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Beware of Timeshare Resale Fraud

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Telemarketing companies that market their advertising services to timeshare owners interested in selling or renting their timeshare interests are attracting the attention of the Florida Attorney General. Many of these companies charge exorbitant fees and perform very few services, according to the Attorney General’s Office.  

Under Florida law, these companies are called “Resale Service Providers” and are required to provide a written disclosure of the fees and costs relating to advertising, listing, or sale of a timeshare interest, as well as other disclosures. Consumers also should request a contract in writing prior to providing any payment information.

In addition, consumers should be cautious of any business that may request an advance fee prior to performing any services. Furthermore, no government entity will require a consumer to pay money up front in order to assist that consumer in pursuing a fraud claim or prior to making attempts to secure a refund for a consumer. Also, consumers should be aware that the Florida Office of the Attorney General does not contract with any third party companies to assist in obtaining refunds or restitution for individuals. Should any company imply that they are working with the Florida Office of the Attorney General, consumers are encouraged to file a complaint.

Also be suspicious of any business that requests fees be paid by certified bank check, cashier’s check, money order, or wire transfer. These forms of payment leave little recourse for the consumer should there be any difficulty with the business providing their services as contracted.

Consumers who are considering conducting business with a timeshare reseller or recovery company should research the company.

Fort Lauderdale Condominium Litigation Attorney

This update on news affecting South Florida condominium owners is offered as a service of Fort Lauderdale condo attorney Marcy Resnik. Contact her to discuss legal questions you might have in regard to your condominium association or timeshare unit. You can reach Ms. Resnik online or call her at 954-321-0176.

Beware of Timeshare Resale Fraud Scam

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Florida timeshare owners who get a telephone call promising the lure of a monetary refund in exchange for an upfront payment should be alert to fraud.

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation recently issued a consumer advisory after learning that individuals posing as Department employees are allegedly targeting victims of timeshare scams. The callers are asking victims for cash to pursue refunds for the money they lost.

The Department has received at least three complaints from victims who have reported receiving calls from people claiming to be DBPR employees from the “Fraud Unit.”

The victims have already lost money as the result of potential timeshare resale fraud and the callers are asking for cash in order to obtain full repayment for the victims. The Department does not have a “Fraud Unit” and has confirmed that the phone calls are in no way connected with the Department or its regulatory authority.

If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a DBPR employee who is asking for money in order to receive a refund, do not give out any personal or financial information.

If the person calling claims to be a telemarketer, consumers may report the call to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA (1-800-435-7352) or at www.freshfromflorida.com.

A Public Service Announcement from the Fort Lauderdale Law Firm of
Kahn & Resnik, P.L.

The Florida lawyers at Kahn & Resnik, P.L. are available to service your legal needs.

Our concierge approach to the practice of law reflects our philosophy of personalized and confidential attention. When you retain an attorney at Kahn & Resnik, P.L., we work efficiently and effectively to help you achieve your business and personal objectives.

We can assist you in legal matters relating to commercial litigation, divorce, disability law, real estate litigation, securities litigation, and corporate transactions.

We serve business owners, professionals and individual clients across Florida, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach, Naples, Orlando, Tampa, Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and other cities throughout the state. Contact Howard N. Kahn, Esq. at 954-321-0176 or online.