posted 28th August 2025
Every week in the UK, thousands of people search for ways to escape expensive, stressful, or mis-sold timeshares. Unfortunately, instead of finding genuine help, many are drawn into scams that drain them of even more money.
At National Timeshare Helpline, we hear these stories every single day. Families who thought they were finally free end up paying thousands to fraudsters. Owners misled into believing their timeshare was an “investment” discover they’re trapped in endless contracts with rising fees.
So, why do people keep falling for timeshare scams? And more importantly — how can you protect yourself?
The Three Types of Timeshare Fraud
Based on years of experience helping UK consumers, we’ve identified three main categories of timeshare mis-selling and fraud:
- Timeshare Exit Fraud
- Timeshare Claims Fraud
- Timeshare Selling Fraud
Timeshare Exit Fraud
The timeshare industry is almost completely unregulated. For decades, powerful lobbyists such as the Resort Development Organisation (RDO) persuaded governments that developers could “self-police”. The result? A Wild West environment where owners are routinely exploited.
Exit fraud began when timeshare companies realised they could make even more money by “upgrading” owners into new products — often marketed as investment opportunities. These schemes promised future profits, guaranteed rentals, or “buy-back” options, but in reality, they only tied owners into more debt.
Major UK lenders like Barclays Partner Finance, Hitachi, and Shawbrook Bank funded these deals, turning a blind eye to the obvious mis-selling. Why? Because the profits were too tempting.
Worse still, when desperate owners later tried to escape, they turned to “exit companies” who promised freedom — but instead charged large upfront fees and disappeared without delivering.
Important: At National Timeshare Helpline, we have repeatedly warned the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) about these practices. Despite multiple reports of widespread exit fraud, the FCA has taken no meaningful action.
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS), meanwhile, continues to side with the finance companies, making it even harder for victims to secure justice.
Despite this we have recovered over 10 million in compensation for our clients.
Timeshare Claims Fraud
This is one of the fastest-growing scams in the UK. Unregulated companies advertise “compensation claims” for mis-sold timeshares.
They often reference genuine Spanish court rulings against Silverpoint, Club La Costa, Diamond Resorts, and Seasons Holidays to sound credible.
But here’s the truth: these unregulated operators usually demand upfront legal fees, then vanish without ever taking action.
Important distinction: Not all claims firms are scammers.
- Unregulated firms are the problem — no protection, no oversight, no accountability.
- Regulated CMCs like us are the solution — authorised, accountable, and required to follow strict FCA rules.
At National Timeshare Helpline, we’ve already helped victims of Silverpoint, Club La Costa, Diamond Resorts, and Seasons Holidays win claims against the finance companies who funded their loans — securing refunds plus compensation.
And we do it the right way: no win, no fee, and no upfront costs.
Why UK Consumers Keep Falling for Scams
- Cold calls – If you get a cold call about timeshares, it’s a scam. 100% guaranteed.
- Regulator inaction – Despite years of warnings, the FCA and FOS protect finance companies over consumers, leaving victims with little guidance.
- High-pressure tactics – Scammers use urgency and fear to force quick decisions.
- False authority – Fraudsters copy genuine companies and even impersonate law firms.
- False hope – People want to believe they can escape or get compensation, and scammers exploit that.
How to Protect Yourself
- Never pay upfront fees – Genuine, regulated CMCs like us don’t ask for them.
- Avoid cold callers – Every cold call about timeshares is a scam.
- Check authorisation – Always confirm a firm is regulated by the FCA.
- Seek independent advice – Don’t rely on what a salesperson tells you.
Why Choose National Timeshare Helpline?
At National Timeshare Helpline, we provide safe, regulated support for UK consumers:
- Regulated by the FCA – We are a fully authorised CMC.
- No Upfront Fees – Unlike scammers, you risk nothing.
- Proven Results – We’ve helped victims of Silverpoint, Club La Costa, Diamond Resorts, and Seasons Holidays reclaim their money and compensation.
- UK Focused – We fight finance companies directly, when regulators won’t.
- Free Initial Assessment – Speak to us today with no obligation.
Take Action Today
If you’ve been:
- Mis-sold a timeshare.
- Targeted by an unregulated “exit” or “claims” company.
- Or pressured into an unaffordable finance deal.
Call our free helpline today or complete our simple online enquiry form. Don’t take risks with unregulated firms. Choose a regulated CMC that protects your rights — with no win, no fee and no upfront costs.
