Q: We are trying to sell our timeshare with little luck and just received a time-sensitive letter from a company we had never heard of telling us they found a buyer for our unit willing to pay a fair price. The letter included instructions to pay them a refundable fee of $2,000 by a payment app. After they receive the fee, they will send us the closing paperwork so we can get paid. We want to sell our timeshare, but our friend told us this looks too good to be true. Should we be concerned? — Camille

A: Yes, your friend was right to warn you. While I do not know all of the details of this proposal from what you have told me, it has many of the indications of fraud.

People selling property who agree to pay a commission only upon a successful closing do not need to pay that commission upfront. The buyer will bring money to the closing table, and the commission is deducted from the seller’s proceeds along with the other closing costs.

That said, some legitimate companies charge an upfront fee to list your property for sale, but these companies charge a fee for their listing service, not a commission due only on success.

Most fraud seems like it is legitimate until you look at the details.

You should be suspicious of people who ask you to give them money with the promise they will turn around and send you back more. Legitimate business rarely works that way.

Another warning sign is when someone asks you to send them money in a form that is difficult to reverse or track. The fact that you received this offer unsolicited is another warning sign.

According to the Fair Trade Commission, you should be careful with unexpected offers that pressure you to act quickly and insist that you pay a specific way, such as by crypto, wire, MoneyGram, Western Union, using a payment app, or by sending a gift card.

Some scammers will even send you a check and ask you to send them part of the money back. Their check will bounce, but the money you sent them will be gone forever.

The best way to protect yourself from scams is to stop and think about what is happening before acting.

Listen to your gut, and do not be pressured into acting quickly. Speak with a trusted family member or friend and listen to their warnings. And do not share your financial or personal information.

Finally, when something seems too good to be true, it most often is.

Board-certified real estate lawyer Gary Singer writes about industry legal matters and the housing market. To ask him a question, email him at , or go to