Timeshare owners constantly deal with fraud and deceit in this industry, which has become a hotbed for misrepresentation. The timeshare business has become synonymous with misrepresentation and financial hardship, which has wreaked havoc on the financial security of families throughout the real estate market. Fraud is replete throughout the timeshare industry, but a great majority of  this misrepresentation occurs at the timeshare presentation.

Timeshare contracts are very often signed by honest consumers who are nonetheless unaware of how rampant timeshare misrepresentation actually is. Timeshare presentations can be grueling experiences where attendees are subject to several hours of misrepresentation, fraud, and immense pressure from salesmen. A large part of the effectiveness of timeshare presentations comes from the fact that these salesmen are very well trained and are able to sell the timeshare without the consumer logically thinking about the realities of the industry. However, the majority of timeshare contracts are actually sold because timeshare salesmen fully misrepresent the nature of the industry and the real estate market.

Attendees are mislead into believing that timeshares are quality investments that can lead to a large profit for the consumer. Furthermore, salesmen often claim that the market for timeshares is easy to navigate and flooded with buyers. This is the ultimate misrepresentation, as the timeshare market is actually extremely depressed, as the potential buyers are well aware of the fraudulent nature of the industry. Salesmen also speak of the ease of ownership and how timeshares offer great flexibility for family vacations. This is also timeshare misrepresentation, as these vacations are often cemented and can be very difficult to use effectively, especially with children.

Timeshare misrepresentation is undoubtedly negative for the real estate market, and for the consuming public in general. However, this is some small comfort for timeshare owners who have become victims of the timeshare misrepresentation that has become all too common in the industry.

While timeshare companies use misrepresentation to coerce consumers to purchase timeshares, owners can actually use this to their advantage when attempting to get out of a timeshare. The inherent nature of fraud and misrepresentation makes the “legal contract” that owners have signed highly suspect. While salesmen often use rhetorical devices to sell products in our society, timeshare misrepresentation has become so blatant as to bring the entire industry into question.

Timeshare misrepresentation is well-documented, and this has drawn the attention of consumer activist groups, legal entities, and the federal trade commission. Timeshare misrepresentation is so rampant and widespread that all timeshare contracts can be questioned. When attempting to get out of a timeshare contract, the greatest weapon that an owner can utilize is leverage against the timeshare company. The problem with timeshare misrepresentation is that it can be somewhat difficult to prove. It is a very good idea to document, in detail, all forms of timeshare misrepresentation experienced at the timeshare presentation. These lies constitute fraud and are a great way to build leverage against timeshare companies. Even if this misrepresentation is merely a consumer’s word, the industry has come under such fire that this may be the leverage you need to nullify the contract.

Timeshare companies do not let owners break contracts easily, but timeshare misrepresentation is truly just cause for breaking a contract, and timeshare companies know this. Furthermore, timeshare companies are under such scrutiny at the moment that they will often let an owner out of a timeshare contract if they fear legal repercussion. It is essential to use all of the weapons at your disposal when getting out of a timeshare, and misrepresentation is perhaps the most potent way to accomplish this feat. Timeshare misrepresentation is destructive and underhanded, but can be turned against the very company that has sold you a product under false pretenses.

Timeshare scams ensnare the best of us, and you are not alone. If you are a new timeshare owner, you are likely doing research on your very recent purchase. Furthermore, you have likely discovered that you are caught up in a major scam. Much too many timeshare contracts are signed under intense duress, and very few read the fine print and understand the timeshare scam that they are getting themselves into. However, most soon learn how terrible this scam can be, causing financial destruction and legal entanglement that can easily span a lifetime.

What may be even more ludicrous is how difficult the timeshare scam is to unravel. Most timeshare owners come to a point during the scamming process where they would love to sell their timeshare and be rid of it. However, most do not know that the market for timeshares is extremely depressed, and that selling timeshares is an incredibly difficult process with an extraordinarily low chance of success. Timeshare companies commonly misrepresent the type of investment timeshares are, and part of the scam is that consumers often believe they can sell at any time for a profit. This is a result of the timeshare presentation, which you are very likely aware of.

These scams also make it seem as though timeshare contracts are very easy to cancel. In reality, this can be even more difficult than renting or selling a timeshare. While you can rent a timeshare with frustration and financial loss, unravelling a timeshare scam is nearly impossible without outside help and a long fight with a timeshare company. You will likely need help from an expert source that understands timeshare scams.

However, for new owners, there is a kink in the timeshare scam, and this word of advice is incredibly important. If you have recently purchased a timeshare and are already realizing how deeply you are involved in a scam, you can  be rid of your timeshare quickly, before the true timeshare crisis even starts. 

It is well very well known that too many timeshare contracts are signed under distress, without customers understanding that they are even part of a timeshare scam. Many states have decided to offer a “cooling off” period for new timeshare owners, during which you can read the contract thoroughly, with legal counsel. One can then do the necessary research needed  to decide if this is actually a wise idea. Almost always, this is a timeshare scam, and you would be wise to take the offered truce.

During this period, one can decide to circumvent the timeshare scam without the massive frustration involved with a long and hard-fought legal process. One will first find need to find the cancellation clause expressly written into the scam-filled contract, and understand all of the clauses. This is precisely where you will find your state’s individual time limit for the “cooling off” period. You will also find the correct legal course of action to cancel this scam. This must be followed without hesitation. To defeat the timeshare scam, you must follow all guidelines and notification procedures to ensure that the timeshare company cannot find a single loophole.

The next step should be followed throughout the scam-defeating process. The timeshare company will be notified of the potential cancellation and will do everything within their power to to prevent the scam from unraveling. Stand firm, and remember that timeshare scams are designed to generate profit without regard to your well-being. These representatives have  no regard for your financial state. Agents of the scam will attempt to persuade you at any cost. Do not waver, for you are making the best financial and legal choice possible.

If the cooling off period has ended, you can still attempt to defeat the scam. A quality choice of action is making a list of misrepresentations and fraud that you experienced during the timeshare presentation. Highlight the pressure, bullying, and duress you were put under while being lied to: this was the entire point of the presentation. This is exactly what constitutes timeshare scams.. Notify the timeshare company of this by any means necessary. This will often have a deep effect, especially if the the cooling off period has just ended. Companies cannot afford to have their timeshare scam exposed, even though that is exactly what we are doing here at Timeshare Consumer Bureau.