The Greatest Timeshare Scam of All

10/22/2012

Timeshare Scams in Plain Sight

Timeshare Scams

In the Timeshare Consumer Bureau blog, we outline many of the top timeshare scams of the day for our fellow consumers. We do this because these scams are rampant throughout the industry, and consumers’ rights must be protected. The best way to be protected against these timeshare scams is by being aware of what is going on beneath your very nose.

If you have dealt with the timeshare industry, it is highly likely that you already know how bad the industry’s scams can be. There are timeshare resale scams, timeshare exchange scams, and timeshare scams written directly into the timeshare contract. How can you not argue that ever-increasing hidden fees are fraudulent and running a major scam on the consumer?

We argue that the greatest timeshare scam of all is right in front of our eyes, yet so few seem to see it. This timeshare scam is one that affects nearly all timeshare owners in some form or another. This timeshare scam is simple, and is the main reason why the industry is allowed to function and perpetuate itself. I am speaking about the scam of the timeshare contract, and the conditions under which it is signed.

The Timeshare Scam of the Ages

The only way timeshare contracts are signed is due to some form of scam, which usually takes place at the timeshare presentation. Owners are legally forced to make huge payments to timeshare companies long after they have decided that they have been caught in a financial trap. If consumers knew how bad and dangerous timeshare contracts are, they would never sign them.

However, these are signed every day, and this happens because consumers are scammed at the timeshare presentation. Attendees are told lies, misleading claims, and deceitful sales pitches in a high-pressure environment. This scam allows for thousands of new contracts to be signed every year. The biggest timeshare scam of all is the signing of the timeshare contract, the basis of everything in the industry.

3 Comments

Jennifer Williams link

10/29/2013 06:53:42 am

There are lots of timeshare complaints, and the industry has been negatively criticized because of the big number of scams that have been committed in the last years. Some timeshare companies are accused of using fraudulent tactics to sell holiday ownerships, while others affirm that the units are overpriced. Nevertheless, the biggest complaint about timeshares is that they are almost impossible to sell, and the resale value is incredibly low.

cleatus clemons

7/15/2014 01:22:58 am

I believe exposure to the news media might be the antidote for this plague. This type of coercion is something which needs to be brought to the public's attention in order to exploit, and educate the general unsuspecting public of how timeshare people deceptively grow their business, and have become the biggest threat to happy and fee vacationers all around the world. There needs to be public outcry, and public demonstrations from swindled timeshare owners, in order to educate the people concerning this deceptive industry. People need to understand that this is akin to signing a PACT WITH THE DEVIL.

sara link

6/22/2017 11:54:15 am

It's not as hard to get out of these contracts as consumers think. Most companies are putting it in their budget to pay for cancellations now. I know my old site budgeted for a few million because they know there are MANY companies now that are assisting with cancellations.

The reason many companies often collect fees upfront is because no one wants to pay someone to get them out of their contract...... a lot of people feel as though they lost twice if they have to pay ANOTHER fee just to cancel something they have paid a ton of money into. Once the consumer is free and clear of their deed or contract they fail to pay the company that helped cancel their contract. Just being honest of how it works and why some companies ask to be paid upfront.

Whats even more sad is when we get calls that people want help SELLING their timeshare. That's like selling someone a lemon car. Many timeshares are for list for sale for $1 on eBay because they just want relief from MF.

Timeshares aren't necessarily bad, it's just people aren't properly taught how to purchase them.

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