Common Timeshare Scams in Florida and How to Avoid Them
With a vibrant tourism industry, Florida is a hotspot for timeshare opportunities. While timeshares can be a good option for some, it is also important to recognize that the popularity of timeshare contracts has also attracted scammers.
Being informed is an important step to avoiding fraudulent schemes. A Tampa timeshare attorney can answer your questions about timeshare contracts and assist you if you’ve fallen victim to a Florida timeshare scam.
Examples of Timeshare Scams
There are many scams connected to timeshare transactions, such as resale scams, where a person promises to help you sell your timeshare for an upfront fee. Then, after you have paid the fee, they never deliver on their promise. During the process of getting you to make an upfront payment, scammers often use high-pressure sales tactics and claim that they know of a buyer who is interested in your property.
Additionally, fraudsters may pose as rental agents or companies, offering to rent your timeshare to generate income. Similar to resale scammers, after collecting fees, these rental scammers disappear so you are left with a fraudulent agreement and no rental income.
There are also cancellation scams and phony resale offers that prey on individuals who are interested in exiting a timeshare agreement. In cancellation scams, the scammer will tell you that if you pay them a certain amount they will be able to cancel your timeshare contract, but once they have depleted your savings they do not deliver. Part of this may be showing you fake resale offers, so they request an upfront payment for various fees, such as taxes and closing costs, but once you pay, they vanish, and the sale never materializes.
Recognizing and Avoiding Scams
If you have doubts about a timeshare transaction you are currently negotiating or believe you may have already fallen victim to a scam, consult with an attorney who has a background in timeshare fraud cases. They can assess your situation and provide guidance on the best course of action.
To avoid a scam, keep the following in mind:
- Do your research. Before doing business with any company or individual offering timeshare services, look for reviews, complaints, and any history of legal actions.
- Say no to high-pressure tactics. Don’t engage with anyone using aggressive sales tactics or pressuring you into making quick decisions. Take your time before signing any contracts.
- Don’t pay expenses upfront. Legitimate companies do not require upfront fees, so be wary of any requests for fees connected to resale, rental, or cancellation services.
- Look over contracts. Review all contracts carefully, and ask trusted family, friends, and legal professionals to do so as well to ensure that all terms and conditions are clear and that there are no hidden fees or obligations.
Tampa timeshare attorneys are experienced in timeshare scams, understand the intricacies of these cases, and can help you navigate the legal process effectively.
Has a timeshare scammer contacted you with an offer? If you’ve been defrauded in a timeshare transaction, consult with an attorney who specializes in these cases. Discuss your situation with the lawyers at HD Law Partners. Call 813-964-7878 for a no-cost consultation.
