Timeshare Presentation Scam: How It Works
Do you have any advice on how to sell my timeshare and not being scammed? This was the first question our reader Ashley from Chicago asked when sent us a scary email a few days ago. “I want to sell my timeshare”, she said, “but I cannot trust anybody anymore”. We’re talking about the Timeshare Presentation scam, which adds to the list of other related timeshare scams. Let’s dive it.
Imagine this scenario: you travel to Mexico, Jamaica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Las Vegas, or any other exotic destination. As you come out of the airport terminal a gentleman approaches you and says that you have a free ride to your hotel. Interested, you ask if you have to pay any other fees. “No”, he says, then continues:
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“It’s just a promotional thing we do today. We want to invite you to visit our new hotel tomorrow, for an hour or so. The hotel has been built this year and we’re trying to promote it by bringing people in and share its beauty. Please come and check it out. That’s all. So yes, the ride is free”. Tempting, right? So how does the timeshare scam work? Let’s take a look.
Watch the video below to see the Timeshare Presentation Scam exposed:
The agent at the airport says he wants to make sure you’re not scamming him by not showing up the next day just to take advantage of the free ride. You understand and agree to commit somehow. He asks for your credit card number, but he shows you his badge, ID, and any other personal documents to make you feel safe that they are a legitimate business. That’s not all.
The Hook: Timeshare Presentation For Free Gifts
The scam happens when you arrive at the “new hotel” the next morning. You may be impressed by posters and stand-up banners claiming the organizers are official partners of well-known travel organizations. However, the worst is yet to come.
The one hour promised visit would be a 6-hour ‘imprisonment’, where they will aggressively try to sell you timeshares, just like the scenario described in the Free Cruise Scam. They will not take no for an answer. They will use intimidation tactics and make false promises. For example, if you change your mind, you can always get a refund. It’s not true. Very few people get a refund from buying a timeshare.
If you say you can’t afford it, they will offer a credit line that makes it look like the best deal of your life.
The bottom line is – because they deal with hundreds of people like this every day, they know every possible trick to scam you; according to your reactions and questions. And, because they hold you in that room for hours, chances are you will end up buying in.
That’s what happened to Ashley, and now she wants to get rid of her timeshare. Long story, but an eye-opening one.
The nightmare also continues when you try to sell it. There is just a handful of legitimate timeshare resale companies out there, so beware.
How To Avoid the Timeshare Presentation Scam
To cut it short, avoid any of this from the minute you land at your destination or meet an ‘agent’ on a sidewalk. Do not accept freebies nor any free cab rides from the airport unless it’s a shuttle to your hotel organized by the hotel.
We’re not experts in how to sell your timeshare, but we gladly share every scam coming our way and try to help by advising you on how to avoid it.
Instead of buying a timeshare, you could rather attend life-changing trips once a year, such as The Spark Experience, a viral event that has been gaining a lot of attention worldwide. People are selected for this according to their charisma and life lessons, regardless of their job or age.
Timeshare Presentation: How To Report a Scammer
Make your friends aware of the Timeshare Presentation Scam by sharing it here, on social media using the buttons at the top of the article. You can also officially report the crooks to the Federal Trade Commission using the link below:
Report Scammers To The FTC Here
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Peninsula Bay Resort, Nusa Dua, Bali
Has anyone heard of the Wyndham timeshare presentation free vacation scam?
I’ve always been wary of timeshares, and for good reason, apparently. The upside is that the cost of staying in a hotel includes room service, cleaning, etc – things you don’t get during your stay in a timeshare. I can see how it could be considered an “investment in lifestyle,” but that seems like a wasteful and silly way to spend my money. That’s just me.
Anyone can share their experience with Westgate Timeshare or Wydham timeshare? Scams?
I commented earlier. Here are more cruise companies that are reported by travellers on the ripoff website – beware!: Blue Star Cruise, Azamara Cruise Lines, Ultimate Excursions, Away to Paradise Vacations, Carnival Cruise Lines, Cruise America, Caribbean Cruise Line, Holiday Cruise Lines, Royal Caribbean International.
Well, I did some little research and here is what various travelers reported as scam companies, whether is about deceptive practices or just simply not providing the service. All these companies are listed on the ripsoff report page. Watch out for these sneaky travel agencies, folks: American Vacations, AFC Holidays Dubai, Priceless Times, Millennium Travel and Promotions, Inc., Farewell Vacations, Explorica Travel, eDreams, Grand Discovery Travel, Crystal Travel Tours and Holidays, Global Vacation, Sweet Dreams Vacations, and Go Global Travel.
Timeshares have always been a bad buy. But for those who really feel they need one I make one recommendation: Never buy from the developer. Always wait for timeshares to appear on the secondary market, usually at half-price. People like you get excited at the new developments and jump right in, only to become disillusioned later and dump the property onto the secondary market, at a loss, for a patient, informed buyer to take advantage of. [link]
If you are not interested in purchasing a timeshare, do not attend a timeshare presentation! The free gifts are not worth wasting a day of your vacation, and putting your hard earned money at risk of being scammed by the timeshare salespeople.[website]
There are some scammers resorts in Mexico people need to avoid. An example is Villa del Palmar, beware: http://www.timesharescam.com/timeshare-complaints-resorts-black-list/2-villa-del-palmar-timeshare-complaints/