tcreath

Thank you so much for all of the advice and for the very gracious offers to call! That is so very thoughtful.

I think that, at this point, I'm just going to give up and send a cancellation notice. There are a few properties that I do like that are still available and I'm going to try to get one booked today. I like that apartment, but the region is filled with cute rentals. I don't mind waiting a few days to hear back, but I think a week (and three separate emails) is more than adequate time. Fortunately I'm only out 60 euro. Yes schnauzer...no more western union for me! Lesson learned

Tracy

yestravel

I would wait to send any cancellation notice until you have secured a new booking. While I agree the whole deal sounds peculiar and perhaps fishy, I'd keep my options open. I have used Western Union a few times and not had an issue. This was after back and forth and my feeling ok that everythng was legit. But in general I avoid it.
Good luck!

cocofromdijon

I'm curious to know if it turns out to be a real scam or just a lazy habit (unforgivable IMO) If it is a scam you should tell VRBO so they remove it from their listings.
If you don't have them already, check those links to find a more secured rental.
https://en.gites-de-france.com/holid...e=liste&page=1
http://www.clevacances.com/en/locati...iquewihr-28308
Good luck and please keep us posted Tracy!

tcreath

Thanks Coco! Do you think I should try calling her? Or maybe have you try, since you so graciously offered? I would like to know if it's a scam. Or if I should just let it go? I haven't sent the cancellation yet although I did find a few suitable options if this falls through.

suze

<I have no idea how she found my direct email address.>

That is to me the most strange part of this story!

cocofromdijon

Tracy I was waiting for your details to call her so I didn't. As it is almost 11pm in France you still have time to email me and I can call her tomorrow morning. Bonne nuit!

Suze, Joan answered about the email address access

tcreath

She finally responded!! She just said that yes we are still confirmed, gave me the total remaining amount due, and said she is looking forward to seeing us on the 11th. Never mentioned why it took so long to get back to me.

So I guess it's okay. I'm still nervous but as she has responded I feel more comfortable.

Coco (and StCirq) thank you so much for offering to call on my behalf. That is so incredibly kind of you both.

Tracy

cocofromdijon

I've just spent almost an hour with the owner Catherine as I wanted to make sure her email address and VRBO listing had not been hijacked. She confirmed your contact yesterday and your 3 night booking. Bonnes vacances in Alsace Tracy!

StCirq

Glad to hear it worked out.

yestravel

Good to!

Hi Coco! Hope all is well with you. So nice of you to do that.

Helsie

Isn't this Fodors community great ???

joan

Nice! Glad to hear this worked out!

cocofromdijon

This is D-Day for Tracy! Hope she will have a great time and that she'll tell us here.

Pvoyageuse

"Sometimes European internet access is very expensive, and people only check their email once or twice a week. "
Internet access is cheapest in Europe than in the US and internet access in France is one of the cheapest inEurope.

travelhorizons

Impressive responsiveness from the Fodor's community — great work, everyone! I do hope to hear how this turned out