Original Message:
Timeshare buying scam- watch for "Albert Brown" or "Judy Boulay" (by Eli R.):
Some of you may be contacted by "Albert Brown" or "Judy Boulay" about buying your timeshare. IT IS A SCAM! Albert, aka Judy, will negotiate with you but will readily agree to your asking price. What will follow is this e-mail:
"Thank you for your patience. Just to let you know that I had to travel and will be away from home for the next 6 weeks. I do not know if I have mentioned this before but I have a disability. I was informed by the hospital which I am registered with that a new hearing aid which is supposed to be able to restore 30% of my hearing ability has just been delivered and they would like to test run it with me. This is impromptu so I had to make speedy arrangements. I tried to reach my broker yesterday and today but I got an auto response that he is currently out of the country on business. I have however sent him numerous email messages along with your contact information and expect him to be in touch with you as soon as he receives my messages. Because I was unable to contact Samuel to send his brokerage fees, title transfer fees and escrow fees, I visited my bank and got a cashiers check for $2900 which I have also mailed out to you. Upon receipt, I would need you to deposit the check, funds should be available immediately, I would need you to deduct your Ernest deposit of $500, this is to affirm my willingness and seriousness to buy this property and fend off other offers while closing processes are arranged by my broker. Then, forward the balance $2400 to Mr Samuel Kaplan as his fees for your timeshare closing and escrow charges whenever he gets in touch with you. It is my assumption that Samuel will provide additional instructions on how to get the fees to him. He is my personal broker and would be responsible for all the documentation and deed of transfer. Samuel will work with Chicago title timeshare transfer company who would be handling the closing. Please note that the balance for your timeshare would be held in escrow. As soon as Samuel gets in touch with you and finalizes the sale, the balance will be released to you before you transfer the title deed. Please notify me as soon as you receive contact from Samuel. Do watch out for any mails to your address and also notify me as soon as you receive my check. Although I am away from home, I would still have access regularly to my email and would be in touch throughout the process. Thanks for your understanding and sorry for the minor inconvenience. Please respond to this email so I am aware that you have received my message.
Albert