A. M. With the holidays approaching, many people are looking to relax on the beach or in the countryside by renting ranches or Airbnb-style properties. However, this increase in demand has also led to a spike in scams involving fake rentals. Cases are increasingly frequent where people pay in advance only to discover the property does not exist or is already occupied by other tenants.
One of the most common signs of a scam is finding prices that are too low or unrealistic for the type of property and its location. It is also suspicious if supposed landlords insist on advance payments via bank transfers or deposits, without offering formal contracts or clear receipts. It is essential to be wary of profiles without references or with ambiguous information.
To protect yourself, always try to verify the authenticity of the listing. You can use tools like Google Maps to confirm the property’s existence and request a video call with the owner for a virtual tour. It’s also advisable to rent through well-known and trusted platforms that have consumer protection policies.
Another important tip is to check other users’ comments and pay attention to suspicious patterns, such as new or unreviewed listings. If possible, ask for direct references from people who have previously rented that ranch or house. The more information you have, the lower the risk of falling prey to fraud.
In short, enjoying a relaxing vacation also means taking precautions. Do not be lured by tempting offers without first verifying their legitimacy. Following these tips can make the difference between a dream vacation and a frustrating experience.
