Exit Smart, Exit Safe
We love having you as an Owner with us and know that your Ownership has provided you with a cherished home-away-from-home along with lifelong memories.
As your resort management company, we are here to ensure that your HOA is financially healthy and that you are realizing all the benefits of being an Owner, and our hope is that you will continue to enjoy the value of your Ownership investment. It is also our responsibility to make you aware of timeshare exit scams claiming to release you of your Ownership, oftentimes through scare tactics, false promises, and exorbitant costs.
As scammers grow increasingly more sophisticated in their attempts to entice Owners looking to exit their Ownership, ARDA-ROC, the national timeshare advocacy group, and the State Attorney Generals, are doing everything possible to identify and shut down these fraudulent operations.
If you feel you are ready to move on from Ownership, we are here to help you navigate your options, ranging from handing it down, to safely selling.
Common Timeshare Scams
The following are common scams to watch out for:
1. Nonexistent Buyers:
Scammers will contact you out of nowhere and claim to have a buyer already waiting, but they first need funds from you in order to close the sale. This is an automatic red flag. A legitimate resale agency will never reach out unsolicited, plus buyers typically pay for transfer fees and commissions, not Owners. Read more about the most recent timeshare exit scams here.
2. Fake Resale Agents:
These con artists will attempt to pass themselves off as employees of credible resale companies. They, too, will require upfront fees, which is always the tip-off that it’s a scam. Do your research to make sure the company they claim to work for exists, then ensure they actually work at that company by calling them.
3. Crooked Exit Lawyers:
This is one of the most common scams, in which “lawyers” promise to help you “get out of” Ownership. They charge thousands of dollars for their “services” and scare Owners by portraying a grim resale market. There is no reason for you to shell out a hefty sum when reputable companies market your timeshare for you.
Timeshare Exit Tips
When considering next steps regarding your Ownership, we recommend keeping the following important tips in mind:
1. Do Your Research:
Research timeshare exit companies carefully before doing any business with them or paying any money upfront. Check with the Attorney General’s office and Better Business Bureau for any prior complaints and be aware that many timeshare exit companies may not deliver on their promised results. Read more about the warning signs of timeshare scams here.
2. Watch Out For Scams:
Scammers have become increasingly clever in their tactics, ranging from fake resale agents to crooked lawyers requiring hefty upfront fees. If you suspect a scam, immediately stop all communication and contact the American Resort Developers Association-Resort Owners’ Coalition (ARDA-ROC) or the Attorney General’s office (contact information listed below) to report the incident. Read more about how you can avoid timeshare fraud here.
3. Contact Us:
If you feel ready to move on from your Ownership, the safest way to exit is by reaching out to Grand Pacific Resorts directly. Our in-house team of experts will help you navigate all of your options, ranging from handing down your Ownership to family or friends to safely selling it to an interested buyer.
Resources
1. American Resort Developers Association-Resort Owners’ Coalition (ARDA-ROC): (855) 939-1515
2. Attorney General’s Office: (202) 514-2000
3. Grand Pacific Resorts:
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- If you would like to pass down your Ownership or already have a buyer and are ready to complete the title transfer, please contact our in-house partner, Advanced Financial Company, at (800) 234-6222. They handle title transfers and will provide you with the necessary resources to complete your transfer of Ownership.
- Our in-house resale partner, Legacy, handles select weeks at select properties that are managed by Grand Pacific Resorts. If you are an Owner at one of these select resorts, please contact Legacy at (800) 940-0068.
4. For more information on exit options and resources: www.responsibleexit.com.