companies. These fraudulent cancellation companies are offering you something they cannot provide out during the legal cooling period, and if you are within the cooling period you do not require their help to cancel your timeshare. Go directly to your timeshare provider for further assistance and do not involve third parties that are likely only trying to scam you.

Credit Card Scams
Credit card scams can affect you online as well as in the “real world”.

Be wary of paying for your flights or accommodation through an insecure portal or website; this puts your personal financial details at risk! Likewise, be careful who you give your details to when paying for tours and attraction tickets. Most establishments will have wireless card terminals now. Furthermore, ensure that you always know exactly where your cards are, and make sure that they’re in a secure location!

These tips will help you enjoy your time in Mexico worry free, and not waste your energy dealing with scams and frauds that could ruin your well deserved vacation.

See more: Favorite Timeshare Destinations in Mexico