Interesting. It is my understanding that the THS investigation of a member dispute includes communication with the other member. I would think that this communication would include discussion of the bounced cheque. So the sitter is probably aware. But I suppose there is the possibility that THS was also unable to make contact. SMH.
Oof, that is frustrating.
I have been on an extremely tight budget. I have had to get by with zero dollars. I would NEVER use cash meant for something else for myself without checking with the person first (and it would have to be a huge emergency to even ask). If somehow through my own confusion said check bounced, I would be contacting the person, not waiting for them to contact me.
The sitter may not have intended the check to bounce, but she’s certainly not doing anything to rectify it. Probably because there is no longer the potential of a bad review looming, unfortunately. It would be really, really helpful if THS would allow an updated review based on this, since they don’t seem interested in removing the sitter.
You already had given her a good review before the check failed to clear? Would THS at least consider allowing you to change the review to warn other homeowners?
I was working with Trusted Housesitters to resolve the dispute and didn’t realize that I had to file with Member Dispute within 30 days so I missed the deadline.
I couldn’t address the theft in the review because I learned of the bounced check after I had written the review.
We can’t reach her
when we arrived home, she gave us the check
I made a mistake. I did dispute the “resolution,” which was that TH would not take any action to remove the sitter from the list, but I think I missed the deadline for the formal process.
They would not consider that option
Ah okay. So the sitter, what is her response to you at this point, or has she ghosted you? The trouble with THS is, well, everything, really. Unless you had video evidence of her taking the money out of the envelope and written correspondence from her saying she did that and it wasn’t for house/pet needs you’re kinda out of luck, unfortunately. Think of THS as merely a platform for connecting people, they are not in the support business, even if you’re paying for support! I’ve resigned myself to this and am much more relaxed now. What you can do in the future is have the sitter pay for anything that might be needed (within reason!) and have them text you a receipt for that and then you can Venmo/Revolut them straightaway. I’m doing that right now with a HO and I’m absolutely fine with it, I fully trust her.
THS will always come back at you saying they cannot (read: will not) “tamper” with reviews once they’re posted. They always, always say this even when I want to edit a review in a positive way they absolutely refuse.
So to be clear, you hadn’t followed the official Member Dispute process and now it is too late for you to do so. Unfortunately, I cannot think of any other options for you. Your only hope is that the sitter realizes that the cheque wasn’t processed and contacts you to query why. Hardly likely though (sadly). At least your post may be helpful to others.
Did she leave you a review? If she did, you can REPLY to her review. You can reply only 1 time so make sure you say your message without emotion and with sufficient detail so people don’t question this was in fact stealing. The forum had to ask more questions to really “believe” the sitters true intention as there wasn’t sufficient detail for some people to accept your info without doubt. What a let down on THS’s part. The sad part is she may have done this to others (if they leave emergency cash) and knows the check clearing process wont occur quick enough to show on a review. The cycle will surely continue now that she has gotten away with this.
@Jenny is there really nothing THS will do to prevent this sitter from staying on THS to deceive and steal from another Homeowner? Just because 30 days passed by does not mean this didnt happen, owner has proof. Please advise, this is so disappointing. thank you.
I would definitely respond to the review she left, if she left one in the 14 day window. It might be the last and only chance to get her attention to respond and reimburse.
out of curiosity: would a bounced check not incur fees on the empty account owner’s part? if she did that multiple times, it might have cost her more in the long run. Or that check is coming from an old check book associated to a closed account.
A good thing is to never accept a check for future home owners, and sitters. The best is always to settle any money matter before the end of the sit, or make a money transfer live in front of each other before anyone departs.
I did add something to my initial review, saying what happened, but I’m not sure that adds any value.
I appreciate your advice
I am less concerned about getting the 200 back than I am about TH knowingly, allowing a thief to continue to listing on TH.
I am very disappointed with TH’s response.
Thank you!
Thank you for your thoughts. I agree!
ps. Oh, I’m sorry—I just read back through the thread and realized she gave you back an invalid check, that’s really bad.
Have you reported this to the police ?
I believe that THS do investigate /take action if you have a crime reference - and that they will cooperate with authorities by providing them with the sitters registered address and any other contact information that they have .
@Jenny can you confirm the policy and procedures on theft by sitters ? How can hosts pursue the sitter for the money “stolen” if THS don’t share contact details with hosts ? Do THS contact the sitter on behalf of the hosts ?