And to add insult to injury, some of the complainants reported being contacted by a timeshare fraud recovery company that promised assistance in recovering money lost in the sales scamfor a fee. Receive Investor Alerts and Bulletins from OIEA byemailorRSS feed. And unlike general auction sites like Ebay, we focus on one thing: selling timeshares. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew G. Morris prosecuted the case. Be wary of offers from timeshare resale companies . (954) 563-2444. Their customer service motto proclaims, We work with you until its sold, and the company also offers an exclusive maintenance fee relief program called TO GO that helps owners put money back in their pockets while waiting for the right buyer. Website Disclaimer |Privacy Policy |Site Map. We can also assist you from start to finish in selling your timeshare including affiliated closing and transfer services. When youve found a buyer, we can even connect you with a trusted closing company to help complete the legal paperwork in order to finalize your sale. Avoid timeshare scams. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Then, they call timeshare owners and . On theirwebsite, you can find information about the organization, its members, and the timeshare industry as a whole. If so, SellMyTimeshareNow.com can help you sell your brand-affiliated timeshare in a quick and efficient manner. Scammers count on your lack of knowledge, so take the time to educate yourself about any offer you receive. FBI.gov is an official site of the U.S. Department of Justice. Over a twenty year period of time, Scott and his telemarketing crew appear to have become serial telephone scammers. As a trusted member of The American Resort Development Association (ARDA), the company is backed by top developers and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Before you do this, take stock of your situation. Usually, the company will take the money and run, leaving the timeshare owner with a worthless contract and no way to get their money back. The Timeshare Attorney has the experience and knowledge necessary to help you get what you deserve. MORE FROM THE FRAUD WATCH NETWORK AARP Fraud Watch Network The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. What you owe will simply be taken out of the buyer's purchase price during the closing process. According to statements, Scott promoted his reluctant receptionist to president of the company to hide from regulators who he knew would be watching. STAY CONNECTED By calling out and denouncing substandard marketplace behaviors of businesses and scammers, this study intends to make consumers smarter and, warned consumers about timeshare exit companies. 452.03. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Yvonne Gaide was sentenced today to 12 months and one day in prison and ordered to pay $472,717 in restitution for wire fraud in relation to a scheme to divert Sacramento Main Office Timeshare Defense Attorneys explain the basics of a timeshare contract dispute and how a Las Vegas timeshare attorney can help. Join our coalition of 1.6 million-plus timeshare owners across the country. If someone offers you investment products or services, such as offering to act as a. A lock ( This website uses cookies to ensure that you get the best experience on our website. For additional info regarding The Legacy Program, please call 800-351-0461, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern Time. If youre considering working with a timeshare resale company, make sure that you understand the terms and conditions of the contract and that you are comfortable with the companys reputation and process. "During the high-pressure sales presentation, we were told amazing things about what this timeshare ownership would be. These company representatives promised a quick sale, often within 60-90 days. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew G. Morris prosecuted the case. These telemarketing companies were found to be guilty of . TAGS: Companies Sales Ownership timeshare scams resale scam companies Timeshare Rental Company Timeshare Resale Martket. A number of factors can impact the speed with which your closing will be processed including how quickly each party executes and returns required documents at various stages throughout the closing. These scams typically involve individuals alleging to be representatives of a brokerage firm, travel agency, title company, or . Moreover, our partners, such as Google Adsense, will collect data and use cookies for ad personalization and measurement. emailStay Connected Looking for Related Information? Investigators performed extensive interviews with over 100 victims and former employees of Scotts companies to help unwind his multi-state sales scheme. According to the affidavit reported by WFLA.com, the three suspects would contact homeowners or others who owned property claiming to have buyers waiting to purchase their land. The message says there's something wrong with. 2 Given this volume of sales and the substantial expense of timeshares . Led by Attorneys Michael D. Finn and J. Andrew Meyer with over 75 years experience, the Finn Law Group is a consumer protection law firm that specializes in timeshare related matters. Additionally, calling your developer is a great way to see if they have any in-house options or recommendations for legitimate timeshare resale companies. They claim they can release them from their timeshare obligations, resell, or rent their . Fake debt collection on supposedly unpaid timeshare fees isalso a common ruse used on unsuspecting owners. Starwood recommended that I go to SellMyTimeshareNOW. The announcement was made today by John Parker, Acting . Complaints to BBB also reflect consumers' opinions that timeshares can be nearly impossible to sell, and consumers often feel misled about the amount and frequency of maintenance fees associated with timeshares. A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. If you own one of these timeshare properties, the fraudsters may promise to pay you a significant sum of money for your timeshare. In addition, timeshare maintenance fees typically increase annually, and you can also get hit with special assessments by local governments. By following these tips, you can help protect yourself from potentially devastating financial losses. Sept. 17, 2020 The FBI Criminal Investigative Division and the Office of Investor Education and Advocacy of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") would like to warn consumers of a recent increase in fraudulent schemes targeting owners of timeshare properties in Mexico. Most of these contracts are not. We are NOT partnered with any third-party resale companies so remember that anyone from another company claiming to represent us, is NOT telling the truth. Be wary of hiring lawyers recommended by third parties who make unsolicited offers, as they may not be impartial. The fee for this service is usually around US $25. Scott was also prohibited from operating his timeshare and land resale operation. "The person on the phone confirmed that I was eligible for a refund, but that refunds were handled by another department. _______________________________________________________________________. The allegations in the indictment stem from the operation of a telemarketing fraud scheme that targeted persons over the age of 55. Installed by Google Analytics, _gid cookie stores information on how visitors use a website, while also creating an analytics report of the website's performance. Timeshare scams are a growing concern in the industry. We advocate for owners across the U.S. and beyond. This bulletin, like all staff guidance, has no legal force or effect: it does not alter or amend applicable law, and it creates no new or additional obligations for any person. If youre getting unsolicited contact via calls about your timeshare, you are likely being targeted by a timeshare resale company. Attorneys are often asked whether clients canstop paying their timeshare mortgages and maintenance fees. Thank YouYour form has been successfully submitted. Timeshare resale companies under investigation are under investigation for a reason so hang up the phone and don't become a victim! Don't Get Stuck, Call Us Today! Rigsbee worked as a FINRA-registered financial advisor at a major bank in Sacramento. Be realistic about what you can get for your timeshare. Sending a contact form message through this website does not create an attorney-client relationship with Finn Law Group. The AG also permanently banned Scott from engaging in any Florida business related to land and timeshare sales. However, many of these companies lure owners with false advertisements using their fraudulent real estate services. Be extremely cautious if anyone requests that you pay money up-front in order to obtain funds or property to which they claim you are entitled. Consumers should continue to be cautious whenever they are solicited by telephone from individuals seeking payment for any services, said Doug Templeton, chief investigator for Pinellas County Consumer Protection in relation to land and real estate sales. Instead, the company takes the money and runs, leaving the timeshare owner with a worthless contract and no recourse. Many of these types of complaints are handled by each states attorney generals office and local law enforcement. RDO has a number of resale companies in membership, all of which have signed up to our Code of Conduct: They are not permitted to take any form of mandatory upfront payment from sellers. Fraudsters sound convincing, are very responsive, send you authentic looking paperwork, and sometimes create websites that look legitimate. Information is available at: Department of Safety and . Tired of paying maintenance fees for a timeshare you no longer use? Complaints about timeshare resale companies in Florida jumped from 800 in 2007 to more . YSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages. There are buyers on our site right now searching for timeshares just like yours. Timeshare companies are under severe pressure from angry consumers. Each owner was then promised refunds on the portfolio fees upon close of sale, minus small administrative fees.. In today's world, timeshare scams are getting harder to catch. According to the Better Business Bureau, Bluegreen has a score of 2.28 out of 5, and many customers have reported the timeshare company as being unresponsive and unhelpful in situations where the customer is wanting to get out of their timeshare contract. Professional Services . Seeing a gap in the market, the company invested heavily in digital marketing and technology (such as immediate online booking for potential renters), which attracted a new generation of buyers used to finding deals online without having to sit through a resort sales presentation. I was afraid of getting ripped off as you hear about all these scams out there. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. By using this website, you agree to our Terms of Use. Please select a check-in and check-out date, Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park, River Terrace Resort and Convention Center. Many of these companies are under attorney general investigation for allegedly deceiving owners, . It is not legal or other professional advice and does not necessarily represent the opinion of Finn Law Group or its clients. The Marriott Timeshare Resale option is the perfect way to acquire the stress free vacation of your dreams. In these million dollar scams, unlicensed telemarketing is the go-to method for a criminal element working in timeshare and/or land resales. Follow this simple process to sell your timeshare ownership hassle-free: SellMyTimeshareNOW offers more than just timeshare resale advertising. During the entire process the staff was available to take our calls and address our concerns every step of the way. In March 2020, Judge Mendez sentenced co-defendant Marco Antonio Ramirez Zuno to two years time served and to pay $1,108,375 in restitution to the victims of the scheme. Client Testimonials & Reviews 2626 E Oakland Park Blvd. White-collar crimes are among the most difficult kinds of cases to investigate in the consumer protection sector, especially when it involves a million dollars scam. Hire your own lawyer to review real estate transactions and contracts associated with your timeshare. They charge significant upfront fees, give misguided contractual advice and in most cases fail to deliver on those services. Many states have strict laws governing timeshare resales, including restrictions on collecting advance fees. Will you get progress reports? Be realistic about what you can get for your timeshare. They must offer all buyers a cooling off period. They work on a flat fee with no money upfront - low monthly payment options available. 2021 Finn Law Group | Contact: 855-579- 0925 | Powered by: Acute SEO, Finn Law Group maintains this website exclusively for informational purposes. - If you want an idea of the current value of the timeshare, consider using a licensed timeshare appraisal service. You can report timeshare resale scams to the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Federal Trade Commission as follows: Federal Bureau of Investigation Minneapolis Office 1501 Freeway Boulevard Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 (763) 569-8000 www.fbi.gov. According to court documents, Montalbo, while working in the timeshare industry in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, would tell timeshare owners that he could guarantee the sale of their existing timeshare vacation rentals, often to pay for other timeshare products Montalbo was attempting to sell them. If you have any concerns about your maintenance fees, contact your timeshare company or resort directly to get clarification and to avoid falling victim to a scam. Theres also a map on the home page that shows locations of timeshares in every continent except Antarctica. Timeshares and vacation clubs are often synonymous with high-pressure sales. and see if they have a resale or buyback program. In truth, no buyers had actually been arranged. Our experienced and skilled timeshare lawyers can advise you on yourSapphire timeshare cancellation. And complaints to BBB reveal exit companies often fail to honor money-back guarantees. Like OIEA onFacebookat facebook.com/secinvestoreducation. The Resort Owners' Coalition, a program of industry group the American Resort Development Association, has an online resource center for time-share resales with step-by-step advice for consumers. Most commonly, consumers said they felt reality didn't match the big promises made in timeshare pitch meetings. For example, they may use technology to make it appear that they are calling from a different location and use a fake address or a mail drop as their business address. - Ask if the resellers agents are licensed to sell real estate where your timeshare is located (verify this with the states real estate commission), and get references. Tags Companies Sales Ownership timeshare scams resale scam companies Timeshare Rental Company Timeshare Resale Martket. Transitions is here to help you navigate travel options and changes in your finances. I was told by both Basri and David that Vidanta on 20 Sept. was holding the transfer up due to delinquent "Assessment fees" amounting to 13 years at $850 totaling $20, 050 which was required . reveal fraudsters have used the same high-pressure tactics common in timeshare sales to con consumers out of $3.5 million in the last three years. To avoid being scammed, its essential to do your research, choose a reputable company, and get everything in writing. Our advertising and marketing efforts have resulted in offers and successful timeshare sales for our customers time and time again. On-going investigation. Some timeshare-related businesses, however, treat consumers ethically, resulting in positive experiences for buyers and owners. Talk about options! Some of the data that are collected include the number of visitors, their source, and the pages they visit anonymously. Be aware of the fees associated with your timeshare and regularly review your billing statements to ensure that you only pay the fees to which you agreed. Thats what consumer protection investigators uncovered after a two year investigation into a coordinated criminal telemarketing operation. Be careful if someone claims they have been provided with a special permit from the SEC there is no such thing. In this scam, a company contacts timeshare owners and claims to be a network of timeshare resale companies that can help them sell their property quickly and easily. ", "When I decided to sell my timeshare, I had no idea about how to go about doing this and of course who to trust. Some resale scams have bilked timeshare owners for thousands of dollars. CPU investigators used a number of techniques to compile evidence against the suspicious real estate companies and their connections to one another, including tracing the victims payments, analyzing phone and bank records and conducting a business search for common office space leased by the companies. Youll find numeric ratings, reviews, and discussion boardstheres even a Bargain Basement section with timeshares under $500. How often? We deal with all major resort developers, and when you buy a timeshare resale you will save huge! There are many factors that will influence the resale of your timeshare including location, resort quality, flexibility of usage, season, demand and, of course, price. Contact a highly experienced and skilledtimeshare attorneyfor a free initial consultation. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Start With Trust. He meanwhile would be running things from behind the scenes. Warning Concerning Timeshare Exit, Rental, and Resale Scams List of Non-Affiliated Companies. Trust your instincts: if a timeshare solicitor makes you uncomfortable or tells you something that does not sound right, do not continue communicating with them. Timeshare Resort in Mexico (Photo: Kirt Edblom via Flickr/ CC BY-SA 2.0). Millions of Americans visit online dating websites every year hoping to find a companion or even a soul mate. Typically, timeshare properties are located in resorts or condominiums in desirable vacation destinations. Its essential to be cautious of any company or individual that offers to help you reduce or eliminate your maintenance fees, especially if they ask for an upfront fee. The IC3 not only collects complaints but also analyzes them, links similar complaints, and discerns patterns in order to help law enforcement identify the scammers. Timeshare Scams There is a lot of misinformation and confusion about the timeshare resale market and exit process due to increasing fraud by marketing firms soliciting owners and consumers with false advertisements to help end their timeshare contracts. American Resort Development Association (ARDA), , timeshare trade association - email customerservice@arda.com. AddThis sets this cookie to ensure that the updated count is seen when one shares a page and returns to it, before the share count cache is updated. Whether youre looking to buy a new timeshare or sell your timeshare outright, here are a few organizations that will allow you to do so with ease. We will contact you as needed to complete your request. AddThis sets this geolocation cookie to help understand the location of users who share the information. Subscribe Individuals who have been victimized by this type of scam are encouraged to file a complaint with the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center by visiting https://www.ic3.gov. For more information on timeshare resale scams and what the FTC is doing to protect consumers, CLICK HERE. In business since 2003, our knowledgeable representatives are just a phone call away at 1-877-815-4227. If you receive a phone call, an e-mail, mail or other communication regarding your timeshare, keep in mind the following tips and warnings: More information about advance-fee schemes and other online frauds can be found at www.fbi.gov or Investor.gov, the SECs website for individual investors. However, if you have a favorite place that you never tire of, such as a beach, ski town or theme park (like Disney), timeshares can be a good thing. Send us your ownership documents and your most recent maintenance fee bill to ensure your advertisement is as accurate as possible. I really couldn't be happier with this decision!". Some say their timeshare became unaffordable after several years of ownership due to increased fees. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Be aware that scammers may be located far away from where they pretend to operate. SellMyTimeshareNow.com offers more than just timeshare resale advertising; we work with you to get your timeshare seen and sold. Cookies containing your personal data may be used for personalized and non-personalized advertising to you. Founded in 1993, this family-run organization focuses on providing unbiased, customer-focused information for those interested in various aspects of timeshare living. Any work done to the title is reviewed by a licensed attorney and is guaranteed to be precise. The Timeshare Attorney has the experience and knowledge necessary to help you get what you deserve. In 2014, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation issued a cease and desist order to Scott after determining that he was brokering properties under a different business name and without a license. call 855-312-9040 call 866-294-4194 . We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze how you use this website. For example: Contact ustoday for more information regarding our services and how we can help you with your case! Do you prefer to speak with a real person on the phone? For example, some fraudsters design convincing websites that may mimic the websites of real U.S. companies, but that contain false information, such as incorrect names for company representatives. - Before you sign any sort of contract, make sure you get the details of its terms and conditions. U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Public Affairs Treasury Sanctions CJNG-Run Timeshare Fraud Network. Selling Your Timeshare?How to Avoid Being Scammed. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". timeshare on the resale market. Let BBB help you resolve problems with a business, Research and report on scams and fraud using BBB Scam Tracker, Learn more about the value of BBB Accreditation, Timeshares and vacation clubs are often synonymous with high-pressure sales. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience and save your preferences. Sell My Timeshare NOW can help you by advertising your timeshare on our dynamic website, and we can offer professional guidance through the whole resale process. The company requires upfront fees for their services, but they never sell the property. Marriage, divorce, the birth of grandchildren, or health issues are just some of the reasons why people many not want to keep their timeshare. SACRAMENTO, Calif. Juan Carlos Montalbo, 59, of San Antonio, Texas, was sentenced today to two years in prison for a conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with a timeshare fraud in Mexico, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced. In many cases, the fraudsters will take the money and run, leaving the timeshare owner with a worthless contract and no way to get their money back. 1 About nine million households in the U.S. own timeshares, and sales increased approximately 25% between 2010 and 2016. Tuesday, February 15, 2022 . Without the right knowledge and resources, it can be hard to know who to . If you suspect that you might be falling victim to fraudulent business practices here in Pinellas County or elsewhere, reach out to your local consumer protection or economic crimes office for help and guidance. Are you ready to part ways with your timeshare or get rid of it as soon as possible? Instead of purchasing an entire property outright, timeshares allow you to own a certain amount of time per year in one condo or apartment (typically a week or more). - examines patterns of customer complaints, dollars spent and lost, customer reviews, related scams and more to show how predatory companies and scammers take advantage of consumers hoping to score deals on travel. Privacy Policy CA Privacy Policy | Accessibility Policy | Do Not Sell My Personal Information | Terms & Conditions. On-going investigation. 1 Twitter 2 Facebook 3RSS 4YouTube Please carefully review our, 8380 Bay Pines Blvd. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The FBI Criminal Investigative Division and the Office of Investor Education and Advocacy of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") would like to warn consumers of a recent increase in fraudulent schemes targeting owners of timeshare properties in Mexico. Buying from an individual owner versus a property developer or resort often leads to a better price, as you can avoid some fees. Time sharing vacation units is now a $9.6 billion industry. The conspirators would assure victims that the non-existent buyers had already deposited money into trust accounts and that the sellers up-front fees would be fully reimbursed from those funds after the sale was complete. As you can tell, the timeshare industry is its own unique ecosystem. Timeshare resale companies under investigation are under investigation for a reason so hang up the phone and dont become a victim! For those who prefer it, broker assistance is available through our affiliate Timeshare Broker Services. View offers received, interact with customer care, request changes to your advertisement, and receive offers and discounts as a valued subscriber. We recommend their assistance to timeshare resellers who want as little as possible to do with the process of finding a buyer and settling on a sale price.
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