How Do I Know I'm Not Getting Scammed ?

[kris boog]

Good Evening All,

Thus far, I have stayed in a hotel room for all my trips. A couple buddies and I are planning another trip and we would like to try out the villa thing. I see that many of you have either stayed in the villa previously or stay there all the time now.

I am considering the following listing http://www.vrbo.com/361359. The owner wants a $450.00 deposit and the remainder paid 10 days before we arrival. I have 3 main questions:

1. How do I know that I am sending my money to the actual owner of the property and not some scam artist?
2. Have any of you ever stayed here ands dealt with the owner Tracee?
3. When staying at most of the villas in and around Sosua, do you rent cars, scooters, or just use motoconchos?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Kris

[JD426]

Both Reviews are 5 stars and the wording is almost word for word IDENTICAL..

IMO, thats a Red Flag that they are both Shills. . .. but Im sure someone who who knows more will chime in.
It doesnt say WHICH gated community it is. did you ask ? should be no problem then calling the office and finding out the unit #, and verifying who the owner is .

[sosuaman]

1. How do I know that I am sending my money to the actual owner of the property and not some scam artist?
2. Have any of you ever stayed here ands dealt with the owner Tracee?
3. When staying at most of the villas in and around Sosua, do you rent cars, scooters, or just use motoconchos?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Kris

I am going down in October for three weeks and have been traveling to the DR for 7 years - I have NEVER paid for my place in advance. Don't you want to actually see the place in person BEFORE you put down your cash?

It is slow down there now and they would LOVE to have your business. There are many many nice places available - NOT just the one you are looking at. Tell the guy you MIGHT take it but you want to see it first - if he gives you a hard time - tell him "no problem, I'll go somewhere else".

VRBO is filled with great places - make them an offer BELOW what they are asking and you might be surprised at the responses.

Good luck....

[JD426]

thats a good point Sosuaman
All these Villas seem to be VERY Negotiable, sometimes to Half price. Why would an owner think he can get paid 100% up front. its not reasonable, esp without seeing what you get...
Everyone is negotiable these days.. here in the states we negotiated a Ski Log cabin to HALF price last season, and guess what she contacted us, and wants to know if we r coming back
.. Time is Money, if its empty, it aint making money.. .dont let these people dictate how u spend your hard earned cash..

[FritoBandito]

Sounds to me like giving your money to a stranger who says, "Give me the money up front for a bag of weed, I have to go around the corner to get it."

And guess what????? He never comes back, and you're out your money, feeling like a fool!!!!!"

I never pay for anything up front in the DR, until the service is rendered....and that includes pussy, too. Yeah, I do pay for my hotel room, up front, but that's after I get there and have my key in hand, and know it's a respectable place.

I would be extremely leery about wiring any money, anywhere, to a complete stranger, especially one who is in a foreign country.

I'd tell him that I'll pay for the room, only after I arrive, have key in hand, and know that everything is on the up and up......if that's not good enough for this guy, there are plenty of otther places in Sosua that you can book.

[FritoBandito]

:rofl:
Sounds to me like giving your money to a stranger who says, "Give me the money up front for a bag of weed, I have to go around the corner to get it."

And guess what????? He never comes back, and you're out your money, feeling like a fool!!!!!"

I never pay for anything up front in the DR, until the service is rendered....and that includes pussy, too. Yeah, I do pay for my hotel room, up front, but that's after I get there and have my key in hand, and know it's a respectable place.

I would be extremely leery about wiring any money, anywhere, to a complete stranger, especially one who is in a foreign country.

I'd tell him that I'll pay for the room, only after I arrive, have key in hand, and know that everything is on the up and up......if that's not good enough for this guy, there are plenty of otther places in Sosua that you can book.

Notice that I used the weed analogy.....something that most of y'all can relate to.....hahahhahaha.......boooyah...........:rofl::lol::rofl::lol:

P.S.
I have three large turkey vultures in my front yard eating a dead groundhog, disgusting... :rolleyes:

26782

P.P.S.........that would make a good profile picture....because I am a scavenger , too......:lol:

[yayow]

Haven't done it in awhile but whenever I did in the pass, I have paid a small down payment, not large and paid the rest upon arrival as the others have said, I would tread lightly with this guy.

[Rubicon]

Haven't done it in awhile but whenever I did in the pass, I have paid a small down payment, not large and paid the rest upon arrival as the others have said, I would tread lightly with this guy.

Agreed. That's typically how it's done.

kris boog, when I initially made a decision to rent my apartment I considered offering to pay my rent for a whole year (I HATE monthly payments) because it would be convenient for me, and because the landlord was an older American who had a solid reputation locally. But the more I thought about it the more I realized that his reputation was really secondary. The fact is that he is elderly and it occured to me that if something happened to him, I'd be in a much more uncertain situation where my money is concerned.

If I were you, offer to pay the deposit, but also offer to pay the balance upon arrival. Even if it's a legitimate owner you're dealing with, if something should happen, you don't know who you're going to be dealing with later.

[eldorob]

Probably legit, but they will be happy to take a small deposit and meet you with the keys and get the rest in cash.

A lot of gated communities don't allow chicas to be "unattended". You gotta escort them in and out of the front gate, in a vehicle. And the gate could be a half mile away.

[kris boog]

Thank You all for your advice. It just didn't feel right to me, but since I have never rented a villa before I wasn't sure what the normal procedure was. I might just move on to a different property since I didn't negotiate the price down, better yet I'll tell him that I found something cheaper where I can put down a smaller deposit $200 and pay the balance on arrival and see what he says.

I've included his last email below. I actually did not ask him what development, so if I decide to move forward I will definetly do that. Based on this uncertainty I might also revist hispaniola, I see that a lot of you guys like it, and though I would have to pay that 16% tax atleast I can have some confidence that I am dealing with a reputable company.

Thanks again for sharing your experiences and knowledge.


We are very glad you have chosen to stay with us.
Your calculated deposit was $650. I can reduce that to $450 per your
request. Your balance due will be $850 and I will need the final
payment to be made 10 days before you arrive in February.
You this is the most popular rental in the development. You and your
friends will love it.
You can make the deposit via PayPal and I will send you a receipt and
confirmation.
Your Host,
Tracey

[DominicanBilly]

Thank You all for your advice. It just didn't feel right to me, but since I have never rented a villa before I wasn't sure what the normal procedure was. I might just move on to a different property since I didn't negotiate the price down, better yet I'll tell him that I found something cheaper where I can put down a smaller deposit $200 and pay the balance on arrival and see what he says.

I've included his last email below. I actually did not ask him what development, so if I decide to move forward I will definetly do that. Based on this uncertainty I might also revist hispaniola, I see that a lot of you guys like it, and though I would have to pay that 16% tax atleast I can have some confidence that I am dealing with a reputable company.

Thanks again for sharing your experiences and knowledge.

Having been a manager in the Sand Trap Inn (now Blackbeards), the Field of Dreams and now Harbor View Condos I have never ask for payment in advance. In this economic down turn with lower than 50% occupancy I would never pay in advance. The other factor in your favor is that when you arrive at a villa you can ask which one is available. You will be show the best one available, if it is to your liking you pay and move in. If not negotiate a lower price or leave because there are lots of vacant accommodations.

My 2 cents!

[michel3275]

Thank You all for your advice. It just didn't feel right to me, but since I have never rented a villa before I wasn't sure what the normal procedure was. I might just move on to a different property since I didn't negotiate the price down, better yet I'll tell him that I found something cheaper where I can put down a smaller deposit $200 and pay the balance on arrival and see what he says.

I've included his last email below. I actually did not ask him what development, so if I decide to move forward I will definetly do that. Based on this uncertainty I might also revist hispaniola, I see that a lot of you guys like it, and though I would have to pay that 16% tax atleast I can have some confidence that I am dealing with a reputable company.

Thanks again for sharing your experiences and knowledge.


We are very glad you have chosen to stay with us.
Your calculated deposit was $650. I can reduce that to $450 per your
request. Your balance due will be $850 and I will need the final
payment to be made 10 days before you arrive in February.
You this is the most popular rental in the development. You and your
friends will love it.
You can make the deposit via PayPal and I will send you a receipt and
confirmation.
Your Host,
Tracey


Final payment 10 days before you arrive???? i would never pay that. most hotels i have been to in sosua don't ask for a deposit. I pay a a small deposit trough paypal when i book El Colibri because i know and trust Monique but this looks like a scam.
Things change way too quick in the D.R. to do anything in advance. Too many options to even consider this place. :icontd::icontd::icontd::icontd:

[gdogg]

With the resources you have on this board, I'm wondering why you got involved with them in the first place without checking here first.

:dontknow:

[JD426]

If I could just add one more small strategy to what has been said..

Its amazing how much LEVERAGE you have if you show up at a Hotel, or even Villa, with NO suitcase in hand. In other words check into a Diff hotel for one day, or better yet have a wingman perhaps hold your stuff, even in the rental Car, but its more convincing if they see you didnt just come from the Airport, make like you been in town a day or so and are just window shopping.
Inquire and ask about what is available & Prices , and let THEM impressy You, then when they ask when ? , tell them "How about right NOW"..
Booking in advance in the Dr, esp sosua, seems to only guarantee HIGHER prices, and they may even screw up yoru reservations anyway, which they are notorious for in the DR..
I personally would just show up with NO reservations, and as Dom Billy said, let them SHOW you what they got. There are so many vacancies, there is NO way youre gonna be out on the street without a place to stay , its just not going to happen.

[kris boog]

Thank You All. I emailed the "owner" today and shared my concerns. He said that his villa was located in the Hispaniola community, but his answer was so in depth that it may have raised more questions than answers. I may go ahead and call the Hispaniola and see if they vouch for him; but I am leaning towards moving on.... See his reponse below.

Hi Tee,
>
> I understand. Here's some background that might help. I developed
> this property primarily to serve guys that want to have fun. From the
> 40 foot crystal clear pool to the 3 big screen televisions (50 inch
> plasma, 60 inch lcd and 73 inch 3D TV) AND the 150 inch projection
> screen with a $1500 hi definition projector. I also contemplated that
> people would want an ocean view and would want to be close to the
> action (its a little bit of a walk to town but you don't need a car if
> you are in reasonable shape). I put in a fantastic outdoor shower in
> the Master Bedroom as well as movie box with 100 blu-ray and DVD
> movies and at one time had ipods, video games equipment and games etc
> (the small stuff was stolen so I am trying to figure out how to secure
> items so my good custumers can enjoy). In short, I put a lot of
> thought and money into this villa and that is why I charge a bit more.
> All I require is that people respect the property and have a great
> time.
>
> In terms of the deposit, this Villa rents 3 months in advance.
> Therefore I will almost always lose money if people cancel. It is one
> of the best renting villas in a very large gated community (I even
> made the developer put in a basketball court because I knew some of my
> clients would be ballers:).
>
> In terms of credibility you can call James Kenney in the Hispaniola
> Residencial offices (809-235-7546) to confirm these facts and the
> fact that I am CEO of a unit of American Express (Google Tracey Thomas
> American Express CEO IP Zone and you will find me). In short, I have
> too much to lose to cheat some good fellas out of their hard-earned
> cash:)
>
> In closing I am looking for repeat clients that I can have a good
> relationship with so I can continue to offer stuff that other villas
> won't have. You take care of me and I will take care of you.
>
> Really want your business.
>
> Tracey


A second email came shortlt after...

Also, if you pay the upfront deposit you can pay the remainder when
you arrive. If you want to pay the deposit in 2 parts- say half now
and half in 60 days you can do that as well. That is not a problem at
all.
Also if you have to cancel, deposits can be applied toward future
dates with no time limit.
Tracey

[sosuaman]

If I could just add one more small strategy to what has been said..

Its amazing how much LEVERAGE you have if you show up at a Hotel, or even Villa, with NO suitcase in hand. In other words check into a Diff hotel for one day, or better yet have a wingman perhaps hold your stuff, even in the rental Car, but its more convincing if they see you didnt just come from the Airport, make like you been in town a day or so and are just window shopping.
Inquire and ask about what is available & Prices , and let THEM impressy You, then when they ask when ? , tell them "How about right NOW"..
Booking in advance in the Dr, esp sosua, seems to only guarantee HIGHER prices, and they may even screw up yoru reservations anyway, which they are notorious for in the DR..
I personally would just show up with NO reservations, and as Dom Billy said, let them SHOW you what they got. There are so many vacancies, there is NO way youre gonna be out on the street without a place to stay , its just not going to happen.

right on the money....

[MrHappy]

I'm with you guys.. Something about this offer is setting off my BS'ometer.

I'd say if you can call the Hispanola folks, and they'll vouch for the guy, I'd give it a second thought, but it would have to be a pretty strong recommendation from them.

[kris boog]

I've already decided not to deal with this guy, but I thought I would share anyway. I awoke this morning to another email from tracey... I guess in this economy everyone has a hustle. Thanks again everyone.

. . .and I will drop your deposit to $450. You pay in 2 parts (50%
now and 50% in 2 months).
If you guys become regulars I will give you great deals on this Villa
and others that I own/control in the development. You can also talk
to one or 2 of my regulars that can confirm I give them great deals
when I can.

Really want your business.
Tracey

(If you play games like my family, I will have X-box 360 and maybe ps3
machines secured in the media room by then too--bring your controllers
and games)

[bronxbomber718]

casa Linda requires you to pay in full and in advance now...the villa we're staying in now has been paid for since last month

[fonejas]

I just stayed at Casa Linda 2 weeks ago no deposit payed when i arrived and also received a discount on my 4 th night they wanted a deposit but i told them I pay cash when i arrive they booked my reservation ASAP.
By the way Casa Linda was great nice properties I'm going back in Oct but am thinking about staying at resedencial hispaniola because its closer to PC

[sporthobbyist]

He will take paypal. just make sure he is verified
That is your protection. if it is a scam, paypal will get your money back.
or refund you and collect from him.


My first trip to Costa Rica, i booked a condo from CL. Paid in full via Paypal many weeks prior to stay.
I was nervous as well, that when we showed up, they would say "what money? what room?"
But that was not the case. It went smoothly

The apartment I rent in Rio, takes Paypal as a deposit as well. I never had an issue. Just make sure he is a verified paypal account

BUT, it is kind of strange that a place in sosua is asking for money prior to arrival???

[yayow]

Thank You All. I emailed the "owner" today and shared my concerns. He said that his villa was located in the Hispaniola community, but his answer was so in depth that it may have raised more questions than answers. I may go ahead and call the Hispaniola and see if they vouch for him; but I am leaning towards moving on.... See his reponse below.

Hi Tee,
>
> I understand. Here's some background that might help. I developed
> this property primarily to serve guys that want to have fun. From the
> 40 foot crystal clear pool to the 3 big screen televisions (50 inch
> plasma, 60 inch lcd and 73 inch 3D TV) AND the 150 inch projection
> screen with a $1500 hi definition projector. I also contemplated that
> people would want an ocean view and would want to be close to the
> action (its a little bit of a walk to town but you don't need a car if
> you are in reasonable shape). I put in a fantastic outdoor shower in
> the Master Bedroom as well as movie box with 100 blu-ray and DVD
> movies and at one time had ipods, video games equipment and games etc
> (the small stuff was stolen so I am trying to figure out how to secure
> items so my good custumers can enjoy). In short, I put a lot of
> thought and money into this villa and that is why I charge a bit more.
> All I require is that people respect the property and have a great
> time.
>
> In terms of the deposit, this Villa rents 3 months in advance.
> Therefore I will almost always lose money if people cancel. It is one
> of the best renting villas in a very large gated community (I even
> made the developer put in a basketball court because I knew some of my
> clients would be ballers:).
>
> In terms of credibility you can call James Kenney in the Hispaniola
> Residencial offices (809-235-7546) to confirm these facts and the
> fact that I am CEO of a unit of American Express (Google Tracey Thomas
> American Express CEO IP Zone and you will find me). In short, I have
> too much to lose to cheat some good fellas out of their hard-earned
> cash:)
>
> In closing I am looking for repeat clients that I can have a good
> relationship with so I can continue to offer stuff that other villas
> won't have. You take care of me and I will take care of you.
>
> Really want your business.
>
> Tracey


A second email came shortlt after...

Also, if you pay the upfront deposit you can pay the remainder when
you arrive. If you want to pay the deposit in 2 parts- say half now
and half in 60 days you can do that as well. That is not a problem at
all.
Also if you have to cancel, deposits can be applied toward future
dates with no time limit.
Tracey



I understand everyone's concern, but the guy he mentioned in Hispaniola James Kenny I know him and have known him for a long time, and always was a stand up guy, and worked in the Hispaniola offices when I used to vacation there before I moved down there, he has been associated with them at Hispaniola from the beginning when there really wasn't much there, thought about doing something there myself before deciding to leave Sosua.

I ran into Jimmy a few months ago, and the number he has listed for him in this post is his, plus I have a second more direct number for him. Having said this actually I don't think Jimmy is too much involved with their properties at Hispaniola anymore, he is still involved with the company, but dealing with their new properties on the beach I forget what they call it, but not far from where the helicopter land I think on DR Rosen or is it called Alejo something don't remember the names of the streets up there anymore, but Jimmy Kenny is a legit dude and has been for years in the Sosua community, from Casa Linda to Hispaniola and now the new locale that the company has. Just from what I know of the guy. A relationship that has lasted well over 7 years now.

[rahsta]

Good Evening All,

Thus far, I have stayed in a hotel room for all my trips. A couple buddies and I are planning another trip and we would like to try out the villa thing. I see that many of you have either stayed in the villa previously or stay there all the time now.

I am considering the following listing http://www.vrbo.com/361359. The owner wants a $450.00 deposit and the remainder paid 10 days before we arrival. I have 3 main questions:

1. How do I know that I am sending my money to the actual owner of the property and not some scam artist?
2. Have any of you ever stayed here ands dealt with the owner Tracee?
3. When staying at most of the villas in and around Sosua, do you rent cars, scooters, or just use motoconchos?

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Kris

Only pay the balance once you get there and are in the villa. That 10 day thing is BS.

[yayow]

Only pay the balance once you get there and are in the villa. That 10 day thing is BS.

Oh by the way, although I know Jimmy and have for years, I always paid a small deposit and paid balance upon arrival and receiving of the keys, some have indicated that their policies there have changed a bit, I wouldn't know anything about that, because I haven't had the need to rent a place in one of those location since I moved into town.


Wait I just remembered something on my 50th birthday bash two years ago now, I did rent a villa in hispaniola for a few nights, and same thing a deposit and balance paid upon checking in, again don't know if things have changed since then.

[DCIronman]

Oh by the way, although I know Jimmy and have for years, I always paid a small deposit and paid balance upon arrival and receiving of the keys, some have indicated that their policies there have changed a bit, I wouldn't know anything about that, because I haven't had the need to rent a place in one of those location since I moved into town.


Wait I just remembered something on my 50th birthday bash two years ago now, I did rent a villa in hispaniola for a few nights, and same thing a deposit and balance paid upon checking in, again don't know if things have changed since then.

As far as I know, Hispaniola doesn't require the balance upfront. Every time I've rented with them, I've always paid the balance upon arrival.

But I believe the OP is renting directly from the villa owner, not Hispaniola.

[natmatt]

Never stayed at the villas and never sent $$$ to anyone for a room before I went down there.

If something comes up and you have to cancel, good luck getting your money back and he said
that the deposit will be credited to a future stay, good luck with that too.

It just sounds like a bad idea to me, I would just find somewhere else to stay. Some of the guys
on the board have stayed there and can probably vouch for the villas; but, even given that I
still would not do it. You do not know who you are dealing with.

I do not even pay hotels up-front. If they want their money up-front, I tell them that I am only
staying two days and pay for that and tell them that I changed my mind and pay for another two
days.

[DCIronman]

Never stayed at the villas and never sent $$$ to anyone for a room before I went down there.

If something comes up and you have to cancel, good luck getting your money back and he said
that the deposit will be credited to a future stay, good luck with that too.

It just sounds like a bad idea to me, I would just find somewhere else to stay. Some of the guys
on the board have stayed there and can probably vouch for the villas; but, even given that I
still would not do it. You do not know who you are dealing with.

I do not even pay hotels up-front. If they want their money up-front, I tell them that I am only
staying two days and pay for that and tell them that I changed my mind and pay for another two
days.

Actually, the villa rental agencies that I've dealt with have excellent cancellation policies. They really couldn't get by asking for money upfront if they didn't.

Take Casa Linda. They're one of those agencies that require payment upfront (if you book through the website). I had to cancel a reservation recently because of work, but because I was two weeks out, I was able to get all of my money back. And as long as you're at least a week out, you get 80% back.

As long as you're not trying to cancel a couple of days before, you'll get your money back. Villa communities aren't like hotels. They don't get many walk-ins. So the chances of them recouping the lost income from a last minute cancellation are very low. So it's common practice with most vacation rentals to ask for a portion of the reservation upfront.

It's simply the nature of the business. Those that can't deal with that should just stick to hotels. Simple as that.:rolleyes:

[GREEKFREAK]

Casa Linda asked that everything be paid 15 days before arrival.through paypal

[lindin]

Casa Linda asked that everything be paid 15 days before arrival.through paypal

Is this a new policy or has it always been that way?

[GREEKFREAK]

Is this a new policy or has it always been that way?


not sure I'm staying my first time next month.

[DCIronman]

Is this a new policy or has it always been that way?

It's a fairly new policy. I used to stay in Casa Linda quite often from '04-'09. And up until this recent reservation that I had to cancel, I've never paid the balance upfront.

Casa Linda has experienced a change in both management and policy within the last few years. Most of the changes, which were probably made because of serious competition from Hispaniola, are big improvements IMO.