How do I file a timeshare complaint?

[dave]

I feel that I was totally ripped off when I purchased my timeshare. I paid way more than the timeshare was worth and now can't sell it for anything near what I paid for. The timeshare company gave me all kinds of promises which they haven't kept and I want to file a formal complaint. Is there a government agency where I can do that?

[jeffrey]

If you want to file a complaint, you need to contact the Federal Trade Commision. From their site:

Timesharing usually is regulated through the Real Estate Commission in the state where the timeshare property is located. The sale of vacation plans generally is not regulated at all. However, if you believe you’ve been the victim of false or deceptive advertising or marketing of a vacation plan, contact the Federal Trade Commission.

The FTC works for the consumer to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices in the marketplace and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop, and avoid them. To file a complaint (https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/) or to get free information on consumer issues (http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/consumer.shtm), visit ftc.gov (http://www.ftc.gov/) or call toll-free, 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357); TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The FTC enters consumer complaints into the Consumer Sentinel Network (http://www.ftc.gov/sentinel), a secure online database and investigative tool used by hundreds of civil and criminal law enforcement agencies in the U.S. and abroad.

[therightthing]

Thank you for this information. I will definitely be doing it.