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Learn how to stay vigilant and combat the ongoing threat of timeshare fraud

Stay Safe From Timeshare Fraud

Protect yourself from timeshare fraud with our safety tips Image by tolgart/Getty images

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Visit the Member website for tips on how to keep your timeshare ownership safe.

Club Traveler newsletter is published bi-monthly by Hilton Grand Vacations Club, LLC, and distributed exclusively to Extraordinary Escapes, HGVClub and The Club Members. All rights reserved. The publisher is not responsible for omissions or errors. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents of this publication in any format or medium without written permission from Hilton Grand Vacations is prohibited. Hilton Grand Vacations disclaims all liability for any and all advertisements, promotions, articles and other affiliated content contained within this publication. The opinions expressed in each article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Hilton Grand Vacations. Hilton Grand Vacations does not make any representation regarding the availability of or endorse any of the products or services provided by third parties. Hilton Grand Vacations® is a registered trademark of Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. or its subsidiaries and licensed to Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. Hilton Grand Vacations and its properties and programs operate under the Hilton Grand Vacations name pursuant to a license agreement with Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. © 2024 Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. Global Privacy Notice Updated | Cookie Statement | Site Usage Agreement

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The Most Common Timeshare Scams

Fraudulent timeshare schemes usually begin with someone getting in touch to say they can rent, sell or advertise your vacation ownership or exchange benefits. This could be via a phone call, email, letter or even an online pop-up ad. This is a specific issue for Owners of timeshare properties in Mexico, who should be on high alert following recent incidents of fraud committed by cartel organizations (more information on these specific events provided by the U.S Treasury department can be found here). Scammers do their homework before making contact, gathering detailed information about both the properties and their Owners. They go to great lengths to create an appearance of legitimacy, often fabricating elaborate documentation to support their schemes. Modern scams are often complex and multilayered and can take place over several months to gain the victim’s trust and raise their chances of success. Many scams will unfold in stages, while others might be one-and-done. Initially, fraudsters will repeatedly ask for advance payments until the victim runs out of money or realizes their deception. The FBI reports that months later, scammers pose as law firms, offering to help victims recoup the lost money. In the final phase, perpetrators may impersonate government agencies claiming that the victims’ payments to the timeshare service were linked to illicit activities. They then demand payment to “clear” the victims’ names.

Avoid becoming a victim of timeshare fraud by reporting suspicious activity to the authorities Image by miniseries/Getty images

How to Spot a Scam

Many scams may look or sound legitimate at first glance, and it can be easy to fall prey to them if you don’t know what to look for. The good news is that there are key red flags to watch out for. The first thing to consider is the offer itself: If the offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. We recommend being suspicious of unsolicited sales messages because if someone asks for upfront fees, it’s likely a scam. Second, always be wary if someone asks for your personal details, especially if it’s information they should have on record. You should never provide details over the phone to someone you don’t know. Another red flag is how the offer is communicated. Many scammers are notorious for using phishing emails, which are cleverly designed to look like they’re from Hilton Grand Vacations or one of our partners. These emails mainly promise to sell or transfer your ownership. Luckily, Owners can pay attention to specific email elements to identify their legitimacy. For example, the message on the right was sent from a non-HGV email address, uses an unusual greeting and, most importantly, does not have HGV or Hilton branding at the bottom. Always ensure emails are from the official HGV address you usually receive correspondence from. In addition, always read the correspondence you receive carefully, as fraudulent documents often contain inconsistencies and grammatical errors. If you’re unsure about any emails, letters or phone calls you receive, contact Hilton Grand Vacations here for advice.

The FBI recently shared proactive tips to guard against timeshare fraud scams: Don’t answer phone calls from unfamiliar numbers. If someone contacts you about your vacation ownership and requests cash up front, don’t pay anything and stop communicating with them. Never sign, notarize or send any power-of-attorney or legal documents via email.

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Recent FBI reports have highlighted a concerning trend: Timeshare Owners are increasingly being targeted by fraudulent activities using a combination of high-pressure sales tactics and online deception. While this trend is alarming, there’s reassurance in knowing that the FBI is aggressively investigating such crimes, with the full backing of Hilton Grand Vacations. Learn more about protecting yourself from these scams through our informative video and article below.

Reporting Timeshare Fraud

There are two main reasons why timeshare fraud goes unreported: Victims are unaware that they’re being scammed or don’t know that assistance is available. Timeshare fraud is becoming increasingly sophisticated and there is nothing embarrassing about falling victim to a scam. If you think you or a loved one might be a victim of timeshare fraud, it’s important to report this right away:

Canadian Residents: You can report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre and the Provincial Consumer Affairs Regulator. European Residents: Gather as many details of the scam as possible and email them to us at LegalReport@hgv.com. U.S. Residents: You can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office in the state where you reside. Not sure how to find your AG’s office? Click here to find a location. Worldwide: You can report the incident to your regional consumer protection division.

You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) by selecting File a Complaint in the menu at the top of the page. Finally, if you made any payments using a credit card, contact your card company and request a stop payment immediately. For additional resources, including videos, flyers and other articles, visit our Timeshare Fraud Education page.