BBB serving Eastern North Carolina (BBB) is issuing an alert for a timeshare scam claiming an address in Raleigh. Resort Network Services LLC (resortnetworkservicesllc.com) was brought to the attention of BBB by consumers who have been inquiring about the business.
The company is offering consumers the opportunity to purchase a timeshare but not before they are asked to wire money up front for ‘closing costs.’ Another consumer, who was selling their timeshare, said Resort Network Services LLC was willing to buy it but required them to send money via wire transfer to Mexico beforehand.
BBB made several attempts to contact the company, but mail was returned undeliverable from the company’s address and a number of emails and faxes have gone unanswered. Their local phone number also goes straight to a recorded message while the toll free line has been disconnected.
The real estate company that manages the office building where Resort Network Services LLC claims to be located has stated that they do not have a location there. BBB also has learned that there was a legitimate business that went by the same name, but it was dissolved in 2009.
BBB offers the following tips to avoid a timeshare scam:
Find a Trustworthy Business. Check out bbb.org for reliable timeshare resellers. Look at the business’s complaints and reviews to be sure they are trustworthy. Do your own online research for the company name and any contact names to see what other consumers are saying.
Look at the Fees. Avoid businesses that ask for an “appraisal” fee or closing costs upfront. Be aware of businesses that give you a large fee and then slightly decrease it to seem like a “good deal”. Search for a business that will allow you to pay for the fees after the timeshare has been sold. Never wire money and be sure to ask what fees will be included in the cost and if they are refundable.
Do Not Be Pressured. Do not agree to anything that is presented over the phone. Before agreeing to anything, take your time to think about your decision. Ask the salesperson to send you written information. Do not be pressured by a salesperson that claims your property can be sold immediately.
Read the Contract Carefully. The contract should include: what services the broker provides, how much and when the costs should be paid, a length of time to sell the timeshare, and the refund and guarantee policy. Make sure the contract states who is responsible for the sale.
Too Good To Be True. Know the estimated value of the timeshare before bringing it to be sold. If the deal the business offers sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Report It. If you think you have been a part of a timeshare scam, report it with BBB’s Scam Tracker (bbb.org/scamtracker), file a complaint with BBB (bbb.org), the FTC (www.ftc.gov/complaint) and NC’s Attorney General Office (www.ncdoj.gov).
