13 Travel Scams to Avoid and Stay Protected

9. Timeshare Resale and Vacation Club Scams

What it is: Scammers promise to resell your timeshare or remove your obligation for a fee, but they never deliver. Targets are often owners trying to exit contracts. Similar tricks occur when fraudsters claim to have access to a “secret” discount inventory. How they work: You’re contacted with a tailored offer to sell your timeshare quickly. The fraudster asks for an upfront “processing” or “legal” fee, then disappears. Some also promise properties in clubs that don’t exist. Prevention steps: Never pay upfront to resell a timeshare. Check company credentials with the Better Business Bureau and consult a licensed attorney before paying for "exit" services. Talk to the timeshare company directly about legitimate resale channels and document all communications. Where to report: File complaints with the FTC and your state attorney general’s office. In the U.S., consumer protection divisions and the BBB can list known scams. In India, check with state consumer courts and registered travel industry associations.