Post Tagged with: "timeshare presentation scam"

Villa Group Scams 2019

May 24, 2019 at 8:22 am

In Mexico, a top vacation club provider is the Villa Group Resorts who has nine amazing resort properties in five top vacation destinations. In addition, they have over three decades of experience with thousands of satisfied members. Are you still concerned about potential Are Villa Group scams? The truth is, you can avoid timeshare scams completely by implementing a few helpful tips. Continue reading below to learn more about avoiding Villa Group scams.

Villa Group Timeshare Scams

In 2019, Villa Group scams are literally nonexistent. The Villa Group has worked very hard to provide all of their members with quality vacations. This award-winning company with a great reputation in the industry aims to provide their members with top quality services and accommodations. Villa Group timeshare scams are not even connected to the company, but instead fraudulent individuals have misused the respected company’s name in a farce to take advantage of innocent people. Sometimes, these fraudsters will go as far as reaching out to existing Villa Group vacation club members to try to deceive them. Unsuspecting owners have been told before by outside, third party fraudsters that they can cancel, sell, and/or refund their vacation club membership. Don’t let yourself fall for this hoax! Protect yourself and your investment by continue to read more.

villa group scams timeshare

Avoid Outside Third-Party Scams

You can avoid outside third-party scams by only dealing with the Villa Group personally. You should only deal with the resort personally and if you do, then you will be safe. Would you like to know how you can know for sure if you are dealing with a genuine sales rep with the Villa Group or a fraudster? All you need to do is to ask to see the sales rep’s identification. All of the sales representatives are issued proper identification with the Villa Group and they can present this identification to all potential clients. A third-party scammer often takes people to the actual resort, but when it is time to sign the contract, they take you off-site. This is not the practice of an authentic sales rep with the Villa Group. They will have you sign all paperwork at the resort.

Timeshare Cancellation Scams

Another popular hoax to be aware of in 2019 is about timeshare cancellation scams. The legal fact is that timeshare memberships can only be canceled during the cooling-off period or the rescission period. This time occurs immediately after you have signed the vacation club membership contract. On average, the cooling-off period is 5 -14 days, but you should look at your specific contract to see which dates apply to you. Once the cooling-off period is over, no one can legally cancel their vacation club membership. If an outside company promises you that they can cancel your membership for you, be aware that they are trying to trick you. Another popular scam that has unfortunately occurred to innocent victims is the resale scam. The timeshare resale scam is an outside party promising you that they can resell your membership for a fee. The occurs because the outside company will charge a large fee, often referred to a processing fee, but then they never provide the service and actually sell your membership. If you are ever interested in trying to resell your timeshare or upgrading, only contact your existing provider. Never deal with any outside third-party companies that are more than likely scammers.

Remember, you can protect yourself and avoid Villa Group scams. Make sure to not work with any outside third-party companies that try to dupe you as no outside party can cancel or resell your timeshare membership outside of the cooling off period. The Villa Group is a genuine and reputable company that provides high quality vacation club memberships at a price that works with your budget and lifestyle. We hope that the Villa Group scam information we provided above will keep you safe and in the know.

Fraud Alert: 2019 Timeshare Scams

April 24, 2019 at 9:48 pm

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:

2019 timeshare scams

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.

How To Spot a Timeshare Scam

March 6, 2019 at 12:58 pm

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?

Timeshare Consultants – Beware of Fake Companies!

June 19, 2018 at 10:15 am

There are numerous legitimate choices of timeshare companies in Mexico if you want to become a timeshare owner. There are many happy timeshare owners that have had no problems with their timeshare purchase, and they are thrilled that they can enjoy luxurious vacations at many different beautiful resorts in Mexico. However, there are a handful of fake companies and scammers who try to take advantage of innocent timeshare owners and they will say and do anything to make timeshare owners believe that they are a legitimate consulting timeshare company. You can protect yourself from becoming a victim. Be alert and cautious of timeshare consultants. Beware of fake companies. Read below how you can be safe and enjoy your timeshare investment.

Timeshare Consultants

Timeshare Consultants and Timeshare Scams

The majority of all of the timeshare scams in the past related to fake timeshare companies that were selling timeshares that never existed. Today, timeshare scammers are taking a new approach to scam innocent people of their money. The scammers are now targeting timeshare owners by offering to help cancel or resell their timeshare. The timeshare consultants and timeshare scams are even offering timeshare owners an upgraded timeshare through their company. The timeshare consultants will tell timeshare owners that they already have an interested buyer to purchase their old timeshare so you can upgrade to a new, improved timeshare. The warning sign that you are dealing with a scammer is when the timeshare consultant requires you to pay an upfront fee so they can start the process for you. Beware of fake timeshare consultant and timeshare scams so you and your timeshare will be protected.

Timeshare Consultants – Beware of Fake Companies!

Beware of fake companies and timeshare consultants. There was an advisory warning that was recently released by the American Resort Development Association (ARDA), which revealed that some timeshare scammers and consultants have inaccurately claimed to work with their association. In particular, there is one scammer company operating under the name of “Resort Consulting Advocates”. The advisory warning claims that several timeshare owners have already been scammed by “Resort Consulting Advocates” when they were that interested buyers wanted to purchase their timeshare membership. These fake timeshare consultants even created a fake sales contract and they included in the sales contract a “100% Satisfaction Guarantee” to appear genuine. The fake scammers did in fact not have a buyer, and they charged the timeshare owner victims an upfront fee, then they suddenly disappeared.

Beware of Fraudulent Resellers

Timeshare owners should beware of fraudulent resellers like “Resort Consulting Advocates”. Unfortunately, this is only one of many fraudulent resellers and timeshare scamming companies out there pretending to be a genuine company so that innocent timeshare owners will trust them and use their services. These type of companies will change their company name often to avoid any prosecution by the authorities. Timeshare owners don’t really know who they are working with, and they become a victim of their timeshare scams inadvertently. Timeshare owners should beware of fraudulent resellers, cancellation companies, and rental companies. These are the type of companies that are wanting to scam timeshare owners and they should be avoided completely. One way to protect yourself and your timeshare investment is to avoid the fraudulent companies by only communicating with the timeshare company where you have purchased your timeshare membership from. There will be a trained staff member ready to assist you with any concerns or complaints you may have. You should never talk to a third party company who is just trying to scam you.

Help! I Believe I’ve Been Scammed

If a timeshare scammer has contacted you or you have paid an upfront fee to a scamming company, then you need to contact the timeshare company where you purchased your timeshare from and let them know what happened to you. When you do this you are actually helping genuine timeshare companies to warn their timeshare members so they will not be scammed, too. The local authorities, state attorney general, and the Better Business Bureau should be contacted so you can file a formal complaint. If you want to prevent other timeshare owners from being scammed, then you should file a complaint.

An Upfront Fee Should Not Be Paid

If you are asked to pay an upfront fee from a third party company, then you are likely going to be scammed. Any company that offers timeshare assistance services should be researched thoroughly, because sadly, these type of companies are mostly scammers that are looking to take your money from you. If you are unsure, you should contact the timeshare company that you purchased your timeshare from as all third party companies are probably trying to scam you.

You can protect yourself, your timeshare membership, and your money when you avoid all timeshare scamming companies. Beware of timeshare consultants and beware of fake companies so you are not scammed!

Puerto Vallarta Timeshare Presentations Scams

August 24, 2015 at 11:44 am

Mexico has, sadly, has received a lot of unfounded negative attention when it comes to timeshare presentation scams, and this is largely due to a spate of scams that occurred during the 80s and 90s. These scams, of course, did a lot of damage to Mexico´s reputation as a safe place to invest in timeshares. What the media, and many others, however fail to understand is that these scams resulted in a tightening of security that means that, these days, Mexico (and, in particular, Puerto Vallarta) is one of the safest places in the world when it comes to timeshare investment.

Puerto Vallarta Timeshare Presentations Scams

When people ask the question are there timeshare scams in Puerto Vallarta? the simplest answer is no because timeshare companies are highly regulated in the area, including Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit on Banderas Bay. There will always be criminals and con artists on the job in all parts of the world, but you are more thoroughly protected from these people in Puerto Vallarta than you are in many other places.

Puerto Vallarta timeshare scam review

These days a timeshare rep in Puerto Vallarta must have official permission (indicated by the identification they are issued) to approach people in the street and in public spaces to promote their companies timeshares. So if you are approached by a promoter that you have suspicions about you can look for their ID (it should be visible) or ask to see it if its not clearly visible. If they cannot produce it then don’t entertain them any further; move on and report them to the authorities.

Despite the bad reputation timeshare companies in Puerto Vallarta seem to attract, the services offered can actually be a gift to tourists and help maintain the levels of visitors to a destination throughout the year rather than just during the high season. Timeshare reps in Puerto Vallarta will be very knowledgeable about the area they work in so if you are lost, or want some advice, just ask them to help you! Furthermore most legitimate timeshare companies will offer genuine, no strings gifts to people who attend their presentations. This means for one or two hours of your time, with no purchase expected, you could get a discount on taxis, activities or attractions.

In Puerto Vallarta you are as protected from fraudsters as its possible to be. So why not relax and consider a presentation – even if it’s just for the restaurant vouchers?

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