In a staggering revelation of the ongoing scourge of fraud fueled by Mexican cartels, millions of Americans have fallen victim to elaborate timeshare scam schemes.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, among others, has infiltrated what once seemed a harmless market, targeting unsuspecting Americans, particularly the elderly, in their pursuit of financial recovery from timeshare investments.
Retired officials and veterans have spoken out about losing their fortunes, with one devastating case highlighting a loss of $900,000.
This shocking reality comes to light as the FBI continues to track a dramatic increase in fraud cases targeting timeshare owners.
According to Assistant Special Agent in Charge Paul Roberts of the FBI's New York office, the emotional and financial devastation these scams cause is profound, impacting not just bank accounts but also relationships and health.
One of the shocking aspects of this scheme is its deceptive nature—crime rings appear legitimate on the phone, luring victims in with promises of quick sales and buyers lined up for their properties.
But the greed and cunning of these criminals are merciless.
In recent years, the cartel-backed fraud has resulted in significant losses for Americans, with almost 6,000 incidents reported, equating to nearly $300 million in damages from 2019 to 2023.
Experts believe these numbers represent only the tip of the iceberg, as many victims—20% according to the FBI—choose not to report their losses due to embarrassment or fear of further retaliation from the cartels.
The government has taken important steps to combat this corruption.
Sanctions have been placed on various companies linked to these scammers in an effort to disrupt their operations, yet these actions may not fully curtail the epidemic.
The prevalence of these scams underscores a critical need for awareness and vigilance within the American public as they navigate the complexities of real estate investments—especially in dealings that lean into areas fraught with potential danger.
It is crucial for Americans, especially seniors seeking to make sense of their investments, to remain alert and cautious.
Just as the Trump administration is focused on securing a safer and more prosperous America, we must also advocate for the protection and education of our citizens against the deceptive tactics of international criminal syndicates.
In the end, it is about ensuring that American families can safeguard their hard-earned money against those who would seek to defraud them.
Sources:
theepochtimes.comamericafirstreport.comjustthenews.com