ARDA ROC, a non-profit entity that advocates for preserving, protecting and enhancing the vacation ownership lifestyle continue to warn timeshare owners about third-party exit companies. Their reminders come frequently, especially after major exit firms are brought to court for misleading practices. At this time, the American Resource Management Group (ARMG) or Resort Release, filed for bankruptcy. With their motion, they are under investigation for scamming thousands of timeshare owners.
ARDA ROC Against American Resource Management Group
In April of this year, the American Resource Management Group filed for bankruptcy. This came after failing to have a case against them dismissed by Wyndham Destinations. At the time of filing for bankruptcy, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida questions why ARMG represents themselves as a Midwestern-based firm. In reality, ARMG operates in Florida. Additionally, there were questions as to why the Debtors have minimal cash in their bank accounts. There are also insufficient funds to cover their 100% “guarantee” claims that they made to thousands of their owners.
Certainly, with the large amount of up-front fees that the American Resource Management Group took from timeshare owners, there should be no reason for their bankruptcy. With false promises to get timeshare owners out of their contracts and a money-back guarantee, ARMG misleads their clients entirely. Because of their false practices, Wyndham Destinations and Bluegreen Vacations previously brought ARMG to court.
Learn More: Bluegreen’s Stance Against Timeshare Exit Companies
How to Avoid Timeshare Resale Scams
After ARMG, Castle Law Group and American Consumer Credit were shut down, ARDA ROC reminds timeshare owners to do their due diligence when they need to find relief from their contracts. Some common practices of exit and resale scams include:
- Unsolicited phone calls or emails, claiming to have an “interested buyer” for your timeshare.
- Callers claiming to be from ARDA or ARDA ROC (in which case, ARDA and ARDA ROC only reach out to owners after inbound requests).
- The company or firm promises to modify or cancel your timeshare contract for a large up-front fee.
- The company requests an upfront fee for a “service,” “tax” or “requirement” to complete the sale or transfer.
- An offer too good to be true. If it sounds fishy, it probably is.
Learn More: 4 Common Timeshare Resale Scams to Avoid
If you believe you are taken advantage of or have fallen victim to a timeshare resale scam, contact your state Attorney General, law enforcement or ARDA ROC Consumer Support Team. For owners that need to find a way out of their timeshare, contact your resort first, as they will have trustworthy and reliable options or solutions for you.
Click here for a running list of Timeshare Wins Against Exit Companies and subscribe to the Timeshares Only blog for constant updates.
