Irrespective of how you feel about timeshares, somebody will always have something equally positive and negative to say about them. Nevertheless, this is not what this article is about. This article will help consumers identify timeshare rental scams:
How to avoid timeshare rental scams:
Most holiday rental scams usually work the same, regardless of if it’s a timeshare advert or not. In the case of timeshare rental scams, most are found on offer in a classified, looking and sounding genuine offering an amazing deal which will save the consumer a considerable amount of money, therefore luring innocent people to book. Consumers will pay the required fees for the reservation without a second thought get ready to travel, however, upon arrival at the property, they can run into a catalogue of issues, most commonly being, no actual reservation has ever been made or there are unpaid maintenance fees pending by the owner. Whichever it maybe they will find out that the offer was not legitimate. Consumers have also been taken for credit card fraud and identity theft when dealing with these fake companies.
Stay safe and protect yourself from timeshare rental scams:
Just by following a few simple steps, timeshare rental scams, as well as other types of rental fraud, can be avoided:
- It is highly recommended to do searches first and foremost before paying deposits or making any form of payment. Always choose a website with secure encryption for handling credit card purchases against those with a questionable credit card processing system. And always ensure the deal has a distinct guarantee with it.
- Any company asking for upfront fees are more than likely to be a scam. Be vigilant of offers which ask for money or pay cash up front.
- Reviews are there for a reason, and we at the TCA recommend you search for any reviews or other information related to the offer, even check out the resort if necessary.
- Do a price comparison, should the advertised rental offer be significantly cheaper than the typical advertised rental rates on the resort website, then this is more than likely to be a scam.
- If you still have doubts check to ensure that the contact your renting the property from is the actual person on record at the resort and that you have been given permission to use the timeshare for week/s you have booked.
Timeshare rental scams that affect owners:
Fake rental websites are also on the rise, targeting owners who wish to rent their properties when not in use. These companies have professional looking, however, fake websites, requesting fees upfront, once the consumer parts with their monies, the marketing of your property are either non-existent or are advertised very little, certainly not what they were promised in the first instance. Again we at TCA cannot stress the importance of doing checks on such companies and it’s never advisable to part with monies up front.
For more information regarding this article or assistance in any other timeshare related issues please contact the TCA on 01908 881058 or email: info@TimeshareConsumerAssociation.org.uk