Legitimate DVC owner

[salmoneous]

An alternative might be to ask the owner to make the ressie in a conference call with you. They would call MS, give the security info on their account which is required, and then bring you into the conference call. Their privacy would be protected, and you'd be able to make your requests, DME arrangements, add DDP, etc. all in one phone call (which saves everyone time and effort). And obviously, if they are making arrangements directly with MS with you on the line, you know they're for real.

With all due respect, no, you don't know they're for real. If you are dealing with a scam artist, all you will be doing is conferencing in with scam artist #1 and scam artist #2.

That's my biggest problem with all these hoops people are suggesting renters put owners through. They don't actually protect the renter.

 

[crisi]

With all due respect, no, you don't know they're for real. If you are dealing with a scam artist, all you will be doing is conferencing in with scam artist #1 and scam artist #2.

That's my biggest problem with all these hoops people are suggesting renters put owners through. They don't actually protect the renter.

Yep, it would take a little work to create the DVC stationary, but even that is doable in our current technology world. A scammer interested in scamming can pull this off - down to you checking the deed (that's as simple as claiming to be someone with a deed registered - identity theft doesn't take a rocket scientist to pull off).

This takes trust. Fortunately, scamming is very rare. But if you can't afford to lose your money, renting isn't a good option. And it isn't scamming that you should be worried about - its cancellation policies. DVC owners don't have a lot of flexibility when it comes to cancelling - and no one knows when their father will need sudden surgery or when the kids are going to break a leg.

 

[angiepangie8]

So maybe there are few hoops the owners have to go through to sell their points, but if they know what these are ahead of time it really shouldn’t be that hard on them. For example, a rental contract, a way to prove ownership, and references. Is that really all that hard?

Here are a couple places that give tips to renters:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1442533

Important Things to Know About Renting DVC Points
Renting points means you pay the DVC member directly (often by giving him a one-night deposit up front and paying the balance 30 days before the trip, though arrangements vary widely) and he makes a reservation in your name. The transaction requires trust on both sides.
I have rented points on four occasions and in each case had no problems at all. In fact, for years I had never heard of anyone being ripped off in a DVC rental situation, but in 2006 I heard of some instances in which renters were the victims of fraud.
If you are renting, be very careful!
• Ask for references and check the references.
• Get the owner's full name, address and phone number before sending any payment. To the extent possible, confirm that the information is valid. (For instance, call and talk with the owner. Also, consider going to Google and typing in the person's name and contact info to see if you find any mentions that will help you confirm the owner's identity.)
• Confirm that the person is a DVC owner by running a search at the Florida Comptroller's Office web site.
• NEVER pay a total stranger by using a "cash equivalent" such as Western Union or money order. I also don't recommend paying by check (especially cashier's check). The safest way to pay is to use a credit card. (That isn't difficult. Members of the public can pay and receive payments by credit card through PayPal.) Personally, credit card payment is the only method I would ever agree to use, because it is the only method that provides you with some protection against fraud.
• There should be a written contract or letter of agreement, signed by both of you, spelling out exactly what the rental will cost, when payment is due, dates of the stay, etc.
• Make sure the owner sends you the confirmation from Disney. Be aware that Disney Vacation Club will not speak with renters or give them any information. Only DVC owners can speak with DVC about reservations.
• If something sounds "off," don't proceed. It's not worth taking the risk.
the above is from: http://www.mousesavers.com/dvc.html#rentpoints

 

[Muushka]

Sorry, I just posted about how I can trust others. A little on the sarcastic side....

 

[kimberh]

So, did you decide to rent or did you decide to book through Disney?

 

[crisi]

Well, if this is your first rental, you won't have references. So yes, in some cases, it is that hard.

Keep in mind that the vast majority of people who rent are casual renters. They have extra points this year. This isn't a business for them, its a way to get rid of points they can't use. At the price per point, it isn't a huge profit to people who purchased recently, either - and it can be a lot of bother.

On the other hand, there are people in the business of renting points. They will be able to provide references, a contract, and proof of ownership. They also run the risk of having their reservations flagged by Disney as violating the contract (though there are only rumors of that happening).

There is a line in the middle that may be the best option - someone who rents often enough to understand the process and be able to provide references, but doesn't rent so often that you risk having them shut down between now and the time you want to travel.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...• NEVER pay a total stranger by using a "cash equivalent" such as Western Union or money order. I also don't recommend paying by check (especially cashier's check). The safest way to pay is to use a credit card. (That isn't difficult. Members of the public can pay and receive payments by credit card through PayPal.) Personally, credit card payment is the only method I would ever agree to use, because it is the only method that provides you with some protection against fraud.
...

However, many members will not accept Paypal because of the concerns they have with guaranteeing the they get their money in a timely manner. Or at all. Paypal can be another scam, too.

And like others have stated, it is so easy to just get a name off the FL Comptroller's website and say that is you.

So, like I said before, if you need a 100% guarantee, you'd be best to work directly through Disney and forget about renting a reservation from a member.

 

[angiepangie8]

Well, if this is your first rental, you won't have references. So yes, in some cases, it is that hard. QUOTE]


I understand if it is an owners first time renting that it might be harder for them to provide a reference. However, they may have a reference from when they rented (if they have rented B4) or maybe all of the other things that you find with that owners policy outweigh the fact that they don't have references.

It basically just comes down to what the renter is comfortable with.

I'm just saying that it's smart to be a little cautious and not just blindly hand over $$$$$$.

 

[angiepangie8]

So, did you decide to rent or did you decide to book through Disney?

Not sure it that question was for me or the original Thread creator. I actually am planning to visit WDW in June of 2008 and I am keeping my options open. I actually would love to rent. I'm looking into the AKV, but also may want to check out some options for the BCV. I just want to be smart about it if I do decide to go that route.

 

[crisi]

Well, if this is your first rental, you won't have references. So yes, in some cases, it is that hard. QUOTE]


I understand if it is an owners first time renting that it might be harder for them to provide a reference. However, they may have a reference from when they rented (if they have rented B4) or maybe all of the other things that you find with that owners policy outweigh the fact that they don't have references.

It basically just comes down to what the renter is comfortable with.

I'm just saying that it's smart to be a little cautious and not just blindly hand over $$$$$$.

I completely agree - which is why I'm not very likely to rent points, nor do I rent my own points out. Blindly or not - risk is too great for me. My own points I can easily give to family or friends. I might rent if I needed a few extra - but given the transfer restrictions, we are much more likely to add a night on cash.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

angiepangie8. Did you see this thread. Sounds a lot like your rentor.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1539806

 

[Mtnman44]

I agree. This whole renting thing has me totally puzzled. I would never do it. I understand with friends/family or once in a while with a few points left over. But multiple thousands of dollars deals over the internet with strangers.....? Sheesh, just book a hotel resevation the normal way. JMHO of course...

I completely agree - which is why I'm not very likely to rent points, nor do I rent my own points out. Blindly or not - risk is too great for me. My own points I can easily give to family or friends. I might rent if I needed a few extra - but given the transfer restrictions, we are much more likely to add a night on cash.

 

[kimberh]

Not sure it that question was for me or the original Thread creator. I actually am planning to visit WDW in June of 2008 and I am keeping my options open. I actually would love to rent. I'm looking into the AKV, but also may want to check out some options for the BCV. I just want to be smart about it if I do decide to go that route.

I was asking you, I didn't post on this Thread in 2006 to the original poster.

 

[angiepangie8]

I was asking you, I didn't post on this Thread in 2006 to the original poster.

Nice Point

 

[Canadian Tom]

May I suggest you try to find someone close to where you live so you can do the deal in person. This may releive a little stress on renting. Canadian Tom

 

[angiepangie8]

Thanks good suggestion
Actually I am dealing with someone currently who I am feeling fairly comfortable with.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

However, many members will not accept Paypal because of the concerns they have with guaranteeing the they get their money in a timely manner. Or at all. Paypal can be another scam, too.

We're thinking of renting points for the 1st time, so I've been reading the DVC boards. This info confused me. Why wouldn't the owner get their money in a timely manner through Paypal? We've sent & received money through paypal many times, & the process is very fast. Certainly faster than sending a check, & in most cases faster than sending a MO. The only time we've experienced delays is when someone used an electronic check thru Paypal. That was still as fast as it would have been for a regular check to clear. It seems that accepting immediate payment (no electronic check) with Paypal would be the fastest form of payment, other than face to face. What is a faster way to receive payment? Just curious. That info may come in handy someday.

 

[Mtnman44]

The PayPal payment can be reversed by the account holder if an unauthorized person made the payment, or they claim such, or if they decide they didn't get what they paid for, etc. It's basically a risk of additional hassle and possibly getting stiffed on the deal, especially if the chargeback comes AFTER the reservation has been used.

We're thinking of renting points for the 1st time, so I've been reading the DVC boards. This info confused me. Why wouldn't the owner get their money in a timely manner through Paypal? We've sent & received money through paypal many times, & the process is very fast. Certainly faster than sending a check, & in most cases faster than sending a MO. The only time we've experienced delays is when someone used an electronic check thru Paypal. That was still as fast as it would have been for a regular check to clear. It seems that accepting immediate payment (no electronic check) with Paypal would be the fastest form of payment, other than face to face. What is a faster way to receive payment? Just curious. That info may come in handy someday.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

The PayPal payment can be reversed by the account holder if an unauthorized person made the payment, or they claim such, or if they decide they didn't get what they paid for, etc. It's basically a risk of additional hassle and possibly getting stiffed on the deal, especially if the chargeback comes AFTER the reservation has been used.

Thanks for the explanation. I guess I was thinking most rentals would be paid for several months prior to check-in. Can you even dispute a charge, after that long? In our experience, Paypal doesn't automatically refund money, without the person making a good case for it. It seems to me that would be the best way to assure both the owner & renter are safe in the transaction. At least, there's a 3rd party involved. It's a shame that there's unscrupulous people in this world requiring people to protect themselves from fraud.

 

[Desnik]

Just an FYI, I entered my name in that link provided to search for legit DVC owners and my name didn't come up as an owner, neither did my husbands. We own at 2 resorts and one was a new add on but the other we have had for 2 years. So, I wouldn't rely on that link/search feature.

Before we bought into DVC we rented points about 3 times from "strangers" here on the DIS. I had no problems at all. It was a great experience. I just made sure the person I rented from was a "regular" on these boards, got references and paid deposit through Paypal, got my original confirmation from the member, then sent the rest of the money 30 days prior to the trip. It was simple.