Unfortunately, scams and fraudulent activity are a part of life. Recently, fraudulent telemarketing targeted at Margaritaville Vacation Club owners has become more prevalent. Oftentimes, fake companies will call claiming to be from a legitimate management company wanting to rent your timeshare.

Some examples from real-life telemarketing scams include callers that…

• Claim to be contacting you about your recent or past timeshare vacations.
• Ask you to take a survey regarding your timeshare ownership.
• Offer fake extra vacation weeks for renting your timeshare.
• Pose as a Margaritaville Vacation Club representative and claim that you have weeks left over.

Here are four steps to help identify potential timeshare or exchange telemarketing scams.

1. Exercise Caution

Chances are if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If someone offers you a lot of return for very little investment, be cautious. Fraudulent telemarketers will often try to get you to pay for something before you have used it ... don't. Never give out personal financial information over the phone.

2. Ask Questions

Be curious and ask plenty of questions. Fraudulent telemarketers will not be able to answer questions as in-depth and with as much knowledge as an actual Margaritaville Vacation Club representative can. Ask questions, and if you are skeptical of any offer, do not feel pressured to accept it.

3. Know Your Rights

Even though “do not call” lists exist, these fraudulent companies will call you in violation of them. However, you have one legal recourse. If your phone number is on a “do not call” list and a fraudulent company calls you with a bogus offer, you may be able to file a complaint against that company with federal and/or state regulators.

4. Do Your Research

Always vet the company and offer by checking various business complaint websites such as the Better Business Bureau, the Federal Trade Commission, and the American Resort Development Association.

If you believe you have fallen victim to a scam, or have received a phone call that could be a scam, contact the Margaritaville Vacation Club Scambusters team at 855-596-9233.