13 Vacation Rental Scams You Need to Watch Out For
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While vacation rentals are a well known choice for travelers who want comfort and affordability, not every listing is as dreamy as it seems. As the apps for rental platforms get bigger, so the scams grow. Some clever ploys have even caught off guard some seasoned travelers. The risks are from deals that seem too good to be true to properties which disappear after payment, and a relaxing getaway can quickly become a cautionary tale.
You’d be forgiven for thinking that scams are for dummies, as some cons are so devious you wouldn’t know they’d hit you until after it was too late. It can save you money, and a whole lot of time and stress, knowing what to watch out for. Below, we discuss some common scams you may come across when renting and how to avoid becoming a victim.
Duplicate Listings
Picture this: a gorgeous beachside villa listed on two different websites with two different prices. Obviously, you can’t resist the much cheaper price. The bad news is you might just have given your money to a fraudster who copied the real listing and undercuts the price to catch victims. It’s always best to check if a rental is legit by looking for discrepancies in descriptions, photos or host profiles. If you see the same listing with suspiciously different rates, pump the brakes.
The Too-Good-to-Be-True Deal
A luxurious penthouse for half the price of anything else in the area? These deals are often bait, and it’s tempting. Scammers know that you are excited and your mind is clouded and they want you to book before rational thinking kicks in. If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be stingy with your trust and don’t trust listings that sound too good to be true.
Fake Reviews
The use of fake glowing testimonials can make a property so irresistible to unsuspecting travelers. In fact, some may even use bots to fill up a page with random praises. In order to see through bogus reviews, keep an eye out for repetition of words or lack of detail as to the property. Most of the time, authentic reviews usually include the mention of certain amenities or host–guest interactions.
The Advance Payment Trap
Scammers may even insist that they have to be paid outside of a secure platform, for example, ‘lower fees’ or ‘faster processing.’ The rental is gone, and so is the money you send via bank transfer or wire service once you send it. Use only the official payment system of the platform. It will cost you a little bit more in fees, but it’s worth it for the peace of mind and the financial protection.
The Ghost Host
You book a property pay upfront and show up at your destination, no one to meet you or let you in. In some cases the property does not even exist. It’s always a good idea to video chat with the host before booking, or request a recent photo of the property. Here is a travel tip: if they make excuses, it’s a red flag.
Identity Theft
While some scammers will ask for personal details, such as your passport information or credit card number, as a way of verifying your identity. Once they have your data, they can commit fraud. Don’t share sensitive information unless it’s absolutely necessary and only through the secure channels offered by the booking platform.
Switch-and-Bait Properties
You book some amazing apartment, and when you get there, you’re told that it’s “unavailable.” You are offered a lesser property by the host, and a scheduling error is blamed. Fight this by following up the booking in writing and asking the host upfront what their cancellation policy is. A reputable host will explain and compensate for switching properties.
Hidden Fees
Your rental may look affordable at face value, but taxes, cleaning fees and other extras can bring it up to a cost way higher than what is advertised. It’s always a good idea to review the full cost breakdown before booking. All this is usually shown if you scroll through rental platforms’ fine print.
Nonexistent Pet Policies
Some listings list themselves as pet friendly only to tack on hefty, unlisted fees upon arrival or flat out refuse to let your furry companion stay. Ask the host to send you written confirmation of what pet fees or restrictions may be and call or message the host beforehand to clarify on pet policies.
Fake Cancellation Policies
You book and cancel within the agreed time frame, expecting a refund, only to find out the host has changed the policy after you’ve booked. Make sure to take screenshots of the policy when you book and save any communication done on the platform for future documentation.
The Locked-Out Guest
When you return from a day out you find yourself locked out because the ‘host’ wasn’t even authorized to rent the property in the first place. Research the property owner’s credentials so you know who you’re dealing with, and make sure the rental meets local laws to avoid this travel blunder.
The Overbooked Nightmare
Some hosts overbook properties in the pursuit of maximum profit, so there are even multiple guests fighting over the same rental. It is good always to reconfirm your reservation with the host a few days before your arrival.
Unrealistic Photos
Some listings have heavy edited or staged photos that aren’t truthful of the property’s actual state. Search for reviews that speak about the property’s accuracy. When possible, ask the host for recent unedited photos.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.