Timeshare-Resale 'Buyer Waiting' Fee Scam
A 'broker' claims a buyer is ready to purchase your timeshare and collects upfront fees (closing, taxes, transfer) for a sale that never happens.
Think a message like this reached you? You can check it right now.
What this scam is
Timeshare owners eager to get out are told a buyer is lined up and just need to pay upfront fees — closing costs, transfer taxes, 'title' charges — to complete the sale. There is no buyer; the fees are the scam, and more are invented. Some target people who were already scammed once (a 'recovery' angle). Legitimate resale doesn't require large upfront fees paid to a cold-calling broker, and fees should come out of a real sale.
What it usually looks like
- A call that a buyer is ready for your timeshare.
- Upfront closing/transfer/tax fees to complete the sale.
- Pressure to pay quickly before the buyer 'walks.'
- A broker you didn't seek out.
Common warning signs
- Upfront fees to sell your timeshare.
- A conveniently ready 'buyer.'
- Wire payments to a cold-calling broker.
- Escalating fees.
Example wording scammers use
“We have a cash buyer for your timeshare — just cover the $1,900 closing and transfer fees to finalize.”
“The sale is ready; wire the tax fee today or the buyer moves on.”
These are illustrative examples written by ScamSplain, not real messages.
What the scammers want
- Upfront 'fees' for a sale that won't happen.
- Wire payments.
- To exploit owners desperate to exit.
What to do
- Be wary of unsolicited buyers and any upfront resale fees.
- Verify brokers/licensing independently; fees should come from a real closing.
- Never wire fees to a cold-calling 'broker.'
- Watch for repeat targeting.
What to do if you already responded
- Contact your bank about the wire.
- Report to the FTC and your state AG.
- Report at reportfraud.ftc.gov.