Five Things to Look Out for to Avoid Timeshare Scams

The FTC announced Thursday that it had brought 191 actions against fraudulent operations offering to resell timeshare properties. In these scams, con artists offer to help sell a client’s timeshare in exchange for a fee paid in advance. But instead of finding a buyer, the scammers pocket the fee and disappear. Here is a list of the organizations the FTC brought actions against.

If you own a timeshare you’re looking to sell, here are five tips to help avoid scammers:

1. Never pay for the promise of a sale.
2. Be wary of big up-front fees.
3. Be wary of promises to quickly find a buyer.
4. Insist on everything in writing.
5. Pay for services only after the unit is sold.