How To Avoid Vacation Rental Scams

When you're planning a vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is getting scammed. Unfortunately, vacation rental scams are becoming more and more common. This article will discuss some of the most common scams and how to avoid them. So, read on whether you're looking for a place to stay during your next vacation or just curious about how to avoid scam artists.

Look for Rentals With Security Policies and Rental Agreements

When looking for a vacation rental, be sure to look for one with security policies and rental agreements in place. These will help protect you in the event that something goes wrong during your stay. For example, if there is damage to the property or if you have any issues with the owner, you will have some recourse. Scammers will also not have these agreements in place, so this is another way to weed them out.

If the Deal Is Too Good to Be True, It Probably Is

Be cautious if you find a rental significantly cheaper than similar listings in the same area. This could be a sign that the owner is a scammer. Scammers will often list rentals at very low prices to lure in unsuspecting victims.

Some scammers will also promise extra amenities or services not included in the listing. If you're unsure about a rental or the owner's promises, research similar listings in the area to see the average price.

Verify the Existence of the Owner and the Property

When you're looking to book a vacation rental, be sure to verify the existence of both the owner and the property. This can be done by searching for the owner's name online or by asking for references from past renters. You can also search for the property's address online to see if it matches up with the listing. You could also use an app like Google Maps or Google Street to see if the property exists and looks like the photos in the listing.

If you cannot find any information about the owner or the property, that's a red flag that something might be fishy. Be sure to do your research before booking any rental, no matter how good of a deal it seems.

Vacation Rental Websites To Avoid

Some vacation rental websites are known for being rife with scammers. Avoiding these websites altogether to reduce your risk of being scammed is best. Some of the most popular vacation rental websites that you should avoid include:

• VRBO
• Airbnb
• HomeAway
• AlwaysOnVacation
• SunnyRentals
• FlipKey

How Do You Know If a Vacation Rental Is Legit?

Vacation rental scams are becoming more and more common, but there are ways to avoid them. You can protect yourself from becoming a victim by doing your research, being cautious of red flags, and knowing what to look for. Contact Arizona Vacation Rental Homes today and let us help you find the perfect vacation rental home for your next Arizona getaway.