Many of us have heard the horror stories associated with resale timeshare scams over the years. We've heard of companies doing everything short of holding a gun to your head to make you buy. The general impressions of the industry are negative. So how can you avoid getting taken advantage of in this cutthroat business?

It's a pretty good bet that you shouldn't even get involved in the first place. Timeshare companies are notorious for saying just about anything to get you to come to their "presentation," only to then keep you hostage until you eventually drool, your eyes glaze over, and you sign on the dotted line. (At least, that's what they hope is going to happen.) You've seen the advertisements: "free tickets and complementary hotel accommodations for three days and two nights at a beautiful resort. For this, we just want you to take a small tour of our resort. Give us your feedback, and enjoy your stay!"

Now, if you think about it, that sounds too good to be true, doesn't it? Yes, it does.

However, the person you're talking to during that "luxurious stay" is there to take your money and then sell the rights to your actual tour to some other company. Don't be surprised if your reservation and the things you were promised simply disappear, never to be seen again.

Hotel room? Not likely. Yes, you paid for it, but it's not likely to be there once you get there.

What about that "90 minute tour"? Well, that's usually really about six hours long, and it's not a tour at all. Instead, it's hard-core negotiating reminiscent of a hostage situation.

These folks will start out by telling you that you're wasting your money, you're foolish not to own a timeshare, and that you're an idiot if you don't buy in RIGHT NOW.

They'll then throw out some astronomical number that you might not spend over 20 years of vacationing. Although we will undoubtedly vacation for 20 more years, the likelihood of this company still being in business after 20 years is slim.

If you are somehow brave enough to tell the first guy who accosts you "no," they'll persist, look at you like you lost your mind, and bring in someone called a "closer." This "closer" then throws in another offer that's usually less than 50% of the first offer to make it look as though you're REALLY, really getting a steal.

It's true that not every timeshare company is one of these fly-by-night operations. However, most of them are. Don't fall for one of their "tours," because they're not only not a great deal, but you're wasting your time and maybe your money simply to be badgered by people who are out to make money off of you.

While not all companies that use timeshares are shady, the vast majority are. It's best if you don't take one of their tours because they usually aren't that great of a deal anyway. However, if you do, be sure to hold your ground. Make them understand your point of view. If you don't want to buydon't. Don't ever allow anyone to pressure you into buying something you don't want or need. You'll feel terrible if you do.