Timeshare rescue companies are, sadly, becoming more and more common in Mexico. We’re here to tell that most of them (probably all of them) are in fact scammers. How can I be so sure they are a scam? Cancellation or timeshare rescue companies are trying to sell you a service that you either do not need, or that cannot be legally provide to you. If you are thinking of using such a company to cancel your timeshare, we would recommend that you thoroughly research the rescue company, and contact your state Attorney General’s Office to ask if any complaints have been made about them.

What are Rescue Scams and Timeshare Rescue Companies?

It’s sad but true that more and more rescue companies, and even lawyers, are willing to scam honest people in order to make a quick buck, and in the case of the timeshare industry this takes the form of rescue or cancellation scammers. These scams center on the deceit that these individuals can somehow cancel legitimate timeshare contracts without the consent of the resort and/or timeshare company. This cannot be done, and when they walk away with their fee they will leave you in a world of trouble.

Why do people do this? Well, the same reason as always: there’s money to be made (scammed)!

How do timeshare rescue companies operate?

As we outlined, the basic gist is charging a fee for cancellation services, but the process is a little more complex.

First timeshare rescue companies identify and isolate a person they feel is susceptible to the scam, then they approach them in a way that’s believable. They offer the person a way to cancel their timeshare with no repercussions or complications… all for a small (read; large) fee.

These wrong-doers will often recommend that you stop paying your maintenance fees; this is a big mistake, and a huge red flag. They may even provide you with forged paperwork that states your contract has been ended, but in the end they walk away with your money and leave you with the debt as well as the lawsuit that inevitably follows when you default on a legal contract.

Before it gets to the point of legal action, however, you will face harassment from debtors and serious damage to your credit score.

What’s the solution to timeshare rescue companies?

The best form of protection is prevention, and in order to prevent yourself from falling afoul of rescue scammers you should keep a few things in mind.

Firstly; if you remain within the legal cooling off period (or recission period) you do not need the help of a company or cancellation specialist. Secondly, if you are not within this period these individuals cannot help you to cancel your contract.

If you receive any paperwork from your “rescue” agency be sure to double check the details with your timeshare provider, and never stop paying maintenance fees until you have confirmation from the resort that your contract has been cancelled. Likewise, never pay a fee upfront to any timeshare rescue companies. Be savvy, and stay safe!