With very few exceptions, practically any generous offer for your timeshare should be a red flag for a scam, especially if they ask for upfront payments. Stop immediately and start the resale or rental process through recognized reliable channels. If, against all recommendations, you insist on negotiating with the contact:
- Be extremely skeptical and distrustful. Especially when you only have been offered promises.
- Do not handle the transaction alone. Consult with trusted friends or professionals.
- Never make upfront payments in exchange for refund promises.
- Do not sign contracts without thoroughly reviewing them, especially those that require upfront payments.
- Do not share personal or financial information unless you are sure of the transaction’s legitimacy.
- Verify the existence of the trust or guarantee they claim to have created in your favor. Check directly with the institution.
- Do an online research about the offeror’s reputation and if nothing appears, desist. Do not waste more time.
- Do not tolerate discrepancies between what the offeror claims and what their records indicate, nor try to justify them.
- Desist from transactions with unidentified individuals or entities.
- Report any suspicious activity to the pertinent authorities.
