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Author:
Dana Sanders

Does the ideal of purchasing a timeshare vacation package sound exciting? It should be, at the least, an exciting endeavor. Imagine your first inexpensive trip to the beach, a romantic week away or a much-deserved escape from the hustle and stress of the real world!

Ever think 'timeshare' only to have fraud be the next thing on your mind? You are not alone. Yet the simple truth of the matter is timeshares are generally a brilliant, safe and accommodating way to experience many popular vacation hotspots or secluded geographical treasures in the United States or abroad.

While purchasing timeshare options are usually safe, there are some common pitfalls - including less-than-honest dealings by some companies offering timeshares. But there are foolproof ways to avoid being caught unaware while searching for and purchasing the timeshare plan best suited for you and your family.

The first rule is an easy one - go with the larger, well-established companies. Common sense tells us that if they have been around for years it is less likely they would ruin their impeccable reputation with any type of fraudulent behavior. This especially holds true during the initial purchase or resale of a timeshare package.

Another important tool used to avoid timeshare fraud is to be certain you fully understand the contents of your contract. For example, a less than reputable company may make it contractually difficult to sell your timeshare in the event you wanted to do so. Contract literature is at best an art form. And since art comes in various disguises and at times carries a subtle dagger, you should be sure of the contents of your timeshare contract. Again, this is simple common sense as you would carefully consider the contents of any contract before signing on the "dotted line."

Be particularly wary of European and other overseas destinations if you aren't familiar with the company offering the timeshare. Be wary also of any timeshare company asking for upfront fees before they will engage in the sell of property. Blacklists are available to inform of companies that have engaged in timeshare fraud. Both ordinary citizens who have banned together and wish to inform others of their fraudulent timeshare experiences and timeshare companies have created these blacklists.

As you consider the potential for timeshare fraud, remember that there will always be reputable timeshare companies out there that will be straight up with the facts. This, of, course includes many overseas companies. In that regard, do your own research. Timesharing is a popular and unique way to vacation. Perhaps if you were to ask around there are co-workers or relatives who have purchased timeshare packages and were pleased with all aspects of a certain timesharing company.

Becoming the victim of timeshare fraud is a frustrating and often expensive mistake. Research and planning - including having an attorney with your best interests at heart - will help you avoid the fraudulent companies. To get started in your research about timeshare fraud, just log on to the Internet and visit locations such as http://www.tug2.net or http://www.atimes haresz.com/timesharefraud to do a thorough search.

No matter if you are on the red list or the green, regardless if you are expecting first class accommodations or comfortable down home charm, there will be countless timeshare packages that hold true to another cliché, what you see (in the brochures and the videos) is exactly what you will get. But remember, when it comes to timeshares or any other purchase you are considering, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

© Copyright 2005 by Dana Sanders. All rights reserved.

About the author:

Visit http://www.atimesharesz.com/getaways.htm for featured low-priced vacation getaways at popular destinations across the U.S. Looking for information about timeshares? Looking for information about timeshares? Go to http://www.atimesharesz.com. A Timeshares Z is a timeshares and vacation, resort and condo rentals and resales directory.

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A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Timeshares... To Timeshare Or Not Timeshares are a large part of the vacation travel industry. Travelers who cannot afford to own a home abroad, or who don't want the worries associated with exclusive ownership, often see timeshares as an affordable alternative. However, unscrupulous salespeople, poorly maintained properties and unexpected hidden costs have brought a lot of bad publicity to the industry. A well-informed consumer can avoid the common pitfalls. It is always risky to buy property sight unseen, but many people do this when they purchase timeshares. If you purchase in an area where you wish to vacation, you may be unpleasantly surprised when you arrive at your destination. However, many timeshares are purchased with the intent of trading them for others in different locations, and in this case the location of the property is a bargaining chip, not the actual physical property. Timeshares in prime locations such as Hawaii are easier to trade than others. Recently, big corporations such as Disney, Hilton, Marriott and Hyatt have entered the timeshare market, and their properties are of a uniform standard around the world. First, you should know that if you buy a new unit directly from a timeshare company, it may cost up to 60% more than if you purchased from the resale market. Buying from a time-share company is more expensive primarily because of the company's marketing costs, which include free trips, meals and vacation activities for prospective buyers. Most customers of these timeshare companies buy on impulse, without any intent to purchase when they first walked into the timeshare seminar. Hard-sell tactics and "Buy-it-NOW-one-time-only-offers!!!" are the rule, and to avoid being pressured into a bad deal, the best tactic is to...