Timeshares
How to Avoid Timeshare Scams
By: Thomas Sondheim
Buying and selling of timeshare packages is a good way for some people to sell real estate, and for others to enjoy vacation time without having to pay for lodging every year. Unfortunately, there have been so many timeshare scams to arise that the entire industry has suffered many black eyes–and a soiled reputation. If you’re considering a timeshare purchase, here are some suggestions that should help you find the legitimate opportunities and steer clear of the timeshare scams.
1) Remember that one of the clearest indicators of a timeshare scam artist is the offer of incentives that sound too good to be true. There are those who will offer everything from a new car or boat to a 14-day luxury holiday. Don’t misunderstand: There are legitimate incentives, but usually these come in the form of something more reasonable, such as a discount or two or three nights free lodging at a local hotel. You can be sure that anyone offering something such as a car or boat will not deliver. Chances are, when you get there, they’ll tell you that you have to pay something for delivery…and then the delivery will be something far less. One story says that after a couple paid for delivery of their boat, they received a toy boat.
2) If someone wants you to sell a timeshare you own for a different timeshare, proceed with caution. Usually this is a scam, and you’ll wind up now the owner of two timeshares.
3) Travel clubs that invite you to a presentation will often (but not always) be scams in progress. Like the ones mentioned previously, they will usually offer you an unbelievably great incentive. If so, consider it non-legit and get out of there.
4) If the salesperson is overly aggressive and insists that you sign a contract today, even after you say you’d like a few days to look over the paperwork, you should walk out on them (or hang up the phone). A credible business will not balk at the request for time.
Now that you’ve got our list for how to spot timeshare scams, let’s take a look at a list of ways to avoid them:
1) Never sign on the spot. First, research the company through the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org) and, if necessary, an attorney.
2) Never pay to receive an “incentive.” Your payment for the timeshare itself should be your only payment. Incentives, by definition, should be free.
3) Read all paperwork, and before you make a heavy investment in the timeshare package, have an attorney look over it.
4) Never stay around for a presentation that seems too high-pressure.
5) Never call a 900 number to follow up on timeshare packages. Understand this basic rule: Other than the cost of the timeshare itself, you should not have to pay any money–not for phone calls, not for incentives, not for anything.
The possibility of timeshare scams should not prevent you from timeshare purchases if you’re interested in them. Just be a careful consumer so that something that should bring happy memories doesn’t bring miserable ones instead.
Thomas Sondheim became interested in Timeshares several years ago when he was hired to sell timeshares for a national company. Prior to selling timeshares, like most people, the world of timeshares seemed strange and elusive…not to mention full of questionable sales practices. (At least that’s what I thought.) It wasn’t until Thomas realized the great benefits of Timeshares, that he became a fan of this unique real estate vacation opportunity. http://www.TimeSharePilgrim.com
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com
