Post Tagged with: "timeshare resale scam"

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!

Vacations to Mexico and Avoid Scams

May 8, 2018 at 2:29 pm

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:

Vacations to Mexico and Avoid Scams

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

 

Villa del Palmar Resale Scam – What to do?

July 6, 2015 at 9:10 am

Your protection as a Villa del Palmar timeshare owner is important for the good reputation of the timeshare industry at large. During recent months, the threat of Villa del Palmar resale scams have escalated and steps have thus been taken to safeguard you against such criminal activities. The authorities are working closely together with the Villa Group and Universal Vacation Club International (UVCI) to catch put a stop to these illegal resale scams. ARDA (American Resort Development Association) has also lent its hand in giving a solution to this prevalent problem concerning Villa del Palmar resale scams.

Villa del Palmar Resale Scam

What to do if you think you have been involved in a Villa del Palmar Resale Scam

You can check out this ARDA link www.arda.org/advisories and have some ideas about this menace. The Villa Group on its part will help to the fullest extent. You can get in touch directly at memberservices@resortcom.com if ever you see signs that these scammers are planning against you. However, as a responsible member, you must have the initiative to report and make any claims before we can give full assistance. It’s your duty to act and make an official statement to the authorities of the things that happened.

Here are the full details on what to do if you met with a Villa del Palmar Resale Scam

  • Get in touch with the Villa Group and report the occurrences. Contact the Villa Group Member’s Services or UVCI.
  • File a complaint to the Federal Trade Commission through its Business Fraud Division. Call this number 1-877-382-4357.
  • Find your state’s Attorney General’s Office and report what happened.
  • Keep the Villa Group’s member’s services up to date with your progress at memberservices@resortcom.com if these scammers are sending you any written materials or calling you by phone. It is advised that you send all this needed information through email to update your file. They can serve as evidences when filing a case against these scammers.

Finally, make a statement with ARDA: www.arda.org/advisories.

The Villa Group and all the agencies mentioned are working in your favor, but be sure to make all your reports available. They are vital in our fight against resale scammers.

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