*** A Note from the Moderators ***

[CanadianGuy]

While we all like to think that everyone on the DIS is a friendly, well meaning sort just like ourselves ... out to help with no thought of compensation etc.

That's not always the case. If you get a private message from someone offering to help you book or plan your vacation trip... or offering to take over your reservation you booked directly -- it may seem tempting. Sometimes there are rewards or 'bonuses offered... which only increases the temptation.

But please keep in mind this is solicitation. They are in effect advertising to you, via a private message. It's being done in a Private Message because these folks are familiar with the DIS Guidelines which state that conducting business on the DIS boards is not permitted. Therefore, they hide with private messages hoping to not get caught.

DIS Posting Guidelines

Please keep in mind... not all these folks are as well meaning as the folks who have no vested interest in helping you with your trip on the open boards. And once they have control of your reservation and access to your personal details - you generally can't take that back.

Please be careful out there and do not trust your personal information to anyone you meet on the boards.. just as you would not give that information to someone you just met at the mall.

This is just a general reminder that the DIS ... as much as we like to think otherwise .. still technically resides on the internet and bad things can happen ANYWHERE.

We'd very much prefer that they don't happen here. So be smart and be safe with your information.

Thanks ...

Knox & Lynne M
Resorts Board Moderators

PS> pls post a reply to this thread to keep it on the first page for all DIS'ers who visit our boards to see.

 

[NEV2OLD4DIS]

I've only started to post on the boards during the past month, so thank you for the info. I wouldn't be taken by someone trying to scam me in this manner, but sometimes these people can be very convincing to some very trusting folks.

 

[Disneymama5816]

I had a person PM me on 3/19/2009 last year to solicit my business when she saw a post that I made about a new trip last year. I just responded that I too was a TA, and would not be the best candidate for her services. I didn't really put two and two together that people are using the Disboards for economic gain. Kind of sad. It would NEVER occur to me to use this forum in that sense. It's just nice to see lots of people helping each other out. I LOVE the interaction between all of the Disney fans on this site. I learn something new everyday.

 

[mickaholic4077]

I hope I would never be taken in by something like this.

 

[Puccaw]

YIKES!!! Thanks for the heads up!

 

[Luvamouse]

Thanks Mods! While I have used PM's when a posting was more personal, and didn't need to be on the board, I am saddened to think some would use our beloved boards to drum up business... Good to keep everyone on their toes

 

[BCV23]

Thanks for the warning, Knox and Lynne.

I know of another DISser who had a very unfortunate situation due to this very thing. 'Tis a shame.

 

[disney pro]

I had someone PM me 12/13/09 trying to get me to let her plan my next trip. I am one who likes to keep control of my travel arrangements so I didn't even think about getting in touch with her.

 

[zoie101]

WoW desperate time for desperate folks.

 

[vod2117]

I have gotten private messages from people on Dis, offering to book my reservation. I think it is horrible people have to solicit you on a public forum in order to make money. Those people should be stricken off Dis.

 

[CanadianGuy]

I have gotten private messages from people on Dis, offering to book my reservation. I think it is horrible people have to solicit you on a public forum in order to make money. Those people should be stricken off Dis.

As per the DIS posting guidelines.. we do excise the offending parties when it is brought to our attention.

K

 

[weswife]

Thanks for the info. I would never have thought someone would try to use this site for that!

I LOVE the boards and get alot of info. on here!!!!Thanks again for the warning!!!!

 

[poohfriend]

So thankful for all the information available here!

 

[disneyfan55]

Thanks. I hope no one was taken. I guess you just never know. On some travel boards, you can't even mention a TA buy name.

 

[Nadjalu]

Just bumping......

 

[KatMark]

Thank you for posting this.

 

[branv]

Just sad I too hope not many people were taken in.

Just one of the many reasons I turn off my PM's to all but moderators in any forums I'm on. Too much abuse (literally) of the system.

Thanks for the heads up Mods!

 

[BCV23]

 

[k&a&c'smom]

Thanks for the timely reminder. Even those of us who usually take precautions can let their guard down.

 

[johnsonet]

As per the DIS posting guidelines.. we do excise the offending parties when it is brought to our attention.

K

Good!