Avoiding Vacation Rental Scams

Nothing can ruin the fun surrounding your vacation faster than a scam. While nothing in life is 100% fool proof, there are few things an individual should think about when planning a vacation or reserving a vacation rental. It is quite shocking that someone would use the vacation industry to take advantage of people, but it happens and all travelers should all be prepared.

Below you will find tips and advice regarding two types of vacation rental scams: VRBO and vacation rental management companies.

Vacation Rental Management Companies

Vacation rental scams are less likely when renting from a vacation rental management company. They still happen but usually in a different fashion.

1. Bait and Switch – This might be the most used technique among vacation rental management companies. The scam will go something like this. You reserve a rental and at the last minute the rental is unavailable. You get moved to a similar rental. Surprisingly, there is a slight chance the rental never existed in the first place. They used a fact house to bait you into purchasing and then switched you to another rental. (Occasionally, there are real circumstance in which a management company must move guest at the last minute. If this is the case the management company should offer you a refund or an upgrade if something legitimately similar can’t be found.)
2. Reputation – Thank goodness for the internet! With just a few simple searches you can find out a lot of information about a particular company. A few good review sites include Trip Advisor, Flip Key, and Complaint.com. There are also other sites that will help in verifying a vacation rental company including the BBB and VRMA (Vacation Rental Managers Association).
3. Payment – Always pay with a credit card. It is very difficult to get your money back if you pay with cash or a wire transfer. If you pay with a credit card you have a lot more protection when it comes to getting your money back. On a side note: never pay online unless the website has a SSL. You will know this because the URL looks something like https://www.example.com. Notices the “s” after http.
4. Address – Sometimes just making sure the company has a physical address will help add credibility. This type of information should be easy to find as companies want to appears as reliable as they can.

VRBO

Renting through a VRBO (vacation rental by owner) can be slightly more difficult. It can still be safe but you might need to add a little more research.

1. Truth – Finding a deal that is too good to be true is probably too good to be true. Looking for a vacation rental that is priced fairly among competitors.
2. Speak With The Owner – Try to speak with the owner personally if  possible. While email is okay, it is probably better to speak with the owner over the phone.
3. Reviews – Find past reviews of the property. Ask the owners for a few references. A simple Google search should return some information about the property and the owner. If it is a known scam should find plenty of information.
4. Local Advice – Ask the owner about local attractions and area information. If they really have a property they should have lots of information to offer you.
5. Use A Reputable Site – Some reputable sites include VRBO or Homeaway.
6. Travel Agent – Consider using a travel agent.
7. Payment – Again, if at all possible, pay by credit card. With sites like Pay Pal it has become much easier for small business owners to except credit cards.
8. Websites – If the property owner has a separate website this is usually a good thing. Most scammers will not take the time to set up an extra website.
9. Drive By The Property – If you live close or have  family members that live close consider doing a walk through. The owner should be happy to allow a walk through.

Related posts:

1. Paid Advertising For Vacation Rentals
2. Our Friend’s Place
3. How To Avoid Damages On Vacation
4. Free Advertising For Vacation Rentals
5. Myrtle Beach VRMA 2010