Timeshares don’t have the best reputation in the world. But many consumers still invest in them. Estimates suggest the global marketplace was worth nearly $20 billion in 2025, and could exceed $38 billion by 2034. Yet many holidaymakers eventually want out, whether because of rising maintenance fees, life changes, or concerns over long-term liabilities.

If you want out, there are several legitimate exit paths. You could contact your developer to see if there are surrender or give-back schemes. Or you could list the property on specialized marketplaces or via licensed brokers. Some of the big-name chains might even buy back your timeshare for a percentage of the original value.

However, online scammers have caught wind of a growing market of unhappy timeshare owners. And they’re cashing in.

What do exit scam companies look like?

The way these companies operate is almost a mirror image of a classic timeshare scam. But instead of luring you with the promise of a beautiful timeshare property, they reel you in with the guarantee of a hassle-free exit. Although legitimate companies exist to help you with this process, the market is saturated with scammers. Here are some tell-tale signs:

  • Unsolicited calls made after they find your details by searching through real estate records.
  • Free dinner seminars where you will be subject to high-pressure pitches or fearmongering designed to amplify your concerns over long-term debt.
  • Large upfront fees that can run into thousands of dollars, before any work has even been completed, in schemes similar to advance fee fraud.
  • Guaranteed results or your money back promises, or claims that they know secret legal hacks that can cancel contracts.
  • Unsound advice such as to stop paying your annual fees, which could wreck your credit score. They may also discourage you from checking with an attorney.

5 common schemes

  1. Take the fee and vanish: The exit scam company charges a large upfront fee in the thousands of dollars. Once the funds clear they do little or no work and spend months stalling, before the company winds up and disappears, only to reemerge under a new brand later.
  2. Fake title transfer to a shell LLC: The scam company promises to transfer your deed out of your name. But instead of conveying it back to the resort, or a legitimate buyer, they transfer it to a shell company. Once the resort finds out, you’ll still be legally liable for any fees, penalties and foreclosure proceedings.
  3. Fake mass tort/class action solicitation: The scammers pose as a legal entity claiming to organize a "mass-tort" or "class-action" lawsuit against your timeshare developer to invalidate all contracts. They will demand large legal retainer fees and other associated costs, but usually no lawsuit exists.
  4. Fake resale buyer: You get a cold call or email from a broker claiming a buyer is ready to purchase your timeshare in cash and/or at above the market rate. The only catch is that you have to pay money first to cover taxes, wire transfer charges, escrow setup or some other made-up reason. The whole backstory is a pretext to trick you into paying more fees.
  5. Recovery scam: Scammers obtain lists of defrauded exit scam victims from other fraudsters and get in touch claiming to work for a government agency or specialized recovery firm. They promise to get your money back or to complete the exit. But this is also a scam. All they want is an upfront fee for processing your case, which is of course an invention. Once paid, they disappear.

How to vet a timeshare exit company

Although the market is awash with scammers, there are some legitimate companies that are able to help you offload your timeshare. The best way to make sure you’re not dealing with scammers is to:

  • Check that payment to the company is made via escrow once the work has been completed, so that there are no upfront fees.
  • Demand proof of legal credentials, such as the name of the licensed law firm or attorney they use and/or their real estate license number. Be sure to check the veracity of any details they send you.
  • Run some background checks on the company by searching for customer complaints about them. The Better Business Bureau has a ratings system that can help here. Or you could check whether the state attorney general (in the US) has taken legal action against the firm. Other places to check are trade body the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) or ResponsibleExit.com.
  • Review your contract for any suspect language, including vague language versus explicit outcomes, small print about the ‘money-back guarantee,’ and any advice to default.
  • If an exit company cold calls you or makes 100% guaranteed promises of a swift exit, they’re likely to be a scammer.

What happens if I’ve already been scammed?

If you’ve already paid a scam timeshare exit company, there’s still a chance you could get your money back if you act quickly. Follow these steps:

  • If you paid by card, contact your bank or card issuer and dispute the charge under “fraud” or “services not rendered” or similar. Deadlines vary by card network and issuer, so don’t wait. If you paid by wire transfer, ask your bank to try to recall it immediately. At the same time, contact the bank’s fraud team and make sure any automatic debits are cancelled.
  • Collect evidence of the scam, including all of your communications (emails, letters, texts etc), proof of payment (bank statements and card receipts), contracts and other relevant documents
  • File a report with the FTC, the FBI, and your state attorney general
  • Be prepared for more scams, so don’t engage with any entity promising to get your money back, even if they claim to be from the government
  • Check with the resort to see if the scam company contacted them, and to check if you’re up to date on maintenance fees

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are the legitimate ways to exit a timeshare?

You could contact your developer to see if there are surrender or give-back schemes. You could also list the property on specialized marketplaces or contact licensed brokers. Some of the big-name chains might also buy back your timeshare.

What are the warning signs of a timeshare exit scam?

Cold calling, free lunch/dinner seminars with high-pressure tactics, large upfront fees, and guaranteed results are all red flags. Scammers may also advise you to stop paying your annual fees, and they will not want you speaking to an attorney.

What are some common timeshare exit scams?

The company may take an upfront fee off you and vanish. They might transfer your title deeds to a shell company. They could claim to be organizing a “mass tort” or class action lawsuit. Or they may pretend there’s a buyer ready to purchase your timeshare. Beware also for recovery scammers who claim they can get your money back for a small fee.

How can I check whether a timeshare exit company is legitimate?

Check that payment is made via escrow once work has been completed, rather than an upfront direct transaction. Demand proof of legal or real estate credentials. Run background checks with the BBB, ARDA, the state attorney general, ResponsibleExit.com, or just a simple Google search.

What should I do if I've already paid a timeshare exit scam company?

Contact your bank and begin chargeback proceedings (you usually have 120 days to do so). Collect all the evidence of the scam and file a report with the FTC, FBI and state attorney general. Be on the lookout for follow-on recovery scams.

Could I be targeted by another scam after losing money?

Yes. Recovery scammers will claim to work for government agencies or specialized recovery firms. They promise to get your money back or to complete the exit. But they will require a fee or charge to do so, and disappear once you’ve paid it.