Call from Homecoming Team?

[Firepath]

I got a message yesterday from Member Services "Homecoming Team" offering vacation planning service for my upcoming trip. I was about to call them back and then realized the toll free # was an "855" area code. I know that has been associated with a lot of scams and charges to the return caller. Does anyone know if this is a legitimate MS call? All my points are resale and I've never gotten calls from MS before. The caller said to be sure to have my member ID available.

 

[erionm]

Area Code 855 is a valid toll free prefix in the US.

Area Codes 809 and 876 (plus others) have been tied to scams.

http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/one-ring-cell-phone-scam-can-ding-your-wallet

 

[disneynutz]

I got a message yesterday from Member Services "Homecoming Team" offering vacation planning service for my upcoming trip. I was about to call them back and then realized the toll free # was an "855" area code. I know that has been associated with a lot of scams and charges to the return caller. Does anyone know if this is a legitimate MS call? All my points are resale and I've never gotten calls from MS before. The caller said to be sure to have my member ID available.

This is a group that has been around for a few months. Their goal is to sign you up for the Member Magic paid activities and events. They will also answer other questions.

Bill

 

[cvjw]

They are legit. Supposedly, they only call you when you stay at certain DVC resorts. I got a call a couple of weeks ago for our upcoming stay at VWL. I also got a call in the spring before our VGF stay.

 

[yulie]

I got a message yesterday from Member Services "Homecoming Team" offering vacation planning service for my upcoming trip. I was about to call them back and then realized the toll free # was an "855" area code. I know that has been associated with a lot of scams and charges to the return caller. Does anyone know if this is a legitimate MS call? All my points are resale and I've never gotten calls from MS before. The caller said to be sure to have my member ID available.

Look up the phone number at www.callercenter.com and see if anything comes up. The website does not only provide info on the phone number but also if the number's been reported for anything before.

 

[yulie]

If you've never received a call from MS before, then all the more reason that you should investigate on the call. Don't call back yet, unless you're sure. For all you know, it's one of those "premium number phone scam." If you call back and the phone number turns out to be premium rate, you'd be charged enormously for the call.

 

[erionm]

I got a message yesterday from Member Services "Homecoming Team" offering vacation planning service for my upcoming trip. I was about to call them back and then realized the toll free # was an "855" area code. I know that has been associated with a lot of scams and charges to the return caller. Does anyone know if this is a legitimate MS call? All my points are resale and I've never gotten calls from MS before. The caller said to be sure to have my member ID available.

If someone calls and leaves you a message saying they are Member Services and gives you a call back number you don't recognize, call MS using the normal phone number and ask if the call was legit.

 

[Firepath]

Thanks everyone for the good info. I decided not to call back.

 

[Msmithmd]

MS homecoming team is legitimate. They've called me with each of our three trips this year. I'm not certain what their exact purpose is, but they aren't trying to sell you anything. Just a friendly phone call. There really wouldn't be any reason to call them back unless you need assistance with something.

Considering that, my best guess as to the true purpose of these calls is to try to decrease the MB/FP+ snafu's occurring at resort check-in. Easier for Disney to try to sort those problems before you arrive, I expect. And it seems like these homecoming calls started right about the same time as they did away with the KTTW cards...

 

[DenLo]

This is a group that has been around for a few months. Their goal is to sign you up for the Member Magic paid activities and events. They will also answer other questions.

Bill

They are also able to help guests with MDE problems. Or to remind them to use MDE. They asked me about MDE. The CM looked at my MDE account so she answered her own question before I could say more than "I think we have everything set up okay." She commented on various reservations, MB activated and FP+ we made so I know she looking at what was on my account.

 

[izzy]

I had a voicemail from them yesterday. They were welcoming home for my upcoming trip and even mentioned the two resorts that I'm staying at, so I'm sure they are legit.

While it was a nice personal touch, I'd rather they take the manpower for this effort and instead utilize these folks to help reduce phone wait times when we call MS.

 

[jerseygal]

I did pick up the call and the Caller ID said Disney Vacation Club...Quite frankly, doesn't mean anything anymore because scammers are somehow using names.. IRS scam is the one that comes to mind..IRS scam leaves messages and they answer IRS! SCARY...BEWARE!

Anyway, didn't ask for any sensitive info, but the purpose of the call was to "remind" members to utilize MDE, book DME if applicable, book Dining Plan in advance etc...Asked if there was anything else we needed in regard to our upcoming reservations..She said that the Homecoming Team is piloted at certain resorts right now, VGF being one of them...Yes, she also asked me if I was familiar with Membership Magic...Low key and VERY NICE!

VERY PLEASANT CALL! Think the idea of the Homecoming Team is GREAT!

 

[disneynutz]

I did pick up the call and the Caller ID said Disney Vacation Club...Quite frankly, doesn't mean anything anymore because scammers are somehow using names.. IRS scam is the one that comes to mind..IRS scam leaves messages and they answer IRS! SCARY...BEWARE!

Anyway, didn't ask for any sensitive info, but the purpose of the call was to "remind" members to utilize MDE, book DME if applicable, book Dining Plan in advance etc...Asked if there was anything else we needed in regard to our upcoming reservations..She said that the Homecoming Team is piloted at certain resorts right now, VGF being one of them...Yes, she also asked me if I was familiar with Membership Magic...Low key and VERY NICE!

VERY PLEASANT CALL! Think the idea of the Homecoming Team is GREAT!

I think that it's a waste of money that we pay for with our dues. I don't need someone calling members to make them feel good about being a member and if I have questions, I will contact Disney/DVC to get the answers.

Bill

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I think that it's a waste of money that we pay for with our dues. I don't need someone calling members to make them feel good about being a member and if I have questions, I will contact Disney/DVC to get the answers. Bill

Agreed. We all have an 800 number to call if anyone needs assistance. The Welcome Home calls we have received have just been a waste of time and resources with us.

 

[jillmc40]

I think calling newbies would be an ok idea if they felt the need to call people. Calling someone who has been an owner for 5+ years is silly!

 

[conandrob240]

Considering hold times for MS have been 20+ minutes for at least the past 6-8 mths with no sign of improvement, this is a ridiculous and insulting waste if time and $.

 

[wishicouldgomoreofte]

I think that it's a waste of money that we pay for with our dues. I don't need someone calling members to make them feel good about being a member and if I have questions, I will contact Disney/DVC to get the answers.

Bill[/QUOTE

And what's with mentioning Membership Magic every time you call?

 

[disneynutz]

And what's with mentioning Membership Magic every time you call?

Membership Magic are events or things to do that Disney is selling to DVC members. So while they are answering questions, they are also selling.

Bill