How to Avoid Vacation Rental Scam Artists?

Holiday Rentals - Vacation Rental Scam Artists

Scams by fake owners of vacation rentals are on the rise. These scam artists collect unsuspecting vacationers’ rental payments for holiday rentals that do not exist or belong to someone else. Be careful not to fall victim to these scams and get left with a very unpleasant surprise. Even beginning a transaction and finding out it is all a scam really puts a damper on a vacation.

 

 

 

 

 

Research carefully to detect any phonies or scam artists. Hereunder are a few steps you may follow to facilitate uncovering a vacation rentals fraud:

• Call the holiday rentals owner and ask many questions. True owners should know their vacation rentals property inside and out. Get a feel for the “owners” knowledge of the holiday rentals property or any hesitation in answering your questions. Feel free to continue to call back with questions until you feel convinced.
• Beware of ads posted on free classifieds. Many owners (even true owners) put ads on the internet. Ads posted on websites or online classifieds that charge an advertising fee are more trustworthy as scam artists will usually not invest in their scam. Free classifieds such as Craigslist are unfortunately a place where scammers prey.  
•  Beware of vacation rentals listings without photos. If you don’t find several pictures of the holiday rentals property in the listing, request them from the owner. The owner should have photos of the vacation rentals property from every angle. Renters have the right to know what they are paying for.