6 signs your vacation rental is a scam

January 21, 2025

By Kim Komando

It’s that time of year when so many of us are planning vacations and booking a rental. Sadly, scammers are very aware of that, and they’re always changing their tricks to fool people out of their money, rentals — or worse.

One of the most prolific thieves scammed people out of $7 million over just 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? Images that are just a little too polished should raise your eyebrows. Try a reverse image search to see if a pic 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 someone who’ll pay more. But wait — it could also be 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

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?’

Always pay through the rental site. Secure payment methods include debit, credit and sometimes a direct bank transfer. Never pay using gift cards, a cash app, crypto or a certified check.

5. Too good to be true

If the price of a luxurious property seems unbelievably low, pause. Scammers often bait victims with dream deals way below market value. Compare similar listings in the area. If the price is an outlier, it’s a major red flag.

6. OK, something stinks

Don’t trust everything you read. Be wary of a large number of reviews posted around the same date, for instance. Yeah, 12 reviews in a row is a red flag.

Been duped? Your next steps

If you’ve fallen victim to a vacation rental scam, you’re not alone. Even the savviest travelers can get hoodwinked. Here’s what to do:

• Contact the authorities: Report the scam to your local police department and file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). If the scam involves a cross-border transaction, notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
• Reach out to the booking platform: If you booked through a site like Airbnb or Vrbo, contact their customer service immediately. They have fraud protection policies to help recover your funds.
• Secure your finances: If you paid via credit or debit card outside of a reputable website, freeze your account and contact your bank or card issuer ASAP, then request a chargeback. If you used a payment app like PayPal, Venmo or Cash App, contact their support team to dispute the transaction.
• Report to consumer agencies: File a report with your country’s consumer protection agency, such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or your state attorney general’s office.
• Warn others: Leave reviews or post about your experience on travel forums and social media to alert other potential renters. Sharing details might help someone else avoid the same trap.
• Review your cybersecurity: Scammers may have obtained additional information from you. Change any passwords tied to your accounts and monitor for suspicious activity.

👁️‍🗨️ And don’t forget to look for hidden cameras. Say you get to your vacation rental and it all looks great. Sorry, but it’s time to check for hidden cams. I found a dozen once! Steps here if you need a how-to.

I’ll tell you one thing … When you think about it, “The Shining” is just a story about one family’s Airbnb stay gone horribly wrong.

🏝️ Help your family and friends. Use the share icons below to spread this know-how and put the scammers out of business!