How to Avoid Summer Rental Scams and Ticket Fraud

Avoiding Vacation Rental Scams

• ⚠️ Be cautious of online rental listings, as con artists target unsuspecting vacationers.
• 💡 Scammers often ask for payments outside of reputable platforms like Vrbo or Airbnb, frequently requesting Venmo or wire transfers.
• 🎯 Victims have lost significant amounts, sometimes up to $20,000, for rentals that were never theirs, even showing up to find police present.
• 🔑 Always book and pay through the official platform (e.g., Vrbo app) to ensure protection and access to guarantees.
• 🚫 Never agree to deals that seem too good to be true, pay with gift cards, or wire money directly to individuals.

Red Flags and Protective Measures

• 🔍 If a deal offers a significant discount, especially for extended periods or prime locations, it's likely a scam.
• 💳 Always use a credit card for payments, as it offers more protection and the ability to dispute fraudulent charges.
• 🏠 Verify listings by contacting the actual owner or a verified real estate agent if possible, especially if the deal seems suspicious.
• ❓ Be wary of requests to pay outside the platform, even if it promises to save money on fees; this is a common tactic to avoid platform protection.

Navigating Ticket Refunds and Resales

• 🎟️ In cases of concert cancellations, platforms like StubHub offer options such as a 120% credit for future purchases or a cash refund.
• ⏳ Be aware that cash refunds for canceled events may take up to 10 business days to process.
• 🤔 Consider whether to use a credit for future events or opt for the cash refund, weighing the benefit of potential future use against the certainty of getting your money back.
• 💸 Holding onto credits can sometimes feel like a nudge to attend another event, but it's important to ensure you will use them before they expire.