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Timeshare Resale Scams
2 min readLast reviewed
Resale scams target owners who are eager to sell, often with the promise of a ready buyer if you pay a fee first. This article explains the common schemes and how to avoid them. It is general information, not legal advice.
How resale scams work
A typical scam involves an unsolicited contact claiming a buyer is ready, then requesting an upfront fee for closing costs, taxes, or listing. After payment, the buyer never materializes. This mirrors patterns in our broader exit scams guide.
The Federal Trade Commission warns specifically about resale companies that demand money upfront.
Common red flags
Be alert to:
- An unsolicited call about a buyer for your specific timeshare
- Requests for upfront fees, taxes, or "closing costs"
- Pressure to act immediately
- Guarantees of a sale or a specific price
How to protect yourself
Never pay upfront based on a promised buyer, use reputable platforms, and price with the market reality in mind.
Verify any company, and prefer arrangements where fees come only from a completed sale.
If you are targeted
Report suspected scams to the FTC and your state consumer-protection office, and document everything.
If money has changed hands, contact your bank or card issuer promptly.
Sources & citations
- 1.FTC — Timeshares and Vacation Plans— Federal Trade Commission
- 2.CFPB — Consumer resources— Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Written by
Consumer Education Desk
Timeshare Research & Reporting
Reviewed by
Compliance Reviewer
Consumer-Protection & Compliance Review
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