Timeshares are a great option for families that are looking to save-up on vacation costs in the long run. However, the recession has been keeping the industry’s growth in check. In fact, statistics indicate that timeshare sales dropped by 40 percent for 2009.

In addition to that, more and more timeshare scammers are conning consumers, offering them offers that are too good to be true. Some scammers offer timeshare owners a chance to unload their timeshare, misleading owners to pay thousands of dollars.

BBB gives the following advice for timeshare resellers:

•    Find a reputable timeshare resale company. To verify the reputation of a company, refer to the BBB’s accredited list to timeshare resale companies.
•    Confirm the company’s licensing requirements. Some scammers will use fake addresses and PO boxes. Verify if the sales representatives are licensed to sell real estate in the region of your timeshare.
•    Find out facts and figures about the resale processing.
•    Avoid upfront fees. Most complaints to the BBB were due to an advanced “appraisal” fee that was charged for the timeshare owners.
•    Be vigilant on the scams. Do not fall for hard-sell deals that seem like they’re too good to be true. Ask the seller to send you written materials about the deal.