Who: The FTC tracks timeshare and resale scams.
When to use: Use when a company took money and did not deliver.
What to prepare:
- Company name
- Amount paid
- What they promised
FTC ReportFraud~5 min
Category: Housing & rental
Timeshare resale scam
How it often plays out
A company promises to sell your timeshare for a large fee upfront. You pay; they never sell it or disappear. Legitimate resale companies do not typically charge large upfront fees before a sale. If someone demands thousands before they have even found a buyer, they are very likely to take the money and do nothing—or disappear. Check with the BBB and your state Attorney General before paying.
How to spot it
Common red flags: pressure to act immediately, requests for payment by gift card or wire, offers that seem too good to be true, or unsolicited requests for your personal or financial details.
Do's and don'ts
Do
- Research the company with the BBB and your state AG.
- Check your timeshare contract for any approved resale or exit options.
- Report to the FTC and your state Attorney General.
Don't
- Pay large upfront fees before a buyer is found.
- Trust pressure to "act now" or "limited time" offers.
- Skip checking the company with the BBB or state AG.
Summary & what to do
Scammers promise to sell your timeshare for an upfront fee, then do nothing or disappear. Be wary of anyone demanding a large fee before finding a buyer.
What to do right now
- Do not pay large upfront fees. Research the company with the BBB and your state AG.
- Check your timeshare contract for any approved resale or exit options.
- Report to the FTC and your state Attorney General.
Where to report
Who: Your state Attorney General may handle real estate and timeshare fraud.
When to use: Use to report in your state.
What to prepare:
- Company
- What happened
Build your knowledge: Recommended reading — books & free websites on financial literacy and fraud awareness