ORLANDO, Fla.,None — Orlando police raided an Orlando business on Wednesday as part of a huge statewide investigation into timeshare fraud, according to investigators.
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Investigators said the company is part of a ring that has taken more than $8 million from thousands of victims. They say it's their goal to get these places shut down.
SWAT team units raided an Orlando timeshare telemarketing room on East Colonial Drive late Wednesday afternoon. Police said H.E.S. is part of a multimillion dollar fraud scheme.
The attorney general's office and statewide prosecutor called it a worldwide scam that has cost people $8.5 million a year. Thousands of victims have lost money. So far, there have been at least 20 search warrants served, $500,000 confiscated, as well as cars and property taken.
"All these people are out of money," said Sgt. Jim Young of the Orlando Police Department.
It's unclear if H.E.S. is licensed because WFTV could not find any records with the state, but the 70 people who work in the business claim it is licensed. The telemarketers defended the business and said they don't sell timeshares or vacation packages.
"We are a legit company. We help people get out of credit card debt. Police say it's timeshare. They are totally wrong," said H.E.S. employee Jamie Magsam.
"What we do is lower interest rates," said Magsam.
Others said they are worried they are out of a job and won't get paid.
"I'm worried about my check. I need my money," said Maurice Matthews, an employee.
Detectives have not told WFTV how many people have been arrested. Investigators said this is an ongoing investigation, and they plan to raid more businesses.
WFTV
