Beware of Timeshare Refund Scam

DBPR ISSUES CONSUMER ADVISORY WARNING

Victims are led to believe Department employees need cash to pursue refunds

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has issued a consumer advisory after learning that individuals posing as DBPR employees are allegedly targeting victims of timeshare scams. The callers are asking victims for cash to pursue refunds for the money they lost.



DBPR has received at least three complaints from victims who have reported receiving calls from people claiming to be employees from the "Fraud Unit." The victims have already lost money as the result of potential timeshare resale fraud and the callers are asking for cash in order to obtain full repayment for the victims. DBPR does not have a "Fraud Unit" and has confirmed that the phone calls are in no way connected with them or their regulatory authority.



If a consumer receives a call from someone claiming to be a DBPR employee who is asking for money in order to receive a refund, they should not give out any personal or financial information. If the person calling claims to be a telemarketer, consumers may report the call to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352) or at www.800helpfla.com.