Mitch Morrisey, Denver’s District Attorney, issued a warning about an escalating timeshare scam.

Morrisey said: “Victims, particularly those eager to sell their interests in timeshare properties, are being contacted by people claiming to be timeshare buyers who are making sizable offers that may or may not require an upfront fee.”

Most scammers claim that they have a buyer waiting for timeshare resellers. They also promise that the resale process will be fast and simple, and they charge an upfront fee for their services. Once the funds have cleared, the scammers disappear without a trace.

Morrisey issued the following tips for avoiding timeshare scams:
•    Never agree to anything over the phone or email, if you didn’t initiate the contact.
•    Use only licensed real estate agents. Agents must be licensed in the country or state where the timeshare is located. For out-of-country locations, contact the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) at 202-371-6700.
•    Always request a contract in writing, including refund policies. In Colorado, consumers have five calendar days after purchase to cancel a timeshare contract.
•    For more information on timeshare resells, or if you wish to file a complaint, go to the Federal Trade Commission website.