As Americans dive into the third week of summer, we’re not only seeing a rise in temperatures, but also a sharp increase in travel-related scams that are targeting unsuspecting families.
With global travel and tourism booming, more consumers are eager to book vacations, explore new destinations, and in some cases, finally invest in long-term vacation ownership. However, the very success of the travel industry has given rise to a parallel wave of deception—especially within the growing vacation rental and timeshare sectors.
The Global Travel Boom of 2025
According to American Express Travel Trends for 2025, over 74% of global travelers are planning 1–3 domestic trips this year, while 59% are booking 1–3 international vacations. The World Travel and Tourism Council published that the global travel and tourism sector is projected to reach $11 trillion in 2024, representing 9.6% of global GDP.
But as millions of travelers plan their dream getaways, opportunistic scammers are planning their next target.
What are the new Travel Scams in 2025?
Travel scams are evolving in 2025, with two common scams being vacation rental scams and timeshare resale scams.
Vacation Rental Scams
Scammers are now posing as property owners or legitimate rental agents, offering fake vacation rental listings that appear on trusted platforms. Scammers persuade victims to make deposits or full payments in advance. Upon arrival, they discover the property doesn’t exist or is already occupied. These scams often use high-pressure tactics, fake photos, and untraceable payment methods.
Timeshare Resale Scams
Another growing scam involves fraudsters posing as real estate agents or “resale specialists” who claim they can sell your timeshare for a hefty price. They may require upfront “closing fees,” “transfer taxes,” or “processing charges”. Once paid, they vanish—and no sale ever materializes.
Timeshare Sector: Growing Industry, Growing Risk
The timeshare industry alone is expected to surpass $12.7 billion globally in 2025, with projections reaching $23.8 billion by 2034, according to Zion Market Research. While many legitimate timeshare companies offer valuable services, the surge in ownership has created a new pool of victims for scammers.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued multiple warnings in 2024 and 2025 highlighting common timeshare-related scams, especially those targeting desperate owners seeking to exit their contracts with a timeshare exit team.
What Is a Time Share Exit Team?
A time share exit team is a company or legal service that assists owners in legally exiting their timeshare obligations. While some are legitimate, many operate under false pretenses, using misleading guarantees and aggressive sales tactics to lure in consumers.
Real Example: From Bad to Worse
A timeshare owner recently contacted Vacation Ownership Consultants (VOC) for assistance after sharing their harrowing story previously failed attempt to exit their timeshare. In 2024, a company solicited them to attend a sales pitch at a local restaurant in exchange for a “free” meal. The company promised to “legally cancel” their timeshare. Pressured into signing that day, they paid $13,000 up front, reassured by a “money-back guarantee.”
The exit company transferred the ownership into a shell corporation, but she stated that she continues to receive maintenance fee bills to this day. The company now ignores all of her contact attempts. According to the BBB.org, they launched their timeshare exit operation in 2023, and is linked in online complaints to several other LLCs with a similar name and different address. Indicating that they are running their scheme nationwide.
Their promise of a guarantee has proven to be nothing more than a marketing ploy—one with no legal safeguard.
BBB Scam Tracker Data: Travel-Related Scams
The Better Business Bureau’s Scam Tracker reported 9,410 travel/vacation/timeshare scam complaints to date. Many of these involved:
Fake rental listings
Fraudulent booking websites
Bogus timeshare exit operations
Tips to Avoid a Vacation Rental or Timeshare Exit Scam
Before engaging with any company offering travel or timeshare services, consider the following:
Ignore unsolicited offers – whether it’s an email, call, or pop-up deal.
Research the business thoroughly using ScamTracker on BBB.org, community forum sites such as Reddit, and online review sites such as Google Business and Yelp.
Avoid companies that use urgency and high-pressure tactics, especially those requesting payment by wire transfer or via untraceable payment methods.
Be skeptical of guarantees like “escrow” or “money-back” offers—they’re often riddled with loopholes.
Vet company history – choose firms with 10+ years in business and verifiable customer satisfaction.
Resources for Avoiding Travel Scams in 2025
To stay safe, the Better Business Bureau recommends using their pre-travel checklist at bbb.org/all/travel/before-the-trip. It provides essential guidance for verifying offers, avoiding red flags, and connecting you with trustworthy businesses.
Tips to Avoid Vacation Rental Scams
Vacation rental scams can be avoided with a few practical steps. First, always Google the address of the rental property to confirm it exists and matches the photos in the listing. If anything looks suspicious, ask for a virtual video tour to verify the property is real and accurately represented. Be wary of hosts who are unwilling to communicate over video or who avoid answering questions directly.
It’s also important to only communicate and pay through a trusted travel or rental platform. Avoid off-platform transactions, especially those involving wire transfers, prepaid gift cards, or crypto payments. When in doubt, consider using a licensed and experienced travel agent who can help you book with verified vendors and properties. These agents often have access to insider information and reviews that can prevent you from becoming a victim.
Trust Built Over Time for Timeshare Owners
When it comes to navigating the complicated world of timeshare ownership and cancellation, we stand out as a trusted ally for consumers. With over a decade of experience, we offer reliable timeshare exit solutions backed by real client satisfaction stories. Unlike many companies that advertise empty promises or misleading guarantees, we focus on tailored strategies and consumer education.
Our mission is to empower timeshare owners with the information and tools they need to make informed decisions. For families seeking help with a burdensome timeshare, partnering with an experienced and well-reviewed organization like us can be a trusted path forward that meets expectations.
By taking the time to research, ask questions, and seek out long-standing businesses, consumers can better protect themselves from turning a dream vacation into a financial nightmare.
