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Re: Has anyone ever been scammed using redweek? (by Richard W.):

Hello Lorna,

Posting for any others who may be following this exchange which initially began on this forum on September 23rd.

In that initial exchange, we described our dissatisfaction with RedWeek's FULL SERVICE RENTAL practices particularly with regards to owners. By way of background ONE of the issues initially discussed related to what was first described as a cancellation and later the renter claimed to be a victim of credit card fraud. Following that exchange we had conversations with RedWeek. The relevant facts are as follows: 1- First, a potential renter requested to rent our unit at a reduced price which we rejected. 2- Following that rejection, later in the week a potential renter agreed to rent our unit at the then asking price (without reduction). 3- We agreed to the rental and was provided a signed contract by RedWeek. We then notified the timeshare of the Renter's details and they provided a confirmation of the appropriate (Thanksgiving) week in the renter's name that was forwarded to RedWeek. 4- Several days later, we were provided a notification from RedWeek indicating the renter had cancelled and we'd be receiving the typical cancellation fee (50% of the contractual rental price, less fees). 5- When we inquired as to the timing of that cancellation fee, we were then told by RedWeek the renter was claiming credit card fraud. 6- We then had a live conversation with RedWeek who confirmed the Renter described in all the steps above used the same IP address in all their communications with RedWeek. Seemed odd that someone looking to commit credit card fraud would first request the price to be reduced and then continue with the perpetrated fraud several days later when the price was not reduced. 7- We were later notified in writing by RedWeek on Oct 2nd that they had not received a charge back from the credit card company and that would be receiving our 50% cancellation fee and it would be disbursed 2 days after the check in date. (November 18th). 8- As a result of that confirmation, we choose to lower the price of the rental unit to expedite a rental knowing that we'd receive the cancellation fee. The unit was rented at the lower rental price and we have since received the renal payment. 9- Yesterday, not having received the cancellation fee, we inquired as to when we should expect it and were then for the first time notified the issue of credit card fraud had resurfaced.

Below is a copy of our most recent exchange with RedWeek. The response received to this was essentially an apology "for not letting us know "when" the chargeback dispute was received." It would certainly appear from the facts as described above (and we invite RedWeek to correct if not accurate) someone is certainly being SCAMMED here. RedWeek does not communicate or support their customers utilizing what they describe as FULL SERVIVE RENTALS. Our apologies for this long winded post on this forum but it should give potential customers a flavor of precisely how RedWeek operates... We will continue to post on the forum until a resolution is reached to the extent there is any interest in this SCAM. Rich

"Dear Lorna,

Hope this email finds you well too and wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Thank you for your reply this morning. Just to be clear, we have not received any communications from Redweek on this unit since you last confirmed the status on October 2nd (more than 6 weeks ago) where you specifically confirmed that we'd be receiving the 50% cancellation fee and that would be disbursed 2 days after the check in date. Prior to that we heard conflicting stories about a confirmed reservation, then a claim of credit card fraud and finally a confirmation that there was no charge back and it was being treated as a normal cancellation with a confirmation of our portion of the fee and the timing for disbursement of that fee. You will recall, having received that confirmation we decided to leave the Unit available for Redweek to rent and choose to reduce the rental price so that the unit would rent at a bargain price - which it did. Alternatively, had we not received that confirmation we may have chosen to use a more reliable organization and delist it from Redweek (as we did with the other unit previously listed by RedWeek at the Royal Haciendas). At the end of the day, the Royal Sands unit was rented at approximately 80% of the amount charged just one year ago! This is just another example of Redweek not communicating with us to provide accurate information. Here we are right before the holidays expecting over $600 as RedWeek previously confirmed and never been informed there was any issue at all. Given our dissatisfaction and what we believe to be less than satisfactory service from your organization, we think it best to continue this dialog on the forum where others can witness first hand how RedWeek truly operates. In the meantime, you have provided no clear explanation as to the status of the dispute nor any timeline for resolution but in the end we're the ones out of the money for now. If you would like to discuss this matter further kindly let me know. Kind regards, Rich"