Ok, so my wife and I recently upgraded the terrible purchase we made at westgate myrtle beach 8 years ago to a 2 bedroom lockout all season at their smokey mountain resort. So far we're ok with the upgrade, no regrets as it works very well for our family. With that said one thing we wanted to try was to rent out the second unit to cover our maintenance fees while our kids are still too young to stay in their own seperate unit. I posted the add without really expecting much but just wanted to feel things out. Within 2 weeks I got a rental request, however it's raised a couple red flags and now I'm wondering if I just don't see the scam (I've had numerous attempts in the past from others with our old timeshare) or if maybe this is legit but just an odd scenario. Anyways, I could use some second opinions:
1. Posted a well presented add on craigslist in Atlanta
2. Got a reply from a gentleman in New York who wants to rent it for may of 2015.
3. I confirmed the dates as that's a long ways off and told him the deposit was non-refundable once the dates are booked with the resort.
4. He confirmed and asked if I had a problem with him paying in full now, a year ahead. red flag, he wants to pay in full and he isn't trying to negotiate the price down at all? Odd, the price I listed wasn't outrageous but it was a bit high I thought, $200/night, considering the time of year he's requesting. About the same as walk in cost.
5. I said it was not mandatory but ok. Howevever that I would still retain the deposit if he cancelled but would return the difference to him.
6. He agreed, sent me his full name and mailing address in New York, I provided him with the info for the certified cheque and a rental agreement I pulled off the internet for him to review and sign.
7. Today I got an email from him stating he has mailed the cheque but that his employer who is paying for the trip will only cut him one cheque for the vacation so he has sent me the entire total cost (flight, car rental, etc...) which is twice the amount I'm asking for the rental. He has requested that I deduct my total amount after the cheque is deposited and forward the rest on to the travel agent who is covering the rest of the costs. big red flag #2
8. So this sounds very odd to me, but I can't spot the scam if it's there. So far I don't pay out any money until money has been paid into my account. Money paid out is significantly less that what I'm getting in. So either this is a scam I don't see or just a very odd situations.
Anyone have any input? Thanks!
1. Posted a well presented add on craigslist in Atlanta
2. Got a reply from a gentleman in New York who wants to rent it for may of 2015.
3. I confirmed the dates as that's a long ways off and told him the deposit was non-refundable once the dates are booked with the resort.
4. He confirmed and asked if I had a problem with him paying in full now, a year ahead. red flag, he wants to pay in full and he isn't trying to negotiate the price down at all? Odd, the price I listed wasn't outrageous but it was a bit high I thought, $200/night, considering the time of year he's requesting. About the same as walk in cost.
5. I said it was not mandatory but ok. Howevever that I would still retain the deposit if he cancelled but would return the difference to him.
6. He agreed, sent me his full name and mailing address in New York, I provided him with the info for the certified cheque and a rental agreement I pulled off the internet for him to review and sign.
7. Today I got an email from him stating he has mailed the cheque but that his employer who is paying for the trip will only cut him one cheque for the vacation so he has sent me the entire total cost (flight, car rental, etc...) which is twice the amount I'm asking for the rental. He has requested that I deduct my total amount after the cheque is deposited and forward the rest on to the travel agent who is covering the rest of the costs. big red flag #2
8. So this sounds very odd to me, but I can't spot the scam if it's there. So far I don't pay out any money until money has been paid into my account. Money paid out is significantly less that what I'm getting in. So either this is a scam I don't see or just a very odd situations.
Anyone have any input? Thanks!
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