The timeshare-resale scam

Scammers pose as resale specialists promising to quickly sell your timeshare, but they're really after an upfront fee you'll never recover.

Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-11T19:17:38.768Z

How it works

To recognize and avoid this scam: You're contacted (often out of the blue) by someone claiming they have eager buyers lined up for your timeshare. They create urgency by suggesting the opportunity won't last and pressure you to pay a processing, listing, or deposit fee upfront before any buyer materializes. Once paid, the scammer disappears and no sale ever happens. If approached, consider consulting a lawyer before paying any upfront fees and ensure any agreement is reviewed by an independent legal professional.

What it can look like

You receive a call from someone saying they specialize in timeshare resale and have a qualified buyer ready—but first you need to wire a fee to 'secure' the transaction or 'process paperwork.' Before paying, consider verifying the buyer's identity independently and consulting a lawyer to review any written contract. After payment is made without these safeguards, the buyer vanishes, calls stop returning, and your money is gone.

How it unfolds

Scams like this follow a pattern. Knowing the arc helps you notice where you are — and step away before the ask.

You get a call or message saying someone is interested in buying your timeshare. The caller sounds professional and urgent — they say they have a ready buyer and need to move quickly.

You're asked to pay an upfront fee for 'processing,' 'transfer taxes,' 'cleaning,' or 'legal paperwork' before the sale can close. The caller reassures you this is standard and that your money will be refunded from the sale proceeds.

You send the money. Days or weeks pass. The caller becomes harder to reach, asks for more fees to 'unlock' the deal, or disappears entirely. You realize the buyer was never real and your fee is gone.

Stop here: If you haven't paid yet and feel pressured or uncertain, hang up. Legitimate timeshare resale companies do not ask for money upfront before a verified buyer is in place.

Red flags

You're contacted unexpectedly with promises of a quick, guaranteed sale.
They insist on upfront payment before any serious buyer is actually introduced.
They create artificial time pressure ('This deal expires today').
They avoid answering questions about the actual buyer or provide vague details.
They ask you to pay by wire transfer, gift card, or cryptocurrency—methods that are nearly impossible to reverse.

What to do

Never pay any fee before speaking directly to a real, independent buyer and having a written contract reviewed by a lawyer.
Verify the company's legitimacy by researching them independently (don't use contact info they provide).
Report the scam at reportfraud.ftc.gov so authorities can track patterns and protect others.

If it already happened

Acting quickly can limit the damage. You are not alone, and it is not your fault.

Stop all contact with the caller. Do not send additional money, even if they promise to recover your loss or complete the sale.
Contact your bank or credit-card company immediately. Report the transaction as fraud and ask if the charge can be reversed or disputed. Keep all confirmation numbers and receipts.
Gather and store safely every email, text, call log, and document from the scammer — names, phone numbers, dates, and amounts. Do not delete anything.
Report the scam to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Include all details and documents you collected. The FTC uses these reports to warn others and pursue scammers.

Sources

Guidance on this page draws on public, authoritative consumer-protection resources (verified live 2026-07-10). Documented by the FTC & FBI IC3 · reviewed 2026-07-11T19:17:38.768Z.

Spotted this or lost money? Report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov. This is general educational information, not legal or financial advice — and ScamVet never asks for your identity or account details.

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