Last month, the American Resort Development Association (ARDA) issued a couple of consumer advisories to aid existing timeshare owners in their quest for timeshare relief. The timeshare resale industry involves timeshare resale companies, online advertising companies, and other companies related to the secondary timeshare market. The ARDA advisories were aimed to help in ushering towards a safer and more positive resale environment. Both advisories were designed to help dispense with the increasing misinformation and confusion in the timeshare secondary market by supplying tips in verifying timeshare resale companies as well as their business practices, fees, and services.

Howard Nusbaum, Chief Executive Officer of ARDA issued a press release statement in relation to the current lawsuit faced by two Florida timeshare resale companies engaging in highly suspect timeshare relief activities. “This is not an indictment of our reputable resale company members, but rather a problem faced by everyone who loves this industry being painted with the same ‘timeshare scam’ brush,” said Nusbaum. “We continue to work with stakeholders to craft what we believe will be guidelines for best practices and legislation.”

Even if there are legitimate timeshare relief companies providing resale services out there, the huge majority of timeshare resale companies are mere fronts for fraudulent business practices. Hence, timeshare owners should always verify any timeshare relief company prior to transacting with it. The advisories issued by ARDA are very specific tips that should be followed by timeshare owners before getting rid of their timeshares by dealing with a potential timeshare relief company.