Are you planning a vacation? Looking for the perfect vacation rental? Nothing can put a damper on a vacation like showing up to your destination and finding out you’ve been scammed. Before you book your stay, heed the following tips from Business Consumer
Alliance (“BCA”) on identifying fraudulent rental listings and tips for booking a vacation rental. Being aware of common scams and identifying red flags can help you avoid falling victim to these crooks.
The Scheme of Things
Scammers are crafty and use any underhanded tactics they can to defraud consumers. Fraudsters often create fake websites that look legitimate, advertising rentals that don’t exist or aren’t available in an effort to deceive people into sending money before
the truth is revealed. They post attractive photos of homes and condos on vacation rental and property sharing websites, frequently with unbelievably low rental prices, to entice you to contact them. Some even capture real rental listings and change the contact
information so you’re redirected to the schemers or they hack the email accounts of property owners on reputable vacation rental websites. Others even go so far as to find empty properties that have been vacant for months, break into them and rent them to
unsuspecting individuals. No matter how the scam is laid out, the main focus is to swindle money or commitidentity theft.
Cause to Take Pause
When searching for a rental, it’s important to recognize warning signs that you may be dealing with a fraud. Check out some red flags that may tip you off to a scam:
- You’re asked to wire money or use a reloadable money pack to pay a security deposit or vacation rental fee to hold the rental.
- A security deposit is required before you receive or sign a lease.
- The landlord, owner, or listing agent claims to be out of the country.
- All correspondence is done by email and they are never available to speak over the phone.
- The listing price is far below market or much lower than rental rates in the immediate area.
- You are pressured to act right away or rushed to rent.
Avoid Getting Bilked
Before you agree to book, here are some steps to take to help avoid getting conned by a rental scam:
- Check out the ad by doing a quick Internet search. Copy and paste a section of the ad’s description to see if it shows up on other listings. If your search lands on a property that is for sale, or other listings but different contact, you may be dealing
with a scam.
- Seek out the property. Do an online search of the property address to see if it even exists. Google Maps allows you to take an aerial and street view of the address. If you are fairly close to the property, or know someone who is, it may be beneficial to
take a trip to ensure the place is as advertised.
- Ask if the person listing the rental is the property owner or an agent. Request a copy of the individual’s identification to research them. Use the information to check out who you are dealing with. If the person is the owner, check property records to
make sure the information matches and to verify that the property is not in default. If the listing is from an agent, verify their licensing credentials and obtain proof that they have permission to rent the property and sign a lease.
- Look for victims. Searching the web can alert you to others that may have been scammed by the ads or that have had a poor stay at the destination you are considering.
- Obtain a written lease/contract and read it thoroughly. Get everything in writing before you book and pay any money. All terms and conditions should be clearly disclosed.
- Know what is included by asking plenty of questions. Walking on Travels’ lists45 questions to ask before booking a vacation rental, from how many people are allowed
to stay on the property to whether housekeeping is included.
- Pay by credit card. If a problem arises or you discover fraud, you have some recourse and can file a dispute.
- Get an emergency contact. If there is a problem or emergency during your stay, you need to have someone to contact. Make sure you have a phone number and email address and possibly a backup to get in touch with, if necessary.
*Bonus Tip: Do a Google image search on the picture of the rental. Because scammers often copy photos from other sites you may find that beach rental listing you’re viewing is really a photo from a whole different location.
If you find a fraudulent posting or know of a scam, warn others by filing a complaint with BCA or writing a review about your experience. Contact the person that operates the website or where the ad is posted to warn them, possibly getting the ad removed.
Need help finding a trustworthy company to book your next vacation, help with your travel needs, or assist with finding a vacation rental? Check out the BCA member directory, which includes a wide category of businesses includingtravel,
real estate,
resort and
vacation rental companies.
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About the Author:
Nicole Pitts is a Senior Business Analyst and Writing Correspondent for Business Consumer Alliance. She has been with the organization for 13 years and specializes in report writing, business evaluation, and investigations. Nicole corresponds with businesses
regarding complaint trends and provides suggestions to help them alleviate problem areas that may cause concern. She also conducts advertisement reviews, reports on government enforcement actions, and assists government agencies and the media in obtaining
information. Nicole may be reached by email at npitts@businessconsumeralliance.org.
About Business Consumer Alliance:
Business Consumer Alliance (BCA) is a non-profit company that started in 1936. The broad purpose of BCA is to promote business self-regulation. BCA's mission is achieved by assisting consumers in resolving complaints with businesses and using that complaint
information, along with other relevant information such as customer reviews, to forecast business reliability. With community support, BCA can identify trustworthy and ethical businesses and warn the public to avoid unscrupulous businesses whose purpose is
to defraud the marketplace. BCA also helps businesses promote themselves by providing services and tools to protect their business and reach out to their customers. BCA obtains its funding from member businesses who support the mission and purpose of the organization
and who agree to abide by high standards of ethical business practices.