Post Last Modified – March 08, 2021
How to Avoid Vacation Rental Scams
I always try to keep up with the latest in travel safety and security and most recently read about this popular scam. I was amazed to discover how widespread Vacation Rental Scams are around the globe. This is a very disturbing scam that has been ruining peoples vacations for quite some time now.
A quick Google Search on the internet on this subject and you will discover like I did, that this type of property scam is definitely becoming a world – wide epidemic. Criminals all over are cashing in on this new market.
Vacation Rental Scams – Prevention Tips
In many cases when we visit a website on the internet that we think is real, in some cases, its really not. This is particularly so of websites where a purchase of some sort is to be made. Criminals on the internet can easily mask a website to look authentic and real.
Its called phishing!
Phishing Definition:
The practice of using fraudulent e-mails and copies of legitimate websites to extract financial data from computer users for purposes of identity theft. Dictionary.com
For example, these vacation rental thieves have sophisticated ways of hacking into legitimate rental listings on websites. They can put a contact link on that website directed to them, and not the actual real contact.
Many years ago, I was the victim of a phishing scam on a well known and trusted purchase and selling website. Having little knowledge at that time of the importance of never clicking on an email link you do not know or trust, I did, and paid as the result of doing so.
I received an email I thought was sent from this very popular and well respected company. It looked legitimate, complete with their brand logo. To make a long story short, I became the victim of fraud losing thousands of dollars on a used recreational vehicle I believed I was purchasing.
A hard lesson learned many years ago!
Tips To Prevent Vacation Rental Scams
First and foremost, know and trust who you are dealing with! Never send money by way of wire transfer, on line bank money transfer, certified cheque or any other unprotected means to a stranger.
As well, if someone asks for cash up front, flatly refuse and find another vacation rental property. Never correspond by personal email, only directly from that companies website and email on first contact.
According to statistics, these thugs will often ask for payment by way of those mentioned above. These are ways that you should definitely avoid!
If you are going to pay for a rental on your own, always make your payment by way of credit card or a protected service such as PayPal. Without a doubt, most major credit cards will offer some protection from fraud if reported and accepted. Using either of these services will at least afford you some form of protection should you become a victim of fraud.
Always make sure that the actual vacation rental property is real. Check Google Maps and contact their local Better Business Bureau. It’s always good to check with a reputable business in the area, and confirm the business you are dealing with and/or property does actually exist.
Always Use A Reputable Rental Site
Today, there are some great vacation rental properties businesses both off and on line to deal with. These businesses will offer safe and secure booking, together will complete fraud protection in place.
Such well – known names include 🏡 Booking With Airbnb and VRBO and others. So there really is no need to be going through an non managed rental firm these days, avoiding any risk of losing your money.
All of these reputable firms offer secure payment options, money back guarantees and much more. Before booking be sure to read their policies, terms and conditions to ensure you are properly protected. These reputable businesses try very hard to protect you by offering secure payment, visible online user comments and star ratings and much more.
Its like booking a vacation with someone not trust worthy. Would you do that? There are also many 👩 Benefits of Booking With A Travel Agentand this includes vacation rentals. You can book safely and securely using a professional travel agent in your community.
Typical Vacation Rental Scams
First, the scam usually involves a fake advertisement either in paper or on the internet.Typical places where you would be searching for vacation rentals. Payment will then be required to confirm your booking, either a sizable deposit and /or full payment.
If the scam artists want payment other than by credit card or PayPal type form, then this is your first clue that something is wrong.
I have rented vacation condominiums in the past in such places as Hawaii and Florida, but only with reputable rental companies. Also after having discussions on the phone a number of times, and confirming the business is legitimate.
Yet even so, if you are going to send money to them as a deposit or payment other than secure ways, you are always taking a risk these days.
In many cases when you arrive to your destination, you discover the address of the rental does not exist at all. It’s not what you rented or even worse, the owners or caretakers of that rental property have no knowledge of you ever making a booking.
Is there a worse way to spoil a vacation? After working so hard saving your money throughout the year for that dream holiday, only to find you have been the victim of a rental scam?
Take the extra care and safeguards mentioned above, so you and your family can enjoy a wonderful stress free holiday.
Below, I’ve included a link to a recent article from the Better Business Bureau on Rental Scams. It gives you an idea of just how serious of an issue this is.
Better Business Bureau – Rental Scams
Safe and Healthy Travels!
✨ Did You Know
“Even The Most Seasoned Of Traveler Can Easily Become A Victim Of A Travel Related Scam. It’s Important To Become Familiar With The Many Popular Tourist Scams Circulating Around The World.”
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