Alert to possible scammer

[abbyz]

I was in discussion with a Marcel P from WA to rent a week at Cabo Hyatt Ziva. I confirmed the week through our GBS agent and then have waited several weeks to get payment, in addition to sending him several email reminders. I finally cancelled his confirmation today. Meanwhile I have had to pay $200 in changing fees. Not good behavior, which I told him. Thanks, Abby

 

[Egret1986]

I was in discussion with a Marcel P from WA to rent a week at Cabo Hyatt Ziva. I confirmed the week through our GBS agent and then have waited several weeks to get payment, in addition to sending him several email reminders. I finally cancelled his confirmation today. Meanwhile I have had to pay $200 in changing fees. Not good behavior, which I told him. Thanks, Abby

Ouch, $200 for changing a confirmation I'm sure hurts. In the future, I would recommend collecting a good-faith deposit to cover any potential charges. I have lots of people that say they want something, will sign an agreement, etc. You don't hear back from them. That person probably doesn't care what you think about him. Nothing's set in stone until they risk losing some cash. Many folks will collect a small deposit before making a reservation to ensure the person is serious. This doesn't merit being a scammer. This is probably someone that wasn't really serious and when no money was involved, it was easy to just walk away.

 

[DannyTS]

does Marcel's email address look like this gh09234820@gmail.com (made up address)?

 

[RX8]

Did you send him a confirmation? Since he wasn't after your money the only way he would be a scammer is if he planned on using your confirmation somehow as his own so that he could scam potential renters.

 

[AJCts411]

People are people...they do odd things, so when renting, always get the costs of a potential cancellation, (add, relisting, guest certificate, resort change) up front. If they don't want to pay, 200 or what ever dollars, then that is a pretty good indication of a undecided, they don't want to risk their deposit type person. Also I think its a good idea for full payment 10 days after confirmation, but with a fair for both cancellation clause.