Original Message:
Timeshare buying scam- watch for "Albert Brown" or "Judy Boulay" (by Patricia D.):
This is what I did: I printed out copies of all the emails. I went to the Federal Trade Commission and reported it on this page: https://www.ftccomplaintassistant.gov/Information#&panel1-1 Reporting to the FTC is what was recommended on the NYS Attorney General's website. I have NOT RESPONDED to this latest email I received. I figure I will wait and see whether or not a check arrives, which will absolutely be fraudulent. In my FTC complaint, I asked them what I should do when the check arrives. There is a number on the receipt for the FTC filing, and I will then call to follow up. Meanwhile, I will also take the check to the local Post Office to have the Postal Service investigate for mail fraud.
I think the one thing that we Homeaway vacation rental people should do is post this on a Homeaway forum: I took a brief look through there last night, and did not find one on this particular topic.
Last, I would say that I am a NY attorney (although I am not giving out legal advice here), and this is what I am doing. I will not be responding further to "Ken Koesters". You should know, that the 315 area code is in the Utica, NY area (way upstate) while they are claiming a Manhattan address.
I agree - the posters on the forum did an excellent job of bringing to light this scam.