Why is RCI telemarketing me about DVC?

[qqq]

Received a call today -
RCI - "We would like to update you on the recent changes to your timeshare with RCI"

Me - I don't have a timeshare with RCI, I own Disney Vacation Club.

RCI - "Oh it's the same now. We would like you and your wife to come and have dinner on us while we explain the recent changes to your timeshare interest. We're meeting Monday night and Wednesday night, which evening is most convenient for you ... etc. etc.

Me - Not interested, no thanks.

Wondering how RCI received my contact info and what they're trying sell me!

 

[Cmbar]

"there the same now" Um, what does that mean??? I am getting ready to buy DVC and this doesn't sound right, anyone have more information??

 

[Brian Noble]

It might not actually be RCI---there are many unscrupulous folks out there who prey on timeshare owners in a wide variety of ways, and they use a lot of half-truths, etc. to obfuscate their true purpose. "We're meeting in your area, come join us for dinner" is almost certainly either (a) another timeshare or vacation club company looking to sell you or (b) a "post card company". The latter are particularly slimy.

(It's pretty easy for these companies to find owners to contact---your home address (and sometimes phone number) is on the deed recorded with the county.)

I've never heard of RCI calling members unless it is related to an existing exchange request, or to encourage them to deposit a week. Because DVC Members don't have individual accounts, RCI almost certainly won't call them directly---DVC will handle those interactions instead. RCI doesn't sell anything expensive enough to pay for your dinner just to get you to hear about it.

 

[OKW Lover]

They are not the same. Its just a telemarketing scheme (scam?) to get you to go to a time-share sales presentation.

 

[oakmanner]

Next time hang up the phone!

 

[3guysandagal]

When we purchased DVC in Dec. there was a sheet in the package that we had to check of a box and send it in seperately, that stated we did not want our info shared with third party interests/businesses in Disney or DVC.
Don't remember the exact wording at the moment, but that was the jist of it.
We received the same sheet for each of our 4 add-on contracts as well, in Jan, each with the contract # on it.

Could be they are now sharing their info, but I will still hang up if they call as we never sent them in.
Looks like I may have to, now.
.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Times were unusually good for timeshares in the last few years. Many of us remember when it used to be a lot worse (the phone calls). I suspect we're headed back in that direction given the economy. They're hurtin'. Especially the lower quality ones.

They're gonna hit the low-hangin' fruit first and deeds in Orange Co. is probably the easiest and best dig in the country if not the world.

Unfortunately, my bet is the worst is yet to come.

 

[Dean]

They are not the same. Its just a telemarketing scheme (scam?) to get you to go to a time-share sales presentation.

Exactly. This is not RCI's or DVC's doing.

 

[anna08]

If you are on the "do not call" registry, I would get as much info from them as you can and then threaten to turn them in for violation. Usually they will drop your number from their list then.

 

[backyardponder]

Thanks for posting this. Now, if I get one of these calls, I'll be prepared!

 

[Hazzard101]

If the calls keep coming keep a coaches whistle by the phone and when they start the pitch give them a pitch of their own . Some people don't understand the word no. My DW and I just signed the paperwork for our first DVC AKV and I don't recall any opt out paperwork. I will have to look into that.

 

[HGLightlyj]

I receive at least 2/3 mail solicitations a week and 1 or 2 phone solicitations a month to sell DVC. I may call to see if there is some way I can get my name off this list.

 

[tjkraz]

My DW and I just signed the paperwork for our first DVC AKV and I don't recall any opt out paperwork. I will have to look into that.

I'm not familiar with the page that the previous poster mentioned but assuming it exists, it would just relate to other Disney entities and business partners. DVC ownership is a matter of public record and you'd better believe there are companies that troll the Orange County records looking for folks to whom the can market their product. Signing a form with Disney may keep you from getting DCL or Adventures by Disney solicitations, but it won't keep your name out of the hands of Marriott marketers or the "Cash for your timeshare!!" people.

 

[3guysandagal]

I will find it and scan for posting.

Maybe it is something that just has to be sent to Canada.

Off to look now....

 

[3guysandagal]

I'm not familiar with the page that the previous poster mentioned but assuming it exists, it would just relate to other Disney entities and business partners. DVC ownership is a matter of public record and you'd better believe there are companies that troll the Orange County records looking for folks to whom the can market their product. Signing a form with Disney may keep you from getting DCL or Adventures by Disney solicitations, but it won't keep your name out of the hands of Marriott marketers or the "Cash for your timeshare!!" people.

Maybe not.......

OK, found it.

Here is the page (minus my info of course)

And here is the detail of one part..

If you would like to see more I will post it.

 

[bumbershoot]

Wonder what they would have said if you stopped at "I don't own RCI" instead of giving them the info that you DO own at DVC?

 

[Disneypirate85]

They called me yesterday! I owned with RCI very promptly sold it (after 3 months)....