Its so unfortunate, because I haven't heard a single word from the DVC member today. Nothing saying she tried and failed or succeeded... nada. I'm frankly just so exhausted with the possibilities of what all this means that I'm going to keep pestering her with the Paypal claim. I've documented every detail with Paypal, and saved the voicemail she left on my cell yesterday when I didn't make it to the phone on time. Even if her intentions were good all along, the lack of communication is extremely unnerving considering payment has been made. I'm requesting my money back in full immediately... I sadly don't trust this situation one bit anymore.
First, let me say that I still don't see signs of a scam here -- and I have many years of law enforcement experience, much of it investigating fraud cases. The owner's behavior in this situation does not indicate "scam" to me. You have a messed-up situation, but it really looks like a huge mistake based on your description of the events. I do not think anyone is intentionally trying to rip you off from what we know so far.
From here, there are a couple of possible scenarios.
One is that the owner is able to re-make your reservation. We are still six months out and that is still possible, although it will not be easy. Getting the ressie made may take some time and luck...and maybe some date/resort flexibility on your part.
I would not expect play-by-play communications from the owner. What I would expect is a good-faith, persistent attempt to make things right.
If they are able to secure a replacement reservation and keep it intact until your scheduled arrival, they will have fulfilled their obligation under your agreement despite all the unfortunate drama. Everyone will be better off if this scenario pans out.
The other scenario is to forget the reservation and try to get your money back.
The Paypal dispute is one logical and necessary step in that direction, but nobody can predict whether that will be successful. (I rarely use Paypal for transactions, but I've heard mixed reviews of their dispute/claims outcomes.) It is one
possibility and I would certainly not withdraw the Paypal claim until you get your money back.
A second avenue for getting your money back is to simply explain to the owner that you no longer have the confidence to go forward and ask for a full refund. I'm not a lawyer, but I don't know if you are really in a position to "demand" a refund. It seems to me the owner has a right to try to make you whole by completing the original contract with a valid reservation as agreed.
Asking for a refund assumes good will on the part of the owner. Equally important, it also assumes that they have the money to refund to you. A lot of people rent their points because they need the proceeds for something else. If the owner has already spent the proceeds of your rental, they may not be able to just write you a check for $610.
Unfortunately, if you get your money back - either through Paypal or directly from the owner - you will still not have the vacation you were looking forward to. That's a much less desireable alternative to me.
The DVC member just called me. She had to leave a message... didn't make it to the phone on time, but I called back and spoke with her. She has been out of town for the past 2 weeks due to a family emergency. The email I had sent her prior to that (in April) was either overlooked or never got through. The reservation we made with her was mistakenly cancelled by her husband, who was trying to cancel the reservation of someone else who rented points but never paid. She was extremely apologetic and assured us that she would re-book the vacation first thing tomorrow morning.
and rent from an experienced member who has references.
Bill
