They Said It Was a Buyer. It Was a Scam.” – A Real Story from a California Family Targeted in a Mexican Timeshare Fraud

Protect your assets in Mexico

By German Brito | Certified Foreign Legal Consultant in Mexican Law | MexLawClinic

“I’m embarrassed to even say this, but we already sent them over $30,000,” Patty said, her voice shaking slightly during our call.

Patty and her husband had been contacted by a broker who claimed to have a buyer for their old timeshare in Mexico. It sounded like a miracle — an unexpected offer, a price that made sense, and supposedly, all the paperwork in order.

Then came the requests for fees.

First, a transfer tax. Then a title registration. Then a certificate to release the funds. Finally, the real kicker: $17,000 in collateral to avoid being flagged in a so-called money laundering investigation.

By the time Patty reached out to us, she and her husband were feeling trapped. Angry. Confused. And worst of all — ashamed. They thought they were doing everything right.

“They showed us documents with seals, a notario’s name, even something that looked like it came from SAT. It all looked official. But something started to feel off,” she told me.

This Story Isn’t Unique. But It’s Still Personal.

Every month, I hear from Californians — especially those with family or investments in Mexico — who’ve been targeted by timeshare and real estate scams. Many never imagined they’d fall for one. They’re educated. Experienced. Cautious. And still, they were caught off guard.

What scammers count on is exactly that: your trust, your hopes, and the distance between you and the Mexican legal system. They speak your language just enough. They create urgency. They bury you in official-sounding documents. They tell you that if you don’t act fast, you’ll lose everything — or worse, be liable.

What Patty Did Right

Patty paused. She reached out. She scheduled a consultation with MexLawClinic, where we focus specifically on protecting Californians with legal matters in Mexico.

That’s where everything changed.

We reviewed her documents. We cross-checked the brokers. We spotted the inconsistencies, the forged seals, and the nonexistent offices. We were able to stop the next payment — and start mapping the road to accountability.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

This story isn’t meant to scare you. It’s meant to tell you something simple and true:

You don’t have to face these situations alone.

At MexLawClinic, we are not just a legal clinic. We are registered, regulated, and recognized by the State Bar of California to provide legal advice on Mexican matters — right here, where you live.

We understand both systems. We speak both languages. And most importantly, we serve your community.

If You’re Wondering, “Could This Be a Scam?” — It Might Be.

But the answer isn’t to panic. The answer is to get the facts, and fast.

Let us review the documents. Let us verify the claims. Let us be your legal eyes and ears across the border.

Whether it’s a timeshare sale, a property transfer, or an inheritance issue, your interests in Mexico deserve real legal protection — not someone else’s empty promises.

Contact MexLawClinic Today

Because in matters of trust and money, one consultation can make the difference between being protected and being deceived.