Recently, Sotheby’s International Realty has been made aware of an On-Line Scam involving the unauthorized use of our brand name. The scam is being perpetrated by individuals using the fraudulent business name of Sotheby’s Vacation Sales located at 1201 North Market Street, Wilmington, DE. This company has no affiliation with Sotheby’s International Realty, or the Sotheby’s Auction House.
This scam works by Sotheby’s Vacation Sales contacting individuals who own timeshares. The fraudster then offers an opportunity to sell that timeshare through Sotheby’s Vacation Club. (We are aware of offers to purchase timeshares in Mexico, but the scam may not be limited to these instances.) Once the individual expresses interest in selling the timeshare, the scammers will request certain payments in order to activate their account with Sotheby’s Vacation Sales. This fee is usually declared an “Activation Fee” and is a lump sum payment from the victim to Sotheby’s Vacation Sales.
If you are contacted by this firm, be advised that Sotheby’s International Realty is not associated and believe the individuals to be perpetrating a fraud. If you wish to notify the authorities about this suspected On-Line Scam, we have provided contact information below that will be useful to you.
- FTC toll free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357)
- FTC online complaint form (www.ftc.gov)
- Canadian PhoneBusters hotline: 888-495-8501
- Internet Fraud Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov/)
- Non-emergency number for your local police department.
- The government agency in your country responsible for dealing with fraud.
