Artificial Intelligence has revolutionised many industries from healthcare, finance and retail to manufacturing, and transport. By automating tasks, enhancing decision-making, and enabling smarter, faster operations, AI technology is transforming how businesses operate, innovate, and deliver value to consumers.
However, with great power comes great responsibility and unfortunately, not everyone is using AI for good. One disturbing trend on the rise is the use of AI in timeshare scams, where sophisticated technology is making it easier than ever for fraudsters to deceive and manipulate unsuspecting consumers.
Here, we take a more in-depth look at how AI is powering a new wave of timeshare scams as well as advice on what you can do to avoid falling into the trap.
Ways AI Technology is Being Used by Timeshare Scammers
There are a number of different ways that dishonest and immoral scam artists utilise artificial intelligence to trick, cheat and defraud innocent people out of their hard-earned money.
- AI Interactivity
Traditionally, timeshare scams involved pushy sales tactics or fake resale offers, usually relying on scripted phone calls and misleading paperwork. Now, scammers are weaponising AI to add a whole new layer of realism to their cons with AI-generated voices, realistic chatbot interactions, and even deepfake video calls to create the illusion of legitimacy.
There are an increasing number of recorded cases of people receiving phone calls from what sounds like a polished, friendly representative, sometimes from a well-known resort brand, but it’s actually an AI voice designed to respond convincingly. They also use the technology to create interactions with ‘helpful customer service chatbots’ that, in reality, are feeding your information straight into a fraud ring’s system.
- Personalised Manipulation
AI thrives on data, and scammers know this. With access to personal information from things like social media, they can create highly personalised pitches. If you’ve recently posted about a holiday or joined a travel group online, for example, you might be targeted with a tailored timeshare “offer” that is in line with your interests.
These hyper-personalised scams are harder to detect because they feel real, they use your name, know your preferences, and often mimic real companies. It’s social engineering 2.0 powered by algorithms.
- Deepfake Documents and Emails
In addition to voice and chat, scammers are now using AI to create fake but official-looking documents, emails, and even legal contracts. These can mimic real branding, legal language, and formatting so well that many victims don’t suspect a thing until it’s too late.
Some exit scams, where companies promise to help you “get out” of a timeshare, even use AI to generate fake confirmations from timeshare companies or pretend to be solicitors working on your behalf with very convincing legal language.
What You Can Do to Protect Yourself
While the technology behind these scams is getting smarter, the best defence is still awareness. Here are a few tips to protect yourself:
- Verify the source – Always contact the company directly through a verified website or phone number. Don’t trust unsolicited calls or emails.
- Be sceptical of urgency – Scammers often use pressure tactics like “limited-time offers”, so take the time to do your own research and never agree to anything without doing your due diligence.
- Check for signs of AI – AI-generated voices often lack natural emotion or have slight timing delays, and chatbots may avoid direct questions when asked.
- Report suspicious activity – If something feels off, report it to Action Fraud, Citizens Advice, or your local Trading Standards office.
AI isn’t inherently bad, but like any tool, it can be misused and as technology continues to evolve, so do the tactics of scammers. Staying informed is your best weapon against this new wave of digital deception.
Don’t let a smart scam take you for a ride, especially one that ends in a lifetime timeshare trap.