FROM: HOLLEY CARNRIGHT
DATE: MAY 29, 2019
RE: PRESS RELEASE – VACATION RENTAL SCAMS
GETTING A VACATION RENTAL? WATCH OUT FOR SCAMS
Some scammers start with real rental listings. Then they take off the owner’s contact information, put in their own, and place the new listing on a different site…though they might continue to use the name of the actual owner. In other cases, scammers hijack the email accounts of property owners on reputable vacation rental websites.
Other scammers don’t bother with real rentals – they make up listings for places that aren’t really for rent or don’t exist. To get people to act fast, they often ask for lower than average rent or promise great amenities. Their goal is to get your money before you find out the truth.
The Ulster County District Attorney’s Division of Consumer Affairs advises…
· Don’t wire money or pay with a prepaid or gift card for a vacation rental. Once the scammer collects the money, it is almost impossible to get it back.
· Don’t be rushed into a decision. If you receive an email pressuring you to make a decision on the spot for a rental, ignore it and move on.
· Look out for super cheap rates for premium vacation properties. Below-market rent can be a sign of a scam. Do some extra research to confirm the deal is legitimate before jumping in.
· Get a copy of the contract before you send any deposit money. Check that the address of the property really exists. If the property is located in a resort, call the front desk and confirm the location of the property and other details on the contract.
Consumer Affairs can be reached at 845-340-3260.