Selling a timeshare can be stressful, especially when you’re worried about being scammed. Unfortunately, the resale market attracts fraudsters who know owners are eager for relief. The good news is that legitimate options do exist, and you can avoid scams entirely if you know what to look for.
This plain-English guide explains how the resale process actually works, the scams to avoid, and how companies like Timeshare Specialists (BBB A+, no upfront fees, escrow-protected transfers through licensed partners like Resort Closings, Inc.) help sellers navigate the process safely.
Timeshare scams continue because:
Scammers take advantage of owners who were told they were buying an investment. Most timeshares don’t appreciate, and independent resorts often have little demand on the secondary market.
Right of First Refusal (ROFR), point systems, usage years, and transfer policies can create uncertainty. Scammers thrive in that confusion.
Maintenance fees rise nearly every year, and special assessments can hit without warning. When owners feel stuck, they’re more likely to trust the wrong company.
Red flag: A cold caller claims they have an eager buyer and just need a small fee to complete the sale.
Reality: Legitimate brokers do not cold call. And no buyer pays high prices on the resale market.
How to avoid it:
• Never pay an upfront fee for marketing or processing.
• Demand the buyer’s name and verify they contacted the company directly.
• Check the company against our Timeshare Scam Database.
Fraudsters set up professional-looking websites claiming they can process the title or handle escrow. They often request wire transfers or gift cards.
How to avoid it:
• Verify the closing company’s license.
• Confirm the escrow account is real and handled by a regulated entity.
• Work with trusted closing partners such as Resort Closings, Inc.
Top tip: Call us to talk about our Transfer & Escrow Services.
These companies promise exposure to millions of buyers – for $1,500–$6,000 upfront. Most owners never hear from them again.
How to avoid it:
• Only work with no-upfront-fee resale or transfer companies.
• Read reviews on BBB, Google, and Trustpilot.
• Look for companies with a guaranteed transfer option.
Top tip: Call us and talk to us about the Guaranteed Transfer Program.
A rising scam involves people pretending to be lawyers, often using fake bar numbers or nearly identical names to real attorneys. Read about what happened to real sellers here.
How to avoid it:
• Call the state bar association directly to confirm credentials.
• Be cautious of unsolicited emails from law firms that don’t have physical offices.
• Compare emails to legitimate law firm domains.
If someone claims they can rent out your weeks for profit, assume it’s a scam.
How to avoid it:
• Most rentals cover only part of your maintenance fees.
• No legitimate company guarantees rental income.
• Never pay upfront for rental listing.
Pro tip: Read out the Best Timeshare Exchange Companies & Rental Programs in our separate article.
You can protect yourself by using a clear, proven resale process.
Not every timeshare can be sold — and scammers prey on owners who don’t know that.
Most likely to retain resale value:
• Disney Vacation Club
• Marriott Vacation Club
• Hilton Grand Vacations
• Hyatt Residence Club
• Westin/Sheraton (Vistana)
Lower resale value:
• Wyndham
• Bluegreen
• Diamond
• Independent resorts
Pro tip: Check out our Timeshare Valuation Guide – How Much Is My Timeshare Worth.
You’ll most likely need:
• Your most recent maintenance fee bill
• Ownership type (deeded, RTU, points, weeks)
• Usage year and allocation
• Resort name + unit/week info (if applicable)
• Loan payoff status
Pro tip: No legitimate broker will ask for your login credentials — another scam red flag.
Selling is only one option. Depending on your resort, you may also be able to:
• Surrender/deed-back: Some brands accept owners back into the developer.
• Transfer: Safe, escrow-protected way to divest ownership without resale demand.
• Gift/Donate: Only possible when the timeshare is fully paid off. Check out our How to Donate or Gift a Timeshare article.
Pro tip: Read our Divestment Guide: How to Get Out of a Timeshare.
A trustworthy company offers:
• No upfront fees
• Escrow protection
• BBB A+ accreditation
• Transparent pricing
• Guaranteed transfer options
• U.S.-based customer service
Timeshare Specialists meets all of these criteria and is backed by trusted closing partners like Resort Closings, Inc., plus multiple industry awards (BBB Torch Award, American Business Awards). Check out our Timeshare Brokerage Services.
Escrow ensures that:
• Funds are protected
• Title transfers properly
• The buyer and seller are protected against fraud
• You are legally released from future obligations
Never finalize a transfer without escrow.
Before you sign anything, verify:
• The company does not charge upfront fees
• The closing company is licensed and verifiable
• You speak to a real person at a real U.S. phone number
• You receive documents to review before paying anything
• The company has an active BBB profile with genuine reviews
• The buyer’s name can be verified (if applicable)
• Escrow is required — not optional
If any of these are missing, walk away.
Timeshare Specialists has helped thousands of owners sell, transfer, or give back their timeshares safely for many years. With no upfront fees, guaranteed transfers, escrow-protected closings through licensed partners, a BBB A+ rating, and award recognition from BBB and the American Business Awards, you can divest your timeshare the safe way — with full transparency.
We are here to help, from free advice to top timeshare divesting services. Call today.
It’s challenging, but not if you follow a safe resale process and avoid any company that charges upfront fees. Using a licensed escrow company is the best protection.
Almost none. A few brands, like Disney or Marriott, retain relative value, but resale prices are usually much lower than the original purchase price.
Ask for their full name and verify they contacted the broker directly. If a company refuses to disclose buyer information, it’s likely a scam.
No. Legitimate brokers and transfer companies only get paid once work is completed — not beforehand.
Yes. A guaranteed transfer is often the simplest, safest option when there isn’t a resale market for your resort.
Get a clear, scam-proof roadmap for selling your timeshare safely, spotting red flags, and choosing legitimate no-upfront-fee options.
Looking for the most flexible way to use your timeshare? Whether you want to rent out your week or exchange it for new destinations, some companies make the process much easier than others.
Understanding what timeshare fraud is and how scammers target owners and buyers is crucial to avoiding significant financial loss. And, with scams becoming more sophisticated, knowing what to look out for is essential.
