Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is a great way for Disney enthusiasts to enjoy Disney resorts and save money. DVC is a timeshare, but…it’s not that kind of timeshare. DVC members are frequent Disney vacationers who purchase points which are used as currency at select Deluxe Disney resorts. What makes this investment unique is how Disney offers a good amount of flexibility to members. They can bank points for the future, borrow against future points, and choose different resorts to use their points. DVC also allows members to “rent” their points to non-members when they either can’t use their points in time or choose to rent out a portion to recoup some of their investment. 

In an ideal circumstance, this can work out well for both parties. The DVC member has the freedom to use or rent out as many of their points as they choose, and renters can enjoy the reduced rates of a luxury Deluxe Disney resort without investing in a membership. This can result in significant savings for the renter, but these rental agreements don’t always turn out the way they should.

Popular DVC Rental Scams

Whenever there is a financial gain to be made, scammers will try to get their hands in the mix. The most popular DVC rental point scams can be sorted into three categories:

• The scammer impersonates a DVC member using a fake name or identity.
• The scammer forges documents and does not in fact have points to rent out at all. 
• The renter uses a form of payment that allows them to contest a completed trip, their money is refunded, and the owner is left with nothing. 

In all cases, scammers are very crafty storytellers and can provide realistic looking documents and “proof of identity” to gain your trust. 

You know the show: The agreement seems to be going well, you send the money, the seller takes a long time to respond, may even delay sending you the rental agreements or stops communicating with you altogether. They reassure you that everything is legit, but won’t provide you with a reservation number.

NEVER SEND MONEY BEFORE RECEIVING YOUR RESERVATION NUMBER TO BE LINKED TO YOUR MY DISNEY EXPERIENCE!

This is how they scam you……

How to Spot Red Flags

It’s devastating and hard to assess because scammers are good at what they do, and they prey on your excitement hoping you won’t notice any red flags. Advancements in technology may be allowing them to up their game, but there are certain things to watch for that can help you spot and avoid a scam on the DVC rental market.  

• Pressure to pay upfront in full or in part, before getting reservation information. 

The seller will mention that the deal they are offering is too good to last, and you need to pay quickly to make sure you don’t miss out. Any seller who portrays a sense of urgency is hoping that you won’t take the time to look into the details.

• A price that is too good to be true.

While yes, you can get some good deals in the point rental market, if the price is too good to be true, it probably is. Research the current market value of a point rental to see if the price you are quoted aligns with the market value. Sometimes you find a hidden gem, just do your research before committing.

• Insisting on untraceable payment methods.

Asking for cash, wire transfers, or payment in gift cards should be an immediate red flag. Going through legitimate and traceable payment methods will protect both parties.

• Sob story of why they can’t use their points.

You don’t need to know the details of why someone is opting to rent their points. While some sellers may want to let you know why they’re opting not to use their points, the backstories should not be elaborate. Scammers might try to weigh on your emotions and offer detailed stories about medical emergencies, financial crises, or heartbreaking tragedies. If you are getting a lot of unnecessary personal details, do some research.

• Verbal or email agreement without a detailed written agreement.

DVC owners understand the need for verification and a detailed written agreement. Your contract should outline all the specifics, including resort name, room type, specific dates, and the exact amount and due date of payment, along with contact information. If someone tries to pressure you into a deal with a verbal agreement only before insisting on payment, it’s a big red flag.

How to Rent DVC Points Without Getting Scammed

The best way to avoid getting scammed is to work with a trusted broker rather than opting for a direct private deal. The advantage of using a broker is that they act as the middleman to help with the transfer process and can ensure that everything is legitimate. Many brokers get to know the DVC members who are renting their points, offering a layer of protection. 

Brokers will help with the money exchange. Members should get paid directly from the renter using a verified form of payment, such as a cashier’s check or payment service like Zelle. While the member is always in charge of the rental process, the renter will have the advantage of trusting the broker and their expertise in confirming the reservation.

Point rental is a great option for people who want to experience the DVC resorts without the commitment of buying a DVC membership. We have over 30 years of personal experience as DVC members ourselves and over 30 combined years as DVC Guides at Disney selling DVC. We can help guide you in choosing the best resorts and facilitate DVC point rentals between you and the member for a secure and trustworthy transaction. Let us help you create a memorable Disney vacation at a fraction of the cost. Whether renting, buying, or selling points, DVC Advantages can be your guide. We love our Disney vacations and find a lot of joy in helping others maximize theirs. Contact us to plan your next trip!