How to spot vacation rental scams
Vacation rentals offer an appealing alternative to hotels, but they come with their own set of risks. Fraudsters target travelers unfamiliar with their nasty tactics. Here’s what you need to know about vacation rental scams.
Vacation Rental Scam Defined
A vacation rental scam is a type of fraud that tricks unsuspecting renters into paying for units that don’t exist or are unavailable for rent. Victims are often attracted to this scam when searching for low prices or last-minute availability.
Types of Vacation Rental Scams
There are multiple versions of the vacation rental scam. The common thread is the scammer gets paid and the renter is left without a place to stay.
• Phony Listings – Scammers lure victims with vivid AI-generated or stock images of unique properties that do not exist and disappear once payment has been made.
• Hijacked Listings – In this scenario, the unit actually exists, but you won’t be able to access it. Scammers repost stolen images and description details and replace the contact information with their own, knowing they have no legal right to rent the unit.
• Bait and Switch Listings – The property on the website may or may not exist. Once the scammer has payment, they will claim it suddenly is unavailable and offer to “switch” you to a comparable unit. The alternate unit is often inferior or simply does not exist.
Vacation Rental Scam Red Flags
In the excitement of securing a rental that fits your budget, you might be tempted to ignore common red flags. Slow down and watch out for rental listings that:
• Contain photographs that do not match the description
• Advertise a price drastically lower than similarly priced units in the area.
Legitimate hosts should be able to answer detailed questions about the unit and the local area. Scammers typically know only general information about the unit and nearby attractions.
How to Avoid a Vacation Rental Scam
While it may take extra effort, verifying the listing before booking could help avoid scams. Start by searching for units on trusted rental websites which typically require hosts to complete a verification process. You should also:
• Confirm that the location exists using a map or online satellite images.
• Avoid paying with anything other than your credit card since it provides a broad range of fraud protections.
• Request proof of property ownership from the host. A recent mortgage statement or tax bill should list their name.
• Ask for referrals from three previous renters. If the host is unable or unwilling to provide them, it could be a red flag.
If you believe you are a victim of a vacation rental scam, report it to the rental website or platform. You can also file a complaint with your state’s Attorney General and the Federal Trade Commission.