Millions of people are gearing up for spring and summer vacations, with rental platforms like Airbnb being a popular choice for accommodation. However, travelers should be wary of vacation rental scams that could ruin their trip. Here are some tips to help avoid becoming a victim of a rental scam:
One of the biggest red flags is being directed to pay outside of the normal website or platform. Always pay through the website where you made the reservation, and don’t fall for advanced payment requests on classified sites or social media.
Another red flag is receiving unusual cancellations from the booking site. Be cautious if a cancellation comes from the booking site due to property issues or unavailability. Legitimate sites will move reservations or reimburse renters for unavailable properties, while fraudulent sites may charge fees or retain deposits.
Be cautious of rental property photos that look too good to be true. Research the property address using tools like Google Maps to view independent images of the rental.
Beware of fake damage fees. Take pictures of the property before and after your stay to document any cleanup efforts, and don’t fall for emails claiming damage and requesting fees from illegitimate sources.
To avoid vacation rental scams, travelers should research companies before doing business, check for complaints with the Ohio Attorney General’s Office and Better Business Bureau, and verify phone numbers, links, and websites to ensure contact with legitimate companies. They should also review the terms and conditions of agreements and cancellation policies before signing, get verbal promises in writing, pay with a credit card for stronger protections in case of disputes, keep a copy of contracts or purchase agreements, and verify reservations by calling the resort or hotel when booking through a third party.
By being vigilant and following these guidelines, travelers can protect themselves from rental scams and enjoy a stress-free vacation.