Timeshare Scams to Avoid

Timeshare owners are unfortunately frequent targets for scams. Whether you are looking to sell, rent, or exit your ownership, there are companies and individuals who will attempt to take money from you in exchange for services they cannot or will not deliver. This guide covers the most common schemes and how to protect yourself.

The Upfront Fee Scam

This is the most common timeshare scam. A company contacts you — often unsolicited — claiming they have a buyer or renter for your timeshare. They say the deal can proceed once you pay an upfront fee: sometimes described as taxes, legal fees, transfer costs, or administrative charges.

Once the fee is paid, the company disappears or finds reasons to request more money. There is no buyer. There was never a buyer.

Rule: Never pay money upfront to sell, rent, or transfer your timeshare. Legitimate marketplaces and agents earn fees when a transaction completes — not before.

The Cold-Call Buyer Scam

A person calls claiming to be an interested buyer who has specifically identified your week and wants to purchase it at a price that seems attractive. They will ask for personal information or a fee to proceed.

Genuine buyers find listings through marketplaces — they do not cold-call owners directly. Treat any unsolicited approach claiming to have a buyer as a major red flag.

Exit Company Scams

Some companies specifically target owners who want to end their timeshare ownership. They promise to legally exit you from your contract for a large upfront fee — sometimes thousands of pounds or euros. Results are often poor or non-existent. Some of these companies have been investigated and prosecuted in multiple countries.

If you genuinely want to exit your ownership, contact your resort directly first. Some resorts have legitimate deedback or surrender programmes. If you pursue independent legal help, use only regulated solicitors — never unregulated exit companies.

The Resale Agent Advance Fee Scam

A company presents itself as a professional resale agency. They charge significant fees to list, appraise, or market your property. These fees are non-refundable, and the promised marketing rarely materialises.

Check whether any resale agent you consider is regulated and has verifiable references before paying anything.

Warning Signs to Watch For

• Unsolicited contact claiming to have a buyer ready
• Pressure to act quickly or lose the opportunity
• Requests for payment before any service is delivered
• Vague or evasive answers about company registration and regulation
• Claims of guaranteed sale prices or timelines
• Requests for sensitive personal or financial information early in the process

What to Do If You Have Been Approached

If you suspect you have been approached by a scammer: stop all communication, do not transfer any money, and report the company to relevant consumer protection authorities in your country. If money has already been transferred, contact your bank immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a timeshare resale company is legitimate?

Look for a registered company address, verifiable regulatory registration, and a clear fee structure where fees are paid on completion, not upfront. Check independent reviews and consumer protection databases.

Is it safe to list my timeshare on a marketplace?

Using a reputable marketplace to list your timeshare directly is one of the safest approaches — you maintain control, there is no middleman taking an upfront fee, and you communicate directly with any interested buyers or renters.

Can I get my money back if I have been scammed?

This depends on how the payment was made and where the company is based. Contact your bank immediately. If you paid by credit card, a chargeback may be possible. Report the matter to your national consumer authority.

Stay Safe: List Directly, Pay Nothing Upfront

Create your listing on BidMyTimeshare at no upfront cost. You maintain full control of your listing and communicate directly with interested buyers and renters.