Alert : Accommodation Booking Scam

With holidays and major events approaching, fake seasonal rental ads flood the web. Scammers impersonate owners or create fake profiles to steal deposits without offering a real property. Here are the right habits to avoid this common trap.

Fake Rental Listings

Very attractive ads, often with convincing photos, are posted on well-known or poorly checked platforms. Fraudsters demand quick payment to “secure” the booking and disappear once the money is received.

How it works

Victims are drawn in by a low price or miraculous availability. After first contact, the scammer urges payment (in full or part) outside the official platform, often by bank transfer.
Warning signs: price well below market, no option to visit, payment outside the platform, or refusal to use secure payment methods.

Some tips:

• 🔎 Always check the address and identity of the owner on official sites or recognized platforms.
• 🔒 Never pay outside the booking platform.
• 🏠 Refuse any booking if the owner refuses visits or is vague about details.
• 📝 Beware of deals that seem too good or “perfect” rentals at a very low price.
• 🚫 If in doubt, contact the platform’s customer service before making any payment.

Conclusion

Never send money to a stranger outside a trusted site. If you are a victim or witness of such a scam, report it at reportfraud.ftc.gov.
See also our guide:
List of Anti-Fraud Websites for Consumers

Written by : René Ronse
Methodology : Our alert articles are based on regular monitoring of national reporting platforms, feedback from victims, and statements issued by relevant authorities.
About the author : René Ronse, manager of ArnaqueOuFiable.com. Expert in consumer cybersecurity, specialist in detecting online fraud, product transparency, and digital compliance. He has over 20 years of experience analyzing hidden subscription mechanisms, unreadable terms and conditions, aggressive sales tactics, and deceptive commercial practices on the web.
Sources : nbcpalmsprings.com | techradar.com
Last updated : 27 June 2025.
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