Advice: Scammers are getting more sophisticated, but Airbnb and Vrbo offer protections for people booking short-term rentals.
— AirDNA’s 2023 outlook forecast a record supply of 1.4 million listings in the United States and a 9 percent increase in nights listed from last year — there are bound to be a few scam rentals, experts warn.
“Scammers know you’re looking for a great location that’s available and affordable,” says Phil Foxall, owner ofand a 27-year law enforcement veteran. “They’re preying on your emotions to con you into stealing your money — and your vacation memories.” I know a thing or two about vacation rental scams; fraudulent rentals keep me busy as a consumer advocate. But I’ve also been living in vacation rentals almost full-time for the past five years. I’ve stayed in all kinds of places, including a sparkling new Vrbo rental in Cape Town, South Africa, that came with daily cleaning service and an “eclectic” apartment in Athens that reeked of cigarettes. I’ve fortunately never fallen for a listing that didn’t exist.
Fortunately, Austin’s case had a happy ending: She disputed the charges on her credit card and received a full refund.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Scammers pose as government workers, claim to help taxpayers access phony 2022 stimulus paymentsScammers are asking you for personal information, claiming you can get a tax credit if you missed a stimulus payout in 2022. The problem? There was no such payout last year.
Read more »
Dear Abby: Flattering men online might actually be scammersIf they start asking for money, BEWARE!
Read more »
New Airbnb Experiences for Tired AdultsFrom the company that brought you sleepless nights spent wondering if the ceiling fan has a secret camera in it, enjoy some riveting new adventures!
Read more »
Entrepreneur's advice for breaking free from 9-to-5, becoming your own bossAmy Porterfield, the author of 'Two Weeks Notice,' offered her advice on entrepreneurship.
Read more »
Advice | Ask Amy: Volunteer seamstress wants to ask for a larger donationAdvice: Seamstress, who is volunteering at a nonprofit, feels like a woman took advantage of their skills and didn’t donate enough to the cause.
Read more »
NASCAR Saturday Atlanta Notes: Button Gets Advice; Byron, Harvick Differ on Hamlin PenaltyPenalties, F1 drivers, and interim crew chiefs dominate the talk of the day at Atlanta.
Read more »