The question was quite simple.
Unfamiliar with timeshares, a poster to Reddit had received several solicitations for a vacation getaway from Hilton Grand Vacations featuring a timeshare presentation.
They simply asked the Reddit universe, “Is it a scam?”
Fortunately, there was a Hilton timeshare owner who could help answer that question.
“Now we are Hilton Grand Vacations owners and we regret it.”
Generously, our HGV timeshare owner provided more details.
“There are a couple of pertinent facts that you need to be aware of before taking advantage of one of these packages.”
“First, you will be required to take a tour of the property and sit through a sales presentation that is supposed to last only two hours…These are high pressure presentations, so be prepared to say no at least 100 times.”
Well, Hilton is in the business of selling timeshares, so the high-pressure sales tactics aren’t necessarily a scam – but promises for a brief presentation that in reality can last a good part of the day? Definitely.
“Second, be prepared that when you check in, you will be charged a daily resort fee on a credit or debit card. This is non-negotiable.”
Wait a minute. Hilton makes money from just providing customers the opportunity to be pitched…by Hilton?
That’s very scammy.
“Third, they will make you schedule your presentation immediately upon check in and only have certain available windows so it can affect your plans during your trip.”
Creating time pressures that make you more likely to buy just so you can get on to your vacation?
That certainly sounds scam-like.
“Fourth, they do not care about your income…They just want you to buy as much as possible.”
Hmm. Let’s just call that…scambitious.
“Finally, if you think you have escaped, don’t let your guard down. They will take you to another room and an exit specialist will meet with you. It will seem like a survey of your experience, but all of a sudden, they will offer a last chance package.”
Hilton holding out on a low price until it’s clear you’re not buying? That’s pretty scam-adjacent.
“And don’t believe a word they say. You won’t make money off them. They won’t buy it back if you can’t make payments anymore. You will not be making an investment.”
Okay. We’re convinced. Based on this owner’s experience, it’s definitely a scam.
What’s better than being warned about a scam experience?
Letting Hilton know that we’re on to them.
Let’s start with Mark Wang, the CEO of Hilton Grand Vacations. We should send him an email at mark.wang@hgv.com asking him to put an end to the high-pressure sales tactics, full stop. Think of it as sending a “tell-a-scam.”
Chris Nassetta, President and CEO of Hilton Worldwide, should also get the message. Email him at christopher.nassetta@hilton.com and tell him a global brand like Hilton shouldn’t be “scamplifying” doing business that way.
But you know who else is on to Hilton and all other timeshare companies that operate this way? The United States Congress!
Last December, U.S. Senator John Curtis (R-UT) and Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) introduced the Timeshare Transparency Act (S.3502). Essentially, it’s a long overdue “bill of rights” to prevent timeshare consumers from being sold a dream and delivered a nightmare.
The Timeshare Transparency Act (TTA) sets out clear, commonsense requirements for timeshare companies, so consumers understand exactly what they are purchasing:
- Total Cost Disclosure: Requires a single document itemizing all acquisition and maintenance costs (including fee increases).
- 14-Day Cancellation Period: Grants buyers in all states a 14-day, penalty-free period to cancel contracts.
- Exit Options: Requires clear, documented procedures for exiting ownership.
- Review Period: Allows buyers to review documents privately without high-pressure sales staff present.
- FTC Enforcement: Empowers the Federal Trade Commission to enforce these regulations.
If you agree, contact your U.S. Senators and U.S. House Representative. Tell them you support the Timeshare Transparency Act (S.3502). Share your own timeshare horror story. Tell your representatives you’re tired of seeing families “misled and flat-out lied to” by an industry that seems to value profits over fairness and transparency.
- Find your Senator: senate.gov
- Find your Representative: house.gov
Jason Gamel is the President and CEO of the American Resort Development Association (ARDA). Let’s ask Jason why ARDA’s so afraid of supporting this legislation and why the timeshare industry needs to trap buyers before they can change their minds? Jason’s email is jgamel@arda.org
Got a story that would make for some good “scammunition” against the timeshare industry? Share it with us at info@timesharefacts.com
PS: Follow us on social media. Twitter Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Threads