Be wary of scam artist’s when booking a property for a vacation. Next time you look at the image of a Tudor cottage or a seaside bungalow, be sure it’s the real thing and not just a copy paste job of a scam artist. Before making a large down payment be very sure of what you are getting into. There have been several cases where a single property had overlapping bookings. Always be wary of a good deal that looks too good to be true. Don’t be scared most rentals for homes are equipped with basic amenities, so you can leave the toaster at home. We have compiled a list of some key points that need to be kept in mind when booking a vacation rental.
1. Dirt Cheap Rates Should Ring A Bell
If the deal seems unbelievable it most probably is. The most common trick in the book to attract customers is to low ball the rates for rentals. If one particular listing has half the rates in comparison to others, beware. A few percent off is understandable but more than 50%, why would anybody do that.
2. Do Your Cyber Homework
Always cross check the references of a business on multiple sites. Check and compare if the place of contact is the same on all sites. Most home rentals will upload their details on various sites, always check if the details are the same everywhere.
3. Study the Reviews Deeply
Look for names when reading reviews, if people are mentioning names of owners that do not figure or match with the person who is dealing your cause, be alarmed. Always look for a verified review sign or an indication that the review writer actually stayed at those properties. Check the dates of the reviews and compare the pictures customers upload with the ones on the website of the rental company.
4. Speak To A Human And Not An IVR
Yes you can be scammed over the phone too, but it’s more difficult than doing it online. Insist on speaking to the owner and make a judgment, based on the answers you get for your questions.
5. Insist On Paying By Credit Card
Always make your advance payments via accredit card and avoid wire transfers. Trust your gut and remember people who don’t pay close attention are the ones that are most often scammed. Spammers will also be detected by the bank at the first step itself.
6. Plan In Advance
Do not leave the research and selection for the last moment. Always plan well in time to have better choice and time for decision making. Most home rentals are open for advance booking as early as a year before.
