How to Avoid Vacation Rental Catfishing

There are several ways scammers can catfish on vacation rental sites:

• Entirely fake listings - listings that don’t exist.
  
• Stolen photos from other properties - listings that use photos from other properties or websites, when in reality, the property is significantly smaller or less appealing.
• Misleading amenities or exaggerated features - the pictures may be real, but they say it is on the beach when you need to drive to the beach, or that there is a pool when there isn’t.
• “Phishing” scams (asking to pay off-platform) - this is a fake listing that hooks you in, and wants you to pay off-platform, so there is no way to get your money back.

There are a few red flags to look out for that can indicate a listing is fake.

Too Good To Be True Prices

If the majority of listings for properties that fit your criteria are much more expensive than another listing, chances are it is not real. Ocean access with wide open spaces, huge bedrooms, and a jacuzzi for $500 less than similar properties? Probably not real. Granted, some properties may be available at a lower price due to a cancellation, so if you are booking at the last minute, this can occur.

Unrealistic or Overly Professional Photos

Too clean? Does it look like a stock photo or a real estate listing? Be wary. While owners want their houses to look their best, if they appear too perfect, I’d be suspicious.

Sparse or Suspiciously Glowing Reviews

If the listing has no or few reviews, and it isn’t a new listing, there is a high chance it is not real. If the sparse reviews are extremely glowing or seem exaggerated, there is a chance you’re being duped.

Vague or Generic Property Descriptions

If the listing feels generic without specific descriptions, be suspicious.

Pushy Hosts Urging Quick Payment

As mentioned before, if the host asks for payment off-site or is overly pushy about getting the payment, use caution.

Now that you know what red flags to look for, how can you properly check to see if you are just being paranoid or if, indeed, the listing is genuine? There are a few steps you can take to verify that the listing is legitimate.

1. Reverse image search the images to see if they appear on another booking or website.
2. Use Google Maps/Street View to confirm the location and property.
3. Read reviews carefully.
4. Compare the property across multiple platforms when possible.

While the thought of being catfished via a vacation rental site seems scary, there is no reason to stop using them. There are things you can do to ensure you are getting an actual listing.

Book Through A Reputable Platform

Use a well-known website to make your booking (don’t use Craigslist)- use VRBO, Airbnb, or booking.com - sites where, if something doesn’t work out, you can report the host and get your money back.

Never Pay Offsite

Only use the website with the listing to make payments; never pay using wire transfers, PayPal's “friends and family” option, or cash apps like Venmo or Zelle. If a host insists on one of these payment methods, consider finding another listing to book.

Check Website Policies for Fraud Refund Policies

Before booking, ensure the site you are using offers refunds in case of fraud.

Ask The Host A Lot of Specific Questions

Ask how far it is to the nearest grocery store, or other specifics about parking, how to get places, and how far places are.

Book Listings With History

While we don’t want to shun new rental listings, booking with properties that have a long history of reviews is a surefire way to guarantee you aren’t being catfished. And while you want old reviews, you also want to make sure there are recent reviews as well.

While you can do a lot to make sure you don’t get catfished, sometimes it can still happen. If you find yourself with your suitcase standing at an address that doesn’t exist, or in a tiny studio that was advertised as a breezy, bright three-bedroom, here are the steps you can take:

• Contact the rental platform immediately and inform them that there is a fake listing.
• Document everything- take screenshots of the listing, save your emails, take pictures of the actual property, and get your receipts.
• Report to the FTC (for U.S. travelers) or equivalent consumer protection agency abroad.
• Ask the booking site to help you find an alternative rental, or use last-minute booking sites like hoteltonight.com.