1. Be aware of renters that only give you their email address, someone that really wants to rent your property will provide you with the needed information. If in doubt call them before you respond, remember once you respond they have your email address!
2. Avoid renters with a long story about renting your property this is usually a setup for a scam.
3. Watch out for renters who pay with cashiers checks or US postal money orders and then ask for a refund or cash back. Most of the time the cashiers check or Money Orders are not good and your out the money. NEVER WIRE MONEY VIA WESTERN UNION, MONEYGRAM also FAKE CASHIER CHECKS & MONEY ORDERS ARE COMMON, and banks will hold you responsible, even if a fake is discovered weeks later.
4. NEVER GIVE OUT FINANCIAL INFORMATION (bank account number, social security number PayPal info, etc.)
Here is a real example of a scam letter:
Good day, How are you doing ? I am sorry for the late in response, I had an accident with my hanckle, but i am back right now, I have received a confirmation that the check payment for the rent has been issued in your name and mailed out to your address, so keep an eye on it.
There was a mix up before the check was mailed out.The accommodation fee and my travel expense was included in the check that was sent to you.
I want you to deduct your cost price for the accommodation and send the balance via western union transfer to my travel agent to enable me book for my flight down to your place. Anyway my travel agent will contact you as the transaction goes on.
Finally, let me know when you get the check, I am very sorry for the inconveniences caused for you sending the money down to the travel agent .Do you know any western union outlet in your area?
Who should I notify about fraud or scam attempts?
FTC toll free hotline: 877-FTC-HELP (877-382-4357)
FTC online complaint form (www.ftc.gov)
Canadian PhoneBusters hotline: 888-495-8501
Internet Fraud Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov/)
Non-emergency number for your local police department.
If you suspect a vacation listing posted on VacationRentals411 may be part of a scam, please email the details to "help@vacationrentals411.com". Be sure to include the URL(or property ID number)in your message.