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Consumer Expert Says Watch Out For Timeshare Deals

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If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

That's the advice from a state consumer protection official. Michelle Reinen, director of the state's Bureau of Consumer Protection says people are often looking for timeshares as opposed to finding hotels. This shopping often leads them to social media or online platforms that offer good rental deals.

Reinen says often the deals are too good...

"....the ones we want you to be suspicious of are those really amazing rentals deals or the unrealistic or too good to be true..."

She details how this is done...

"..what we've seen is scam artists will create fake websites and they'll look legitimate. They'll use real names and logos from hotels or property rental locations They will take photos of homes and condos on other sites and put them as part of their ads. Then they will ask you to wire money to hold the rental.... "

She says legitimate offers don't ask you to wire money first, generally it's done with a credit card or other means.

Reinen says check out the reseller. Contact the State Attorney General or local consumer protection agencieswhere the reseller is located. Ask if they have any complaints on file and search online for complaints. Ask about fees. She says if you must pay a fee in advance, get refund policies and everything else in writing.

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