Time shares are properties that buyers purchase the right to occupy for a set amount of time each year. While many companies sell time shares legitimately, a number commit fraud. According to the company Gonzalez and Gonzalez Timeshare Solutions, some time share sales representatives promote false expectations among potential clients by making unfounded claims, such as by promising that renting out a time share will provide the time share owner with a large income or that time shares can be easily sold and used to finance the purchase of different property. A customer who finds herself the victim of a scam can attempt to receive a refund through legal means.
Identify the nature of the scam. Scams can take many forms, ranging in severity from misrepresentations to outright breaches of a contract. Document the precise way in which you were scammed, providing evidence if possible. Also, calculate the amount of money the scam has cost you.
Write a letter to the time share company. Explain to the company the way in which you believe you were deceived and request the return of your money. Make the tone of letter polite, but firm. End it by saying that you are prepared to take legal action to have your money returned to you.
Contact the state attorney general. If the time share company does not refund your money and you have reason to believe that the company violated a law, you should contact a state legal authority. Either in the form of a letter or in person, explain to the state attorney general the nature of the scam.
Hire an attorney. While you may successfully prosecute a fraudulent time share company, it could take a few years. According to the website Consumer Affairs, in 2009, the state of Massachusetts filed a lawsuit against the alleged operator of a time share scam that ran from 2005 through 2008. So, even if you do receive a refund, the process may be time-consuming. In the meantime, a purchaser hoping to receive his money back should consult a private attorney with expertise in property law, who, through civil action, may be able to expedite the process.
