High riskMarketplace Scams

Timeshare Resale Scam

Timeshare owners are often contacted out of the blue by a company claiming it already has a buyer lined up, or that it can sell or rent the timeshare quickly. The catch is an upfront payment dressed up as a 'listing fee', 'transfer fee', 'closing cost', or even foreign 'taxes'. Once the money is paid the promised sale stalls, and the buyer turns out not to exist. This pattern is commonly used to target people who already feel stuck with ongoing maintenance fees and are keen to offload the property.

Quick verdict

Risk level
High risk
Scam type
Advance-fee resale scam
Main red flag
You are asked to pay money upfront before any genuine buyer or sale has been confirmed.
What to do first
Pause and treat any unsolicited 'we have a buyer' offer with suspicion, and do not send any fee until you have independently verified the company.

What this scam usually looks like

Timeshare owners are often contacted out of the blue by a company claiming it already has a buyer lined up, or that it can sell or rent the timeshare quickly. The catch is an upfront payment dressed up as a 'listing fee', 'transfer fee', 'closing cost', or even foreign 'taxes'. Once the money is paid the promised sale stalls, and the buyer turns out not to exist. This pattern is commonly used to target people who already feel stuck with ongoing maintenance fees and are keen to offload the property.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Good news! A verified buyer is ready to purchase your timeshare for well above market value. To release the sale we just need a refundable transfer and closing fee of a few hundred pounds today. Confirm your details here: [suspicious link]'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • You are contacted unexpectedly by a company that somehow already has your timeshare details and claims a buyer is waiting.
  • Any fee is required upfront, often described as 'refundable', for listing, transfer, closing, or overseas tax.
  • The offered sale price sounds unusually high compared with what timeshares typically resell for.
  • You are pushed to act quickly before the 'buyer' walks away, leaving little time to check the firm.
  • Payment is requested by bank transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards rather than a traceable, refundable method.

What to do

  • Independently look up the company name plus words like 'scam' or 'reviews' before responding to anything.
  • Ask, in writing, for the buyer's identity and proof of funds, and be cautious if you only get vague answers.
  • Check whether the firm is registered with the relevant business or property authority in its claimed country.
  • Speak to your timeshare provider or a recognised consumer body about legitimate ways to exit or resell.

If you already clicked or replied

  • Avoid entering any personal, ownership, or payment details on the linked page and close it.
  • If you have already paid, contact your bank or card provider straight away to ask about stopping or reversing it.
  • Change passwords for any account you logged into or reused on the suspicious site.
  • Keep copies of all emails, names, and payment references in case you need to report the matter.

What not to do

  • Do not pay any 'refundable' upfront fee on the promise of a sale that has not completed.
  • Do not assume a polished website or official-sounding name means the company is genuine.
  • Do not let urgency about a waiting buyer push you into transferring money quickly.

Similar scams

High risk Marketplace

Fake Escrow Scam

In a high-value marketplace deal, the other party insists on a specific 'escrow' or 'secure payment' website to hold the funds, but the site is fake and simply collects your money or card details.
High risk Marketplace

Land Sale Scam

A fake listing offers cheap land or a plot at a tempting price. The seller is often 'abroad' or relies on a fake agent or escrow service, and pushes for a deposit or full payment before you can verify ownership. The land may not exist, may belong to someone else, or may not be for sale at all, leaving buyers with nothing.
High risk Rental

Vacation Rental Scam

This scam uses a fake or hijacked holiday rental listing, often with copied photos and a below-market price, to pressure you into paying a deposit off-platform by bank transfer for a property that is not actually available.

Frequently asked questions

Why would a resale company need money before selling?
Genuine resale services may charge fees, but demands for substantial upfront payment tied to a specific 'waiting buyer' are commonly used in advance-fee scams. Legitimate sales usually take fees from the proceeds, not before any buyer is confirmed.
They say the fee is fully refundable. Does that make it safer?
Not necessarily. Calling a fee 'refundable' is a common reassurance tactic. If the sale never happens, refunds are often delayed indefinitely or refused, and money sent by transfer or crypto can be very hard to recover.
How did they get my timeshare details?
Owner details can circulate through resold marketing lists or earlier enquiries. Knowing your details does not prove the company is legitimate, so it is wise to verify independently rather than trust the contact.
What is a safer way to sell or exit a timeshare?
Speaking directly to your resort or a recognised consumer advice service is generally safer. Be wary of anyone who contacts you first, promises a quick sale, or asks for fees before a real buyer is in place.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.