FRAUDSTERS are conning people into investing their hard-earned cash into timeshare properties and making false promises that they will make them into millionaires.

Criminals may invite their “clients” to a presentation and promise them a free gift if they stay until the end.

But when it is over the crooks are known to pressure them into signing a contract for the timeshare.

A timeshare is when a number of people share ownership of one property – usually a holiday property.

Each buyer purchases a certain amount of time that they can use the property for in a year.

The timeshare property in the scam may be far below the standard described by the fraudster and in the brochures they provide you, or may not even exist at all.

Fraudsters can also target people who already own timeshares by offering to sell it on their behalf for a fee.

There are a number of signs that potential timeshare fraud victims are asked to look out for.

These include a promise of large cash reward or high sale prices that sound too good to be true.

Upfront fees that you have to pay before the sale even goes through should also get alarm bells ringing.

Potential investors are advised to think about buying a timeshare in the same way that they would consider buying any other membership – is it worth the money?

Researching the market to discover the property values is another tip.

If you think you have been a victim of timeshare fraud, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting actionfraud.police.uk.