Summer is in full swing and, unfortunately, so are vacation rental scammers. If you’re planning a getaway this season, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has shared these tips to help you spot a fake vacation rental ad.
Some scammers make up listings for properties that aren’t for rent or don’t exist. Ask for a copy of the contract before sending a deposit, so you can confirm the property’s address is valid. Also, if the property is in a resort, the FTC suggests calling the front desk and confirming the property’s location and other details in the contract.
Another trick scammers use is to remove the owner’s contact information from real rental listings and post the listing on a different site with their own contact details. Search for the address and see if the listing appears on multiple sites but with differing information, which is a telltale sign that something might be amiss.
Below-market rents can also be a red flag, even for “last minute” deals. Being pressured to decide is another signal that you should walk away and keep looking for a place to enjoy your holiday.