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Confessions of a Timeshare Scammer - Kiplinger [MERGED]

Marathoner

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A man who used to scam timeshare owners with fictional offers to buy them out comes clean with some inside information. And a lawyer specializing in helping those with debts they can’t pay has some reassuring advice for those struggling to cover their maintenance fees.

 

FlowMan

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It really is amazing that most of these developers and "HOA"s leave people the only options of keep paying forever or default... and then we as a people wonder why/how these scammers and scum are so easily able to fleece people of money.
 

Luvtoride

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Interesting, but nothing new. The real “scam” comes from high pressured sales people working for unscrupulous developers who convince unwitting buyers to sign on to buy a timeshare. The reality of paying maintenance fees FOREVER for something not being used comes later after the euphoria of a great vacation wears off.


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boraxo

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The part about collections and lawsuits is very interesting and should be linked to the discussions on timeshare exit strategy and estate planning. There has been much discussion about not burdening heirs with maintenance payments. But if in fact they can just walk away without consequence then there really is no downside to putting the timeshare in a trust or a will. The chance of the timeshare company throwing good money after bad to collect maintenance fees is minuscule.
 
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