How to Avoid Timeshare Exit Scams
The timeshare exit industry has many legitimate companies — and many scams. Here's how to tell the difference before you pay.
TL;DR
Before paying any timeshare exit company: check their BBB profile, verify they use licensed attorneys, get a written fee agreement, and never pay via wire transfer or gift cards. If they cold-called you, it's almost certainly a scam. If you don't need to cancel and just want to offset maintenance fees, rent your points through a legitimate rental company instead.
10 Red Flags of a Timeshare Exit Scam
- Unsolicited phone calls or emails claiming they can cancel your timeshare
- Pressure to pay immediately or within a short deadline
- Requests for payment via wire transfer, gift cards, or cryptocurrency
- Guaranteed results with specific timelines (e.g., 'cancelled in 90 days')
- No written contract or refusal to provide one before payment
- Company has no verifiable physical address or BBB listing
- Claims to have a 'buyer' already lined up for your timeshare
- Asks you to stop paying maintenance fees (this can damage your credit)
- No licensed attorneys involved in the process
- Refuses to provide references or verifiable case outcomes
How to Verify a Company Before Paying
- 1Check the company's BBB profile — look for A rating or higher and read complaints
- 2Verify the company has a physical office address (not just a P.O. box)
- 3Confirm they use licensed attorneys in your state
- 4Ask for a written fee agreement before paying anything
- 5Search for complaints on your state's Attorney General website
- 6Look for verifiable reviews on independent platforms (not just their website)
- 7Ask how long they've been in business and how many cases they've handled
- 8Confirm their money-back guarantee terms in writing
Already Been Scammed?
If you've already paid a scam exit company, take these steps immediately:
- File a complaint with your state's Attorney General
- Report to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- File a complaint with the BBB
- Contact your bank or credit card company about a chargeback
- Report it on our scam reporting page
Not Sure You Need to Cancel?
If your main concern is losing money on maintenance fees for points you don't use, you may not need to cancel at all. Rentshare rents your unused points and pays you 65% of proceeds — often enough to cover your maintenance fees entirely. No upfront cost, no risk.
Sources & Citations
- Federal Trade Commission — Timeshare Resales and Cancellation Scams
- Better Business Bureau — Timeshare Exit Scam Tips
- AARP — How to Spot a Timeshare Exit Scam
- Rentshare — Report Timeshare Rental Scams
Timeshare Scam FAQ
Common questions about identifying and avoiding timeshare exit scams.
Legitimate companies have BBB accreditation (A rating or higher), use licensed attorneys, provide written fee agreements, have verifiable physical addresses, and don't pressure you to pay immediately. They also won't guarantee specific timelines without reviewing your contract first.
File a complaint with your state's Attorney General, the FTC (reportfraud.ftc.gov), and the BBB. If you paid by credit card, contact your bank about a chargeback. You can also report timeshare rental scams on our dedicated reporting page at rentshare.io/report-a-scammer.
No. There are legitimate exit companies with proven track records, BBB accreditation, and licensed attorneys. The problem is that the industry also attracts many bad actors. Due diligence is essential before paying any company.
During your state's rescission period (3–15 days after purchase), you can cancel for free. After that, some developers offer deed-back programs. If neither applies, you could rent your unused points through Rentshare to offset maintenance fees — no upfront cost, and you keep ownership.
This is one of the biggest red flags. Legitimate companies don't typically cold-call timeshare owners. Scammers purchase lists of timeshare owners and call them with high-pressure pitches. If you receive an unsolicited call, hang up and do your own research.
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