One evening, Laurie L. received an unexpected phone call. The caller was from a third-party company, asking whether she wanted to sell her timeshare.
As a long-time Hilton Grand Vacations Member, Laurie told the caller she had no interest in giving up her membership. “They claimed they simply wanted to help me better use my timeshare,” she said. Really, she was curious what this company was going to say. “On the most recent call, they informed me that it would only cost me $100,000 to get out of my five timeshares.” Laurie added sarcastically, “What a deal.”
It turns out that this third party was a timeshare exit scam.
Laurie attended a few more of these calls, noting the red flags that kept popping up. “The scammers would pretend to ask questions and unmute you, but it was clear they weren’t listening.”
“They also used a tactic to scare people with kids, telling them that the timeshare would be automatically willed to your children and that they would have to pay maintenance fees on something they’d never even use,” she said.
Another Member, Laura W., also receives these calls. Laura is familiar with scam tactics, and so she usually hangs up and ignores the “offers.” “However, I’m always amazed when Members ask on social media if the deal is legitimate — typically after making the up-front payment. Of course, by that time, it’s too late. The money’s gone.”
How To Stay Ahead Of Scammers
Research Timeshare Fraud
“Unfortunately, these companies constantly come up with new ways to trick people into spending more money,” said Laurie. However, arming yourself with an understanding of timeshare fraud is one of the best ways to avoid falling prey to these scams.
A simple Google search of the company may reveal unsatisfied reviews and possible scams. However, not every company has enough reviews to draw a solid conclusion, so it’s best to check on sites specialized for catching fraud.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is a nonprofit organization that helps consumers make informed decisions and identify potential scams. If you’re unsure whether you’re dealing with a timeshare exit scam, check out the BBB Scam Tracker. This free tool lets you search for existing scams and report suspected fraud. If you have the company’s name, you can search the BBB for reviews and other consumer information.
Sign Up For Consumer Fraud Alerts
There are plenty of organizations keeping an eye on unscrupulous companies. Sign up for alerts to stay up-to-date on potential scams:
Report Timeshare Exit Fraud
If you encounter a scam, don’t panic. Depending on where you live, you can report the incident through one of these proper channels:
Tips For Detecting Potential Scams
If you’ve just answered the phone to a possible scammer, hopping online isn’t always feasible. Laurie and Laura share some tips for identifying timeshare fraud when a potential scammer is on the line.
Laurie’s primary advice is to ask plenty of questions. “An easy way to tell if someone is trying to scam you is by asking, ‘Is this going to cost me anything out-of-pocket?’ If yes, I tell them I’m not interested.” After all, the primary goal of these scams is to get your money, so be hesitant about any up-front fees.
“Sometimes these calls sound like they could be from Hilton Grand Vacations,” Laurie added. “I always ask them directly if they work with Hilton Grand Vacations. They’ll usually say no or claim to be a partner.”
“When in doubt, always ask if you can call them back. Hilton Grand Vacations will always let you,” Laurie finished.
According to Laura, understanding your membership can help you easily identify scammers. “Hilton Grand Vacations Members don’t usually purchase weeks, though some deeds are for fixed weeks. We have points through a deed or trust that can be converted into a reservation,” Laura explained.
So if someone calls saying they can help you carry over your unused weeks, that’s a red flag. If you have questions about your membership, our Club Counselors are just a phone call away.
“Finally, never make an up-front payment for any service,” advised Laura.
Protect your membership and ensure you will continue to enjoy incredible vacations for years to come. Read “5 Must-Know Tips To Avoid Timeshare Fraud And Protect Your Membership” for more helpful information on navigating these scams.