The timeshare industry has long been a target for fraud, with scammers preying on owners desperate to sell their properties. A recent case in Bridgeport, Connecticut, highlights the dangers of such schemes. Mexican national Shadia Melissa Aguilar Sarmiento, 30, was sentenced to approximately 13 months in prison, time already served, for her role in a conspiracy that defrauded more than 50 timeshare owners out of approximately $2 million. The scheme, which operated under multiple business names, used deceptive tactics to convince victims to send money for nonexistent transactions.
Details of the Fraudulent Scheme
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, Aguilar Sarmiento pleaded guilty on November 19, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Court documents reveal that she and her co-conspirators ran an advance-fee scam targeting U.S. and Canadian timeshare owners. The criminals posed as representatives of legitimate companies, including Club World Travel, Luxury Destinations, DeRemate, and Smart Travel, and offered to purchase victims’ timeshares. To make their offers appear credible, they impersonated attorneys—sometimes real, licensed attorneys from Connecticut—without their consent.
The fraudsters sent falsified purchase agreements on attorney letterheads, assuring timeshare owners—falsely—that they would receive fee reimbursements as part of the sale. After victims signed the agreements, the scammers demanded upfront payments for taxes, legal fees, and other transaction costs, claiming these were necessary for the sale to proceed. They funneled the payments through international wire transfers to Mexican bank accounts they controlled. Many victims paid multiple fees before realizing the sale was a scam. In the end, no timeshare owners received any proceeds from the promised sales.
Law Enforcement Investigation and Arrest
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) led an extensive investigation into the fraudulent operation, tracking financial transactions and identifying key individuals involved in the scheme. Investigators uncovered evidence of email correspondence, falsified legal documents, and fraudulent business entities used to carry out the scam. The use of real attorneys’ names—without their knowledge—added another layer of deception, making the scheme more difficult to detect.
After years of investigation, authorities were able to identify Shadia Melissa Aguilar Sarmiento as a key participant in the operation. She was arrested on January 12, 2024, in San Diego, California, after entering the United States on a visitor visa. Following her arrest, Aguilar Sarmiento was detained and later pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud on November 19, 2024.
Sentencing and Restitution
On February 2025, Aguilar Sarmiento was sentenced to approximately 13 months in prison, time already served. In addition to her sentence, she has been ordered to pay $2,065,852 in restitution to compensate the victims of the scheme. While her sentencing marks a significant step in holding fraudsters accountable, authorities continue to warn timeshare owners about the prevalence of advance-fee scams in the industry.
The case highlights not only the growing sophistication of international fraud operations but also the challenges associated with tracking cross-border financial crimes. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of vigilance in financial transactions. As a result, law enforcement agencies are actively working to identify and prosecute individuals involved in similar fraudulent schemes, aiming to protect vulnerable consumers from financial exploitation.
Conclusion
This case serves as a stark warning to timeshare owners about the prevalence of advance-fee fraud in the industry. While law enforcement agencies continue to crack down on these schemes, timeshare owners must remain vigilant against unsolicited offers and demands for upfront payments. By recognizing red flags and verifying the legitimacy of buyers and legal representatives, property owners can better protect themselves from falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
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