Beware of online timeshare scams

It is Royal Resorts policy to alert members of possible scams attempted by companies or individuals operating online. On this occasion we would like to share recent reports received from Royal Resorts members and Grand Residences owners about several companies that have called or emailed them about with offers to buy their units.

The companies in question are Network Real Estate, Atlantic Reality, New York Escrow Services, Black Diamond, Reality Alliance, The Brokerage Group and 123propertyserviceslic.  Atlantic Reality and Reality Alliance operate out of Boston. The Brokerage Group, Network Real Estate, Black Diamond Group and New York Escrow Services have New York addresses.

Royal Resorts has no business relationship with any of the aforementioned companies or their representatives. An investigation is underway and the Legal department has contacted them with a cease and desist notice.

We recommend that you do not engage with these companies or their representatives. Do not submit the membership information requested, and above all, never send money if they mention a processing fee.

When such companies contact you via email or phone to offer unsolicited broker, resale, exchange or rental services and ask for cash in advance to cover “administrative fees”, “processing fees,” “guarantees” or “deposits” it is generally a good indication that they may not be genuine and if you pay it is very possible that you will not hear from them again.

Protecting your personal information

Royal Resorts has a rigorous privacy policy and is in full compliance with privacy laws. Our members’ personal information is confidential and we do everything possible to protect it. We do not sell and have never sold personal information to third parties.

Always follow these steps if you receive a suspicious email or phone call:

• Check the source of the email if the company or individual claims to be associated with Royal Resorts. All Royal Resorts communications are sent from an official royalresorts.com email address, if this is not the case, then the email is not from Royal Resorts.
• Disregard the email or phone call if money is requested in advance for resale or other timeshare-related services.
• Do not supply personal data or the contact details of friends if referrals are requested.
• Do an online background check on the company to see if it is legitimate.
• Ask Royal Resorts if you are in any doubt, we are here to help you.
• Above all, do not send any money.

Cyber crime is on the rise and as we see in news reports, hackers target credit card companies, banks, chain stores, healthcare records and even political parties. Take care when using the Internet. We recommend that you avoid disclosing your personal information on forums, blogs and other open media venues and participation in online referral schemes that ask you to send the names and details of friends. When you provide your contact information to others in order to rent, sell or lend your unit please ensure that it will be protected.