Knowing practical vacation rentals tips is important before you head to a summer getaway with your family or friends. When choosing a vacation home, it's important to be careful because there are lots of scammers online who act like they are legal property owners and may lure you to send them money even before your intended holiday.
Here are five common vacation rentals scams that you need to be aware of.
#1: Ghost Rentals
One of the most common frauds in vacation rentals is where supposed owners offer properties that are not even real. Some scammers would even offer low rental payments or entice prospects with exceptional amenities. If you are not careful, you'd end up losing money without getting anything.
#2: False marketing
Often some people can be deceived easily by wonderful photos of properties online. Ask for other photos as proof of the property. Try to ask the owner or contact person to show live coverage of the place you're planning to rent through Skype. It is one of the best vacation rentals tips that could prevent you from being fooled online, Forbes reports.
#3: Contact trusted local agents
To be sure that you are booking real vacation homes, only trust known local agents. There are lots of agents that you can find online. Real agents have valid license and can refer property listings based on your needs. They should also be ready to show you the property anytime you want.
#4: They ask you to send money
It's obviously fishy when somebody asks you to wire money before you even see the home that you will be renting. If you can inspect the place before renting, make sure to spot check it or send someone to verify the property. Search beforehand about the property or the owner. Make sure that the property listing falls under the same owner.
#5: Legal rental contract
Don't be deceived by rip-off scammers who can't provide the property owner contact information. A real contract should specify information about the property, the owner and the renter. It's a red flag if they only ask you for a signature and nothing more, Idyllrentals.com reports.
