Timeshare Scam Bleeds Elderly of $4.5M

A pair of grifters are facing federal charges after allegedly running a decade-long telemarketing scheme that bilked over $4.5 million from elderly timeshare owners. Michael Alexai Dragunov, 48, of West Los Angeles, and Christopher Michael Lang, age unconfirmed, are accused of falsely promising advertising services that never materialized, preying on the vulnerable and leaving a trail of financial ruin.

The scheme, active from August 2013 to June 2023, operated through a rotating series of shell companies – Premier Marketing LLC, CML Marketing Specialists Inc., Condo Rental Associates LLC, and Paramount Media LLC – all designed to appear legitimate while siphoning money from unsuspecting victims. The feds allege Dragunov and Lang pitched bogus services aimed at selling or renting timeshares, demanding recurring fees with no intention of delivering on their promises. This wasn’t a simple misunderstanding; it was a calculated, long-term exploitation of seniors.

According to the indictment, Dragunov and Lang went to great lengths to conceal their identities. They used disposable Skype numbers to contact victims, making tracking their operations difficult. Even more brazenly, they operated under a string of aliases – “Michael Anthony Farole,” “Michael LeFleur,” “Victor Romano,” and “James Logan” – a clear attempt to evade law enforcement and continue their fraudulent activities. The level of planning suggests a sophisticated operation, not just a couple of small-time hustlers.

The scam wasn’t just about taking money upfront. Dragunov and Lang allegedly doubled down on the deception by falsely claiming victims would receive refunds or tax reimbursements after a (non-existent) timeshare sale or rental. They even invented tax obligations, demanding further payments under false pretenses. It’s a classic tactic: layer lie upon lie to keep the victims hooked and the cash flowing. The indictment details numerous phony transactions processed through payment accounts, designed to create a false impression of legitimate business.

Federal prosecutors are particularly scathing about the targeting of elderly individuals, who are often more susceptible to these types of schemes. The indictment highlights how Dragunov and Lang specifically preyed on the trust and desperation of seniors hoping to recoup some value from their timeshares. The feds say the pair enriched themselves with the stolen funds, living lavishly while their victims struggled financially.

Both Dragunov and Lang face up to 30 years in federal prison on each count of wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud. This case serves as a stark warning: if you or someone you know has been targeted by a timeshare telemarketing scam, report it immediately to the Federal Trade Commission and your local authorities. Don’t become another victim. The feds are urging anyone with information about similar schemes to come forward.