stay safe from timeshare fraud overlay

Unscrupulous third parties are increasingly trying to defraud consumers, specifically timeshare Owners. These fraudulent timeshare schemes often say they can rent, sell or advertise your timeshare exchange benefits, or may even claim you have weeks, certificates or points you have not used that they can help sell on your behalf.

The good news is these scams often follow the same patterns and use similar tactics. There are ways to protect yourself from these scams, and the first step is knowing how to identify them.

Read below for tips on how to identify fraudulent offers and common scams, educational tools and resources, and how to report an incident.

woman looking at mobile phone while coffee cup close by

Tips to Identify a Fraudulent Timeshare Scam

  • If the offer is too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Be suspicious of pre-recorded sales messages.
  • If someone is asking for upfront fees, it’s likely a scam.
  • Be wary if they ask for personal information, especially information they should have on record.

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man refuses to answer call from unknown number on-mobile phone

Common Fraudulent Schemes

  • Elimination of fees, including homeowners associations fees, or contract cancellations.
  • Offers to rent your timeshare exchange benefits.
  • Offers to buy or sell your timeshare.
  • Paid ownership transfers.

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Timeshare Fraud in the News

Educational Tools and Resources

If you are a victim of a fraudulent timeshare scheme or have received deceitful solicitations, review this flyer and follow the steps listed.

Stay Safe From Timeshare Fraud
An informative article and other resources are shared with instructions for reporting suspicious activity to authorities.

“Kiplinger’s Report: Don’t Fall for Timeshare Exit Scams”
The blog discusses a Kiplinger story on exit company scams that are targeting older timeshare Owners.

Better Business Bureau study
The study provides insights into third-party exit companies based on complaints and documents from more than 400 consumers who believed they were victimized by exit companies in the Springfield, Missouri area.

VacationTimes.org
This page contains a scrolling feed featuring the latest industry news and timeshare fraud alerts.

Types of Timeshare Fraud Communications
This flyer will help you learn about the common ways scammers may contact you.

American Resort Development Association
The website provides helpful information for timeshare Owners, including the latest news and scam alerts in the resale market.

List of Third-Party Exit Companies
Check out this page from RCI for a list of potential offenders.

Federal Trade Commission
The government agency provides articles and blogs on the topic. To access these, type “timeshare resale scams” in the search bar.

Contact the authorities:

  • United States: You can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office in the state where you reside. Not sure how to find your AG’s office? Click here to find a location.
  • Europe: Gather as many details of the scam as possible and chat with us on bluegreenowner.com or call Club Services at 001-317-829-850.
  • Canada: You can report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and the Provincial Consumer Affairs Regulator.
  • Other Countries: You can report the incident to your regional consumer protection division.

Stop payment immediately. If you paid the scammer with a credit card, contact your card company and request a stop payment. Request a stop payment from your bank if you’ve paid by check.

Contact us. If you received a suspicious solicitation and are unsure whether it’s part of a fraudulent timeshare tactic, contact a Vacation Representative here.

If you’re a victim of a fraudulent timeshare tactic, please call Club Services at

800-456-2582