New Tips for Protecting Your Timeshare From a Scam
As a timeshare Owner, you might be a target for fraudulent exit schemes
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Learn how to identify timeshare and third-party exit
scams with these four helpful tips
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HGV is committed to providing our Members with the resources they need to prevent fraud.
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The last thing anyone wants is to end up embroiled in a scam. Timeshare fraud is on the rise — and as a Hilton Grand Vacations Owner, you might be a target for such schemes. However, there are key red flags you can use to identify potential scammers and keep yourself protected from unscrupulous actors.
Often, these fraudsters will offer timeshare Owners an “easy way out” of their vacation ownership, claiming to help them make a profit on their property. However, these scams can result in foreclosure or enrollment in an additional travel program, sometimes at the Owner’s personal expense. In a recent article from the AARP, timeshare Owners shared examples of how they were contacted by fraudulent companies claiming to be consultants or brokers, with some Owners reporting losing tens of thousands of dollars.
Through our third-party fraud Incident Intake Questionnaire, HGV has received numerous reports of similar activity, targeting Owners with bogus offers to make thousands of dollars on unused bonus weeks, points, unlocked benefits and even RCI weeks that can be rented for a profit. However, HGV Club Rules prohibit any commercial use of the program.
To protect yourself, read on for four red flags to watch out for:
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HGV will never:
1. You’re contacted with questionable communications
2. You’re asked for personal information
Beware of unexpected phone calls asking about your timeshare
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Requests for personal information via phone calls are another indication of a potential fraud attempt. Remember, HGV already has your information on record so there would be no need to disclose any personal information over the phone. In addition, if you receive an unexpected phone call, write down the caller’s name, company, phone number and website so you can report these details to us.
Leave pre-recorded sales messages.
Ask a third party to contact you on our behalf about renting or buying your timeshare.
Hold local in-person meetings to update you on changing resort or maintenance fees.
Request a wire transfer payment.
Some fraudsters might use a method known as spoofing — a practice where a scammer would use the Hilton Grand Vacations logo and a confusingly similar email address to mislead the recipient. You can identify suspicious emails by checking the email address — official email communications from HGV will typically end in @hgv.com, @hgvc.com or @hiltongrandvacations.com.
The scammer might claim that the fees are taxes, administration fees, processing fees, advertising fees, escrow fees or otherwise. However, this is always a red flag — especially if you’re asked to pay immediately or pay via a wire transfer. Often, this scam method leaves Owners with little recourse if the fraudster disappears with the money and can leave Owners hundreds to even thousands of dollars out of pocket.
3. You’re instructed to pay upfront fees
Never share personal information or pay fees over the phone
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Our program is designed for creating vacation experiences for HGVClub Members’ personal use only — not to make a profit. That means suggestions that you can make money from your HGV timeshare are likely scams, whether it’s eliminating your maintenance fees, transferring ownership, adding additional benefits, creating a short-term rental or selling your property.
The bottom line? If the offer sounds too good to be true, it likely is.
4. The offer sounds too good to be true
When it comes to vacation ownership, Hilton Grand Vacations wants to make sure you have all the information, resources and support you need. That includes any questions you may have about payment plans, loan modifications and even resales. Visit our Member Solutions page to learn more.
Contact us
If you receive any suspicious communications, report it to us immediately by completing HGV’s Incident Intake Questionnaire and emailing it to us at privacy.matters@hgvc.com.
For any other issues, you can always use our online self-service tools for modifying or canceling reservations. Alternatively, our chat service is available at the bottom right-hand corner of the HGV website.