Several arrested for alleged timeshare fraud operation

ORLANDO, Fla. — Federal investigators said seven people in central Florida were part of a massive telemarketing fraud ring that targeted timeshare owners.

According to officials, a woman contacted authorities when she became suspicious about a business she was renting office space to.

Jenee Masterson leased office space in Orlando to a tenant and within months she questioned what was going on inside.

"We knew. We knew that they were scamming," Masterson said.

According to an indictment out of Texas, the tenant, Richard Mendez, was involved in an elaborate scheme targeting elderly timeshare owners.

The group is accused of setting up offices in several parts of the country and making unsolicited phone calls to owners. The defendants allegedly told the victims they could help sell their timeshares.

"(There were) lines, and lines of just desks and telephone banks," Masterson said.

The suspects are facing charges that include mail and telemarketing fraud. Masterson is glad she was able to help put an end to the operation.

"I'm thrilled," Masterson said. "They were stealing from people."

WFTV