There’s no question that timeshares is an emerging industry in the world. Its value and flexibility is a great way for consumers to save, especially during the recession. However, there are still a number of timeshare scammers around and regulators are hunting them down.

Resort Development Organization (RDO) is now putting these scammers on top of its priority list. The organization is working with OFT, acting as a watchdog for the industry. The two groups will work to expose fraudulent timeshare clubs and companies. 

RDO has over 130 members across Europe, giving it many resources at its finger tips.

Alberto Garcia, head of RDO’s Enforcement Programme, has already overseen the exposure of several bogus timeshare companies. In 2009, Garcia helped close down 26 fraudulent timeshare operators.

“We strongly recommend that timeshare owners do not accept offers made by companies they do not recognize,” advised Richard McIntosh, RDO chairman. “They should contact RDO’s Consumer Services Department on This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it to check if the company is a member of the organisation and complies with its Code of Ethics.”

Garcia says that there are more fraudulent timeshare operators out there and he is determined to trim down the numbers. “We still have lots of things to deal with,” commented Garcia. “I foresee a timeshare industry in a couple of years’ time unhindered by fraudulent activities—or at least having no more problems than other industries.”

Source: GoTimeshare.org