The reality is that there are many genuine timeshare ownership opportunities in Mexico. The majority of satisfied timeshare owners are very happy with their purchase, although there are some unfortunate individuals who who have had bad experiences. The benefits of owning a timeshare is that it offers you a chance to enjoy luxury vacations at a variety of beautiful resorts located throughout Mexico.  However, be aware that there are scammers out there trying to  post as legitimate timeshare consulting companies and they go after current timeshare owners.  Below, we will explain some of the new timeshare scams you will want to be aware of.

Resale Scams

In the past timeshare, scams usually occurred when fake timeshare companies tried to sell timeshares that did not exist or were not theirs to sell. Today, new timeshare scams revolve around fake companies offering to resale old timeshares for individuals who no longer want to own their timeshare.  This new approach goes after current timeshare owners by offering them services to resell or cancel their existing timeshare scam. The scam is evident when they offer to sell your old timeshare, but as long as you first purchase a new timeshare. They often tell timeshare owners they already have a buyer ready and willing to purchase their old timeshare in order to create urgency. You should know that you are likely being scammed when they ask you to pay an upfront fee.  These type of services are illegal and must be avoided at all costs in order to protect your timeshare investment!

Consultant Scammers

Another scam situation that has been happening lately is companies posing as consultants to help timeshare owners. The American Resort Development Association (ARDA) recently notified timeshare owners that a company working as “Resort Consulting Advocates” is falsely claiming to work in conjunction with its association. Several timeshare owners were contacted by this fake company which claimed to have interested buyers for timeshare properties that they wanted to sell. “Resort Consulting Advocates” created fake sale contracts and this helped convince timeshare owners to trust them. The sad truth was they had no buyer, and they fraudulently charged the innocent victim an upfront fee and then lost all contact.

Fraudulent Resale Companies

“Resort Consulting Advocates” is only one of the recent timeshare scam companies who have tried to scam timeshare owners into using their services. There are many companies working this new timeshare scam, and they regularly change their company name so they can avoid getting caught.  Make sure you are extra cautious if you are ever contacted by a timeshare consultant who offers resale, rental or cancellation services.  They are likely trying to scam you so it is recommended that you avoid them at all costs. In order to protect your timeshare investment, only deal directly with the timeshare company you purchased from. Direct any concerns or complaints regarding your timeshare ownership only to a trained staff member.  and Third party consultants are most likely scammers who want to steal your hard earned money.

Think you’ve been scammed? 

Do you believe you have been scammed and not sure what steps to take next? First,  immediately contact your authorized timeshare company and alert them what happened. If you share your experience, you will help the genuine timeshare company so that they can warn other members to avoid being scammed. Contact the local authorities as well and file a complaint report with the Better Business Bureau. Let’s all work together to prevent other innocent timeshare owners from becoming timeshare scam victims.

Warning Sign: Upfront Fees

Lastly, never ever pay an upfront fee for resale assistance related to your timeshare. Research thoroughly any company that offers this kind of services as the majority are timeshare scammers posing as legitimate companies. Directly deal only with the company you bought your legitimate timeshare from.  By putting into practice these security suggestions, you will be safe from timeshare scammers and able to enjoy your vacation timeshare now and for many years in the future.