6 signs your vacation rental is a scam
Booking a rental property for your next vacation? There’s a scam for that!
Seriously, vacation rental scams are everywhere. Last year alone, Airbnb banned 59,000 fake listings — and stopped 157,000 listings from making it to the site in the first place.
Too bad they didn’t catch the guy who scammed people out of $7 million over two years. He listed 100 properties across the U.S. and accepted 10,000 offers. His bait-and-switch schemes worked … till he got caught.
Being familiar with the red flags can save you from being a victim. And that’s why I’m here today — to give you the know-how.
1. Suspicious photos
Does the picture of that beachfront property look like it’s straight out of a pricey photoshoot? Well, it might be. Images that are just a little too polished should raise your eyebrows. Try a reverse image search to see if it pops up elsewhere online. How? Open a pic, right-click on it, then choose Search Image or similar in your browser.
2. That doesn’t add up
Some hosts list a property at different price points on multiple platforms. The highest bidder wins, so your stay could get canceled if they find a person to pay more. This could also be what’s known as a “phantom rental.” In this scheme, crooks cook up a completely fake listing using a bogus address and photos and run away with your money.
3. Under pressure
This is a classic scam tactic: Pressure victims to do something right now. When you’re rushed into making a decision, you’re more likely to overlook serious flaws in the listing. A legitimate host won’t rush you into sealing the deal.
4. ‘Can you send me a gift card?’
You should always pay through the rental site. They’re secure and typical payment methods include debit, credit and sometimes a direct bank transfer. Never pay using a cash app, via crypto or using a certified check.
These SHOCKING hidden spy cameras could be secretly recording everything you do
If you thought the infamous James Bond spy gear was too ridiculous to be true, think again. Life is often stranger than fiction. Take, for example, the shocking hidden cameras you can drink, light up or even hide in your shirt.
Use these steps to find hidden cameras in an Airbnb or rental property
Camera technology has advanced immensely in the past few years. They keep getting smaller and smaller, making it possible to conceal them any which way. Cameras have become really affordable, too, and it’s now feasible to blanket your whole property with surveillance equipment without breaking the bank.
Stuck at home? Make sure your vacation property is safe without having to travel
Do you own a second home? It’s pretty common to own a vacation home or rental property. In fact, it’s estimated that nearly 7.5 million Americans do.
With coronavirus (COVID-19) fears and travel restrictions ramping up, you might not be able to take that trip you were planning anytime soon. These are strange times and you might be worried about your other property if you can’t travel there.