Legitimate buyer ..or not?

I recently received an email from a person saying she is starting a vacation rental business and wants to buy timeshare weeks at a reasonable price. I don't know how she got my contact info, but I do have a timeshare week for sale listed through my members only group and through a legitimate realtor who would not give out my information. Has anyone experienced someone buying weeks to start a vacation rental business? I just sent my information to the person, but I'm asking for your help to determine if the person is legitimate or if there is something hidden in her agenda.
susie5337

It's hard to tell without more information but the number one indicator for a scam would be having to pay them anything, no matter how small. Another indicator would be them offering more than the timeshare is worth, although they still have to want to be paid a "fee" at some point before giving you this fictional sum.

There are definitely legitimate buyers that have the intent of renting out. Many are tuggers. But when it comes to timeshares you want to be very skeptical.

id certainly consider that at least one warning sign....

more obvious ones should of course follow if it isnt legitimate.

There is a scam going around that sounds like this.

In the scam, the "buyer" claims to be buying inventory to start a rental business, but they are hearing impaired, and can't communicate with you on the phone. She is going to send you a large (phony) check, and ask you to deposit it, and send a large amount of money to her agent/title Co./escrow "their fee" to process the purchase.

If you do that, you will find out that the check you received was phony, and the money you sent was stolen.

As the seller, you should never send money to anyone - the buyer should pay all costs.

More info: http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=208549

If the amount offered is outside the 'normal' range of similar weeks sold on eBay, and the offer came out of the blue, I'd consider it suspect. If the 'buyer' wants ANY money upfront, or offers a large check drawn on a title company for you to cash and send the excess anywhere, it's a red flag. Break off the sale at that point.

Jim

Thank you, Denise, for some very good advice. Right after your reply to me, the writer contacted me, saying she was hearing impaired and contact had to be by email. Knowing what you told me in advance, I said everything had to go through my title company and escrow. Buyer said "sorry, no deal" and went away.

Susie - Please post her name and email address for the protection of other Tuggers.