How to Protect Yourself from Online Timeshare Scams

Online timeshare scams can take many forms, using emails, advertisements, websites and social media accounts as tools to lure in unsuspecting victims so that they can trick them into parting with their hard-earned money.

These can often be extremely convincing, with modern, flashy websites and social media pages, great branding, impressive imagery and well-thought-out content. A lot of timeshare scammers have moved with the times and are not as easy to spot as some people think, picturing some shady back-room operators where in reality they can be intelligent, technologically advanced, and extremely devious.

Here are some tips, guidance, and advice on how to recognise who is the real deal, which companies are legitimate and what can be done to protect yourself from online timeshare scammers who might target you.

How did you find them?

Have you been contacted out of the blue? Did you receive an email or message on social media?

If so, then this is just another version of cold-calling and is a very big red flag. Don’t be fooled by a good-looking website, a social media account with a big following or a professional-looking email. These are all very easy to fake nowadays and can include a proper business logo, reviews, a phone number, email and sometimes even an address.

What are they offering?

This is what you really need to listen out for as they will never tell you directly what they want. Everything is cleverly and intentionally disguised under layers of clever wording, misdirection, and deception, using every technique in the book to hook you in. This can include;

• Offering a free gift, prize, or holiday
• Saying that they have an unmissable deal, discount or investment opportunity
• Guarantees of making you money
• Promises of selling your existing timeshare, financial compensation, or timeshare exit

What do they want?

Here is where they get you. After baiting you with what sounds like a too-good-to-be-true offer, they will need something in return that compared to what you will be getting will seem like a worthwhile exchange.

They might require a one-off upfront fee to cover expenses, costs, lawyers, solicitors, admin charges etc and will assure you that it is normal and might even claim that you will get it back after the deal is done. If you enter a contract and need help getting out of it, it will likely be worth researching the Wesley Financial Group cost as they can help guide you through the process of getting rid of your timeshare.

What can you do?

Trust no one – Never believe anything you hear and never take anybody’s word for it. If you have been contacted by someone out of the blue, then walk away asap.

Take Notes – If you do correspond with them via email or social media, keep copies of screenshots of everything so that it can be used to help you later if needed.

In-depth research – Do your due diligence! Use a web tool to see if their website is safe, check them out via Googles safe browsing technology, see what their security status is in the search bar, look deep into their social media presence, review their contact info, check for spelling errors, verify company reviews, use the better business bureau etc.

Seek advice – Always seek advice from trusted friends and family members who might be able to help spot something you have missed or call out some red flags.

If you are being contacted by someone who says they can get you out of your contract or have a buyer, then seek professional legal advice from a lawyer or solicitor who specialises in timeshares.

Never pay upfront – Genuine agencies or companies will never ask for money upfront so do not send any money to anyone unless you are 100% sure.

Block contact – If you have found them to be suspicious then cut all contact and block and report all emails, websites, and social media accounts.

Report them – If you have found a scam then don’t just sit back, report them to the correct authorities!