[SCAM:] In need of advice [Lone Star International Sales from Dallas]

[MargaretSa]

I’m currently working with a company by the name of Lone Star International Sales from Dallas, Texas.

They contacted me several weeks ago with interest to buy my villa palmar membership. I was skeptical but the offer seemed good.

As of October 15th I have received my money in full for the sale of my membership.
Four days later I received my closing package. It has several name change documents I’m required to sign and notarize to transfer my membership. They’re requiring me to send the originals [of the new notarized documents.] This makes me feel uncomfortable I want to send them copies not the original.

I have discussed this with them but they are insisting I send the originals. They are advising me that I must send them these original name change documents so the membership can be transferred. Can they not just transfer the membership with copies?

In need of advice,

Maggie S.

 

[raygo123]

It's the original state seal they need. It is proof for the filing.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

 

[DeniseM]

I'm sorry, but this is very suspicious - this is my guess:

-The check they sent you is going to bounce

-But but before it does, they are going to have you pay fees to them, or some other entity

-If you have already paid them, you are very likely to lose that money

-Contact your bank immediately to see if that check is good - don't do anything else until you do that.

 

[MargaretSa]

raygo213,

So what you are saying is that without the original notarization seal they will be unable to file the transfer of the names of my membership?


DeniseM,

I was not paid with a check, so no chances of bouncing. I received my funds direct deposit via wire transfer so I have no concerns here.

My only concern is that if I don’t have the original name change documents, where is my evidence that I have sold this membership so the resort cannot bill me in the future because they have often billed me for miscellaneous and etcetera. This is one reason I was interested in selling the membership, because it seemed like every other month the resort wanted something out of me. So now that I have sold this membership I want the original evidence that I have done so.

I appreciate the quick responses.

Maggie S.

 

[HudsHut]

Margaret:

There is no way any legitimate firm (or person) would contact you out of the blue to buy a timeshare in Mexico.

The typical scam is they make you believe they have a buyer, then suddenly a fee of some sort is required to finalize the sale. They want you to send them money. The timeshare will not be transferred, and you will lose any money you sent them, and they will disappear.

You gave them your bank account number???
Contact your bank immediately!!

 

[Jodi0415]

I'm new to this buying TS/Resales. And I have no comment on whether or not your deal is valid or if your check will bounce. Is what you're signing a Timshare Transfer Agreement? It seems absolutely reasonable that they need the original notarized copy of your signatures. That's why they are requiring the notary. Otherwise you could just sign it and fax it back.

 

[DeniseM]

Have you checked directly with your bank to be sure the funds are in your account and that everyone is complete and Legit?

-The info. you are getting from the buyers is just suspicious.

-No one pays in full for a timeshare up front - look at it this way, let's say you back out now and you have their funds - how would they get them back. That just isn't how timeshares are sold.

-In Mexico, there is no deed to transfer, and the resort just makes the ownership change in their records, so no special documentation should be required to make the transfer.

raygo123 - What State Seal are you referring to? [Clarification - he means the notary's seal.]

 

[Jodi0415]

And of course there's no harm in making sure the check will clear prior to signing!!

 

[MargaretSa]

hudshut,

Thank you for your concern but I think we are on different pages. I have my money no need to check with my bank, the money is in my account. The only fees they require for me to pay are their 5% commission at this time as well as send them the original name change documents. My concern is I don’t want to send the original documents, I want to send copies. I want the originals for my files.


Jodi0415,

Yes, they are stating that the resort will not honor the name changes without the originals. That the name change cannot be completed with only copies. And that’s what I’m saying, if I send the originals I don’t have the original evidence that I sold my membership, I would only have copies; this makes me uncomfortable.


DeniseM,

I do not want to back out, but say if I did, I would be required to give them their money back or I would be facing legal issues. This is just common sense, how can I be paid for something and then decided not to sell it and just keep the money, this is wrong and this is not what I’m trying to do. I just want to protect myself by keeping the original name change documents.


Thank you all for the assistance

Maggie S.

 

[DeniseM]

Hi Maggie -

The scenario that you are describing is just not how timeshare sale work, and that is why we are questioning it. No knowledgeable buyer would send you the full payment upfront.

What documentation do you have that the money is in your account and that they can't take it back?

Have YOU paid any funds to THEM for anything at all?

 

[e.bram]

I smell a shill!

 

[raygo123]

No not the recorder stamp, they are the ones who need the original "state" stamp from a notary. Then tith that they record the transfer. The recorder then sends a copy to the new owner. A stamp, not a copy, assures that the proper people, ID required, are who they say they are, At The Time They Sign.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

 

[deemarket]

So what steps should an owner take to be protected when selling a mexican timeshare?

 

[DeniseM]

So what steps should an owner take to be protected when selling a mexican timeshare?

Simple rule of thumb: If they want you to pay anything upfront - it's a scam.

A lot of the scammers are located in Mexico, and they target timeshares in Mexico.

 

[Ty1on]

Maggie,

Why would they not have taken their 5% commission out of the money they wired to your bank account?

If you send them a penny, I will guarantee it you will lose it.

At least sit on it for a couple weeks before you pay them anything to see what the game is. I predict that if you do that, they will start threatening you to immediately send them the commission very soon.

Unless you already gave them the money. If that's the case, please let us know by what mechanism they yank that wire transfer back from your account, because I haven't seen this particular scam before.

 

[raygo123]

OK, state seal now do u know what I'm talking about?
So tell me, Mexican TSs would not ask for it, to verify that the real owners actually signed the papers?

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[Jason245]

I believe that everything to do with this is a SCAM based on the following research.

According to a quick google search and WHOIS information on their website:

1. They have no address in Texas (address isn't valid).
2. Their Web site is from Mexico.
3. Website was created on October 5 (they claim to have been in business for over a decade)

Below is info on the "contact" in case anyone has any experience with them.

Admin Contact
Name: Duncan Thompson
Organization: LoneStar International
Mailing Address: street 5, mexico Distrito Federal 07707 MX
Phone: +52.5515755997
Ext:
Fax:
Fax Ext:
Email:thompson.duncan87@hotmail.com


As part of my research I also found this which was interesting.

http://insidethegate.com/gatehouse/?s=resale+fraud#link3

In addition, No valid REAL ESTATE TRANSACTION EVER OCCURS WITH THE SELLER HAVING TO SEND A PENNY TO ANYONE. All Commissions and fees are taken from proceeds of sale.

 

[Ty1on]

OK, state seal now do u know what I'm talking about?
So tell me, Mexican TSs would not ask for it, to verify that the real owners actually signed the papers?

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

When I took Velas Valalrta, I didn't have to get anything notarized. Or Dolphin's cove or Grandview for that matter.

 

[DeniseM]

Looking back through this thread, it seems that the OP is not talking about her original documents.

She is saying that she doesn't want to send back the NEW documents with her notarized signature on them - which is completely different.

*Usually the seller is required to get the documents notarized - not the buyer. (Although some title companies get both.)

*It's not dangerous to send someone the acct. number to wire money to you - it's the exact same number that is on your checks.

*Raygo123- I understand now that you are talking about the notary's seal. The term "state seal," had me confused.



Maggie - you should keep a copy of the notarized papers and send the originals back - that is how it's done in business.

However, I still think this is a scam: The 5% commission is the red flag - you should pay NOTHING directly to this company. That is always a scam - there is something wrong with the payment they made to you. You need to verify with your bank.

The other reason we are suspicious is that most timeshares in Mexico have little or no resale value, so if they paid you a lot of money, there is most likely something wrong with the payment.

Please let us know how this works out, to protect others.

Good luck!

 

[raygo123]

When I took Velas Valalrta, I didn't have to get anything notarized. Or Dolphin's cove or Grandview for that matter.

If it is udi you need it. I did when I sold my lake lure.

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[DeniseM]

Usually only the seller has to have the Docs notarized - not the buyer.

 

[GreenTea]

It sure does sound like something isn't right here. Maybe the payment gets reversed after they get their "5% commission?"

OP, had you listed the unit for sale and Lone Star contacted you from the ad? Did you sell it for a substantial sum of what you had originally paid?

 

[raygo123]

Usually only the seller has to have the Docs notarized - not the buyer.

Yes, that's why ty1on had nothing to sign. Just his name address etc is on the transfer papers.

Usually the state seal is the notary seal. The state emblem, due to the fact that the have jurisdiction over the notarizes.

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[Ty1on]

Yes, that's why ty1on had nothing to sign. Just his name address etc is on the transfer papers.

Usually the state seal is the notary seal. The state emblem, due to the fact that the have jurisdiction over the notarizes.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk

I did sign notary for a FW Conversion purchase. I am certain that was just a preference of the particular closing company.

 

[DavidnRobin]

Advice - do not send anyone any money at any time...

Just because it states that money is in your account - that doesn't really mean it is there. This scam involves sending a bad check or money order - gets credited to the account - bank finds out the funds are no good - you are on hook for the money and lost any money you have sent to them. Wait at least 14 banking days to confirm money is in your account (this is a common scam - happens all the time...)