Sad Story from One Who Trusted without Checking!

[InstImpres]

...
(As I said on the previous page -- before we wandered off topic ....)

I have already responded to you and apologized off line to you in your PM about my adding my story into this thread, I will take this opportunity to publicly apologize to the original poster for sharing my story and ask that anyone who wants to discuss it further with me do so via PM in order to keep this thread on topic.

Thanks

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

InstImpres -- I don't see your contribution to this thread as being o/t in anyway given the title. It's pretty much the same circumstances, just reversed. I think it is important to see that the renter/rentee relationship needs to be entered into with caution (as well as any business transaction). Let's face it, there are a lot of people in the world that have no guilt/remorse about taking advantage of others. It doesn't hurt to be reminded of this from time to time (just sorry it was you, Dani, and Stacey that had to be the messengers!).

 

[JimMIA]

Actually, I guess the discussion of the other issue is on topic, so I apologize for thinking it wasn't.

I was just trying to follow up on a post by OceanAnnie about how it was the person who rented to Dani and Stacey who had the responsibility to clear things up...and that discussion got kinda swallowed up in the new tangent.

*********
I do think the person responsible for Dani and Stacey's predicament has a good opening here. She has an opportunity to fix things if she chooses to, and I'm sure she now understands it is her best interest to do so promptly, get this mess behind her, and move on with her life.

 

[twinklebug]

Back for any (positive) updates... of which I see... none. ~Sigh~
Hang in there Dani & Stacey! You two have to be nominated for most patient but pro-active DISsers I've met.

Jim & Tom... I nominate the both of you as Honorary DIS Angels
(I probably spelled that wrong lol)

What I find VERY interesting about this thread, as InstImpres has mentioned is that it is VERY embarrasing to be taken in and used. It's not that problems in renting have never happened here before, but rather than the "I'm such a sucker" mentality kicks in so that those of us who become victims just don't want to open up, share our stories and show our stupidity... which BTW - is a false impression of ourselves, as many have said, these cases could very well could have been any of us. Victims of many different types of crime will often tell you it was their own fault. It was not. It's good to know that if anywhere on the web has a feel of family support and concern, it has to be here, the DISboards.

Even though we're anonomous here for the most part (OK, except to those who know how to look us up ), the COURAGE it takes just to tell the world about your experience is tremendous. I APPLAUD both Dani & Stacey as well as InstImpres for coming foward to remind us that we must always stand on guard.
Thank you for letting us share in your stories & I wish the best outcomes for you all!

 

[Glorydaz]

That's correct. The person involved in this thread lives in NY.

first off, a good morning to Dani and Stacey. I , like many other people here, have been following your story in the hopes of a positive outcome. I must say, even though at this time it doesn't look overly hopeful, it is absolutely heartwarming to see the outpouring of generosity from all the folks on this board - whether it be the offer of points, money, prayers or just good wishes. to me, it says that 99.9% of people have good in their hearts. I am also a firm believer of "what goes around, comes around", you get what you give" and especially, "pay it forward".

now, while I understand that neither of you will accept points or dollars, I would like to propose the following:

my fiance and I will be in WDW from Sunday 10/29 through Friday, Nov 3 and I would like to extend an offer to meet and have a drink, a cup of coffee , or whatever if time allows and if you will be there the same time. I understand , if I read correctly, that Stacey was hoping to be there for Halloween. I really hope you don't change your plans...this trip will be magical for you and yours even with this mishap. maybe there are even other folks here who will be visiting the same time who would like to join in.

whatever you decide, here's wishing you both the best - I'm still hoping for a positive end to this ordeal....

Michelle

 

[ZipaDeeDooDah]

I have already responded to you and apologized off line to you in your PM about my adding my story into this thread, I will take this opportunity to publicly apologize to the original poster for sharing my story and ask that anyone who wants to discuss it further with me do so via PM in order to keep this thread on topic. Thanks

I appreciate you sharing your story too! Your story is very relevant to the topic at hand, which is protecting yourself and being cautious during these transactions.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Excellent post twinklebug (worth at least a dime! ).

 

[StaceySaulino]

Hi All,

I just wanted to say thank you to all that have offered such generous gifts over the last couple of days, both gifts and offers to help in different ways are very much appreicated. I hope I didn't miss anyone via PM, but if I did I'm extremely sorry. My box has been kind of busy . No new news yet today. I'll check back in and let you know when I have something to report. I really do appreciate everything. I still can't get over how nice and generous everyone is. I wish we could all meet for real

 

[DMKEDM]

Hi, folks...it's me again, w/no new news! But I wanted to chime in with a note that Instimpres owes me no apology of any kind! This is a free-flowing conversation, and while at some point it's likely a good idea to "just let it go" (I'm trying!), I wouldn't want to deny Instimpres her/his share of the wonderful support and good wishes that come from the posters on this thread. And I add my support and good wishes to those flowing to him/her

Having said that, I know it's possible that the person who took my money is reading this thread...if so, that person should know very clearly that the fact that others have been victimized, or that generous people have offered to lessen the loss that person imposed on me, it in no way lessens that person's responsibility to me (and to Stacey) to make good...

Both Stacey and I are still more than willing to accept the money this person owes us, and to declare publicly that it has been repaid (if it's repaid)....this person definitely still has a chance to minimize the troubles she is experiencing as a result of this situation. The negative consequences this person is experiencing (and will experience) can be stopped by repaying Stacey and me...

In any event, one more time, my very big thank-you's and appreciation to the wonderfully supportive people on this board...and I for one would just love to share a Mickey bar (or whatever) w/any and all of you if we find ourselves at WDW at the same time...our next trip is for T-giving...do feel free to zap me a PM if you're going to be there then and want to try to find a time to get together...

Dani

 

[Anjelica]

If you read the DIS R/T guidelines, you'll see that the R/T board is a free service the DIS provides to its members. They make it quite clear that all transactions are strictly between the parties involved and the DIS will not be involved in any disputes.

In the particular cases of Dani and Stacey, I believe Doc posted earlier that he had reviewed the threads and found no violation of DIS posting policies, and therefore no action was warranted at that time.

Doc also took the unusual step of contacting the person who rented to Dani and Stacey and she promised to contact them and resolve the issue. She has not done so.

(As I said on the previous page -- before we wandered off topic -- I am hopeful she will realize it is in her best interests to resolve this, but that remains to be seen.)

Doc has really done everything we could expect, and a lot more.

I don't think it is realistic to expect the DIS to ban someone because there was a dispute with a rental. Nor is it possible for the DIS to become an investigative body or arbitration board.

WE are responsible for protecting ourselves in rental transactions, not the DIS.

That personal responsiblity/accountability should play a role. However, I guess if this person has been found to be fradulent I would "think" that would be something the DIS boards would want to deter.

Now I am not saying this person is guilty of any crime (yet) but if there are fradulent posts why would DIS not ban those folks? (Again, if DIS finds that this person created a fradulent rental agreement, etc.)

 

[JimMIA]

That personal responsiblity/accountability should play a role. However, I guess if this person has been found to be fradulent I would "think" that would be something the DIS boards would want to deter.

Now I am not saying this person is guilty of any crime (yet) but if there are fradulent posts why would DIS not ban those folks? (Again, if DIS finds that this person created a fradulent rental agreement, etc.)

The DIS has already done what they need to do with regard to this particular situation. I guarantee you that no one who has been involved in this situation has anything but the greatest praise for the DIS and the way they have responded.

ETA: I should add that the DIS has taken additional steps to deter this kind of activity, and I'm sure they will continue to be watchful...as they always have been. It's a credit to the DIS (not just the site administration, but the members as well) that there have been so few bad scenarios over the years.

Also, I have no doubt that the DIS would ban anyone they felt violated DIS policies or engaged in illegal activities. I don't know exactly how they do that, but I'm sure they evaluate each situation on its own merits and do what is right in that particular situation.

 

[cobbler]

HUGE HUGS to both of you. I have been watching for a few days now and keep hoping to find some good news.

Pixie dust that you will soon!

 

[Tiger926]

I've been following this thread from the beginning and it's very heartening to see such compassion and altruism from everyone to Dani and Stacey. This will not bring their money back, but as they both have mentioned, it surely helps in dealing with the issue and moving forward from it, but it in no way excuses the PP for her actions whatsoever!

As a special education teacher of at-risk students, I see this kind of thing happen each and everyday with my students - their mantra is: "Trouble finds me, Miss." And I always fire back, "No, you find trouble." The PP is obviously someone who finds trouble, and unfortunately, Dani and Stacey got caught up in it

I am the biggest optimist you'll meet (ok, maybe Dani & Stacey are bigger than I ), but I do feel that the PP has already made the choice not to do what is right here. This person sounds so much like my students - in fact, I have one student who has lost about 30 grandmas in the last year alone! The PP posted in another thread about her personal and social issues (lost job, mother passed away, homeless, etc. - if indeed any of this is true to begin with), but the bottom line is that none of that is anyone's issue except her own. I constantly get into discussions with my students about how the world owes them because they have crappy lives and so this gives them the justification that they need to steal, be ignorant to others and be dishonest. In this case we all know that stealing money from two honest people planning family vacations is not a great way in dealing with your problems, but if the PP is like my students (and she seems to be wearing those shoes!), then it's probably going to take a monumental act to make her give back the money, as she more than likely has already spent if, and if she has, she has probably already justified doing so in her mind as a way of dealing with her problamatic lifestyle. It really is too bad that Dani and Stacey or anyone else for that matter were her victims, but I hardly believe that this is her first and last time at this type of behaviour.

This has been a good discussion about trying to see the good in people, which I do each and everyday with my at-risk students, but every once in awhile, I come upon a situation that upsets and disappoints me to no end, and I realize that my expectations of that person were too high and so perhaps that's where Dani and Stacey may be now.

Thanks for posting your stories as a way to remind people just how precarious and sensitive a DVC rental transaction can be, as well as reminding us of how most people are good and decent.

Sending pixie dust your way that everything is resolved quickly and in a positive manner.

Tiger

 

[dianeschlicht]

I agree with Jim that there is nothing DIS boards can do about this problem, because no posting guidlines were violated. The DIS can't control people acting with faulty morals.

Dani, and Stacey, I hope you guys are doing ALL you can behind the scenes to get your money and/or trips back. I have seen it mentioned on this thread several times about "no good deed goes unpunished". I happen to believe that we all reap what we sow, and I think the self contron and restraint shown by Dani and Stacey is going to win out in the end, and they will reap the rewards in one way or another. I also think the "PP"(as we seem to be calling her) will "get what is coming to her" too. You can't steal someones money and/or dreams and not have to answer for it somewhere. She is probably very scared right now, and rightfully so. I just hope Jim is right, and that she owns up to her mistakes and does the right thing where these folks are concerned.

Here's another bit of pixie dust for a resolution, Dani, and Stacey!

 

[Viki]

I've been following this thread from the beginning and it's very heartening to see such compassion and altruism from everyone to Dani and Stacey. This will not bring their money back, but as they both have mentioned, it surely helps in dealing with the issue and moving forward from it.

As a special education teacher of at-risk students, I see this kind of thing happen each and everyday with my students - their mantra is: "Trouble finds me, Miss." And I always fire back, "No, you find trouble." The PP is obviously someone who finds trouble, and unfortunately, Dani and Stacey got caught up in it

I am the biggest optimist you'll meet (ok, maybe Dani & Stacey are bigger than I , but I do feel that the PP has already made the choice not to do what is right here. This person sounds so much like my students - in fact, I have one student who has lost about 30 grandmas in the last year alone! The PP posted in another thread about her personal and social issues (lost job, mother passed away, homeless, etc.), but the bottom line is that none of that is anyone's issue except her own. I constantly get into discussions with my students about how the world owes them because they have crappy lives - we all know that the stealing money from two honest people planning family vacations is not a great way in dealing with your problems, but if the PP is like my students (and she seems to be wearing those shoes!), then it's probably going to take a monumental act to make her give back the money, as she more than likely has already spent it.

This has been a good discussion about trying to see the good in people, which I do each and everyday with my at-risk students, but every once in awhile, I come upon a situation that upsets and disappoints me to no end, and I realize that my expectations of that person were too high and so perhaps that's where Dani and Stacey may be now.

Thanks for posting your stories as a way to remind people just how precarious and sensitive a DVC rental transaction can be.

Sending pixie dust your way that everything is resolved quickly and in a positive manner.

Tiger

WOW, my experiences are so very different from yours - the exact opposite, in fact.

I have two adopted children, both of whom are at risk. My daughter just turned 18 and, as such, because her IQ is only 65, she is legally entitled to SS benefits, but she has to apply for them. Well, you should have seen the two family "discussions" we had to have this week just to bring her to the point of letting us make the phone call. Why? Because she doesn't want any "special" considerations, ever! She intends to make her own way, and so far she's proved it by holding down a part time job at Burger King for two years now, while also finishing high school. I'm so proud.

I'm also proud of the Dis Team for how they have attended to this situation.

 

[KandiB47]

Awful, awful story! I feel bad for you

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Yes, the individual that is the subject of this thread needs to understand that she is not off the hook just because so many people have been willing to help Dani and Stacey. In our attempts to help the "victims," we may have created a false sense of security for the "victimizer"...she may feel we're all going to make D&S feel so warm and fuzzy that everything will just be forgotten. That shouldn't (and isn't) going to happen. I have faith that the right people are involved to follow-up on this and let our judicial system take over if need be.

 

[dianeschlicht]

let our judicial system take over if need be.

I think that is EXACTLY where this needs to go, and I hope both of the victims here are pursuing that avenue. While it might be left only to small claims court, it NEEDS to be done and carried through to get the message across loud and clear to the "PP".

 

[Anjelica]

The DIS has already done what they need to do with regard to this particular situation. I guarantee you that no one who has been involved in this situation has anything but the greatest praise for the DIS and the way they have responded.

ETA: I should add that the DIS has taken additional steps to deter this kind of activity, and I'm sure they will continue to be watchful...as they always have been. It's a credit to the DIS (not just the site administration, but the members as well) that there have been so few bad scenarios over the years.

Also, I have no doubt that the DIS would ban anyone they felt violated DIS policies or engaged in illegal activities. I don't know exactly how they do that, but I'm sure they evaluate each situation on its own merits and do what is right in that particular situation.

As I am in no way or shape blaming the DIS boards for anything that has taken place. I am not in the loop on what takes place behind the boards in terms of how things are taken care of (nor should I be) but was merely expressing my hope/desire that folks like this person who has severly damaged two peoples vacations wouldn't be allowed to do it again on these boards to anyone one else.

IMHO this person has certainly damaged the "credibility" of those on the R/T boards who are either renting or seeking to rent (when we all know most of those people are good honest folks). I guarantee you folks are thinking twice about renting from folks on the R/T board and I think thats just not right.

Again - I'm not going to play like I know how things work in the background, etc. but I guess it would be nice to know for the many users of these boards that when dishonest folks take advantage of others that the situation is addressed so that it doesn't happen to others again.

 

[Anjelica]

I do see how the R/T board is merely providing a service and is not liable for fradulent activities. Just wishful thinking on my part as I don't really want to hear about this ruining good peoples vacations again.

There is just no telling or real legitimate way for us to know who are the good ones and who are the bad ones (unlike ebay you can get a better feeling via their comments, etc.). I truly have no idea who this person is and due to that I very well may never rent from the R/T board unless I know the person has been on these boards for years and I have "interacted" with them.