And, yes, at the other side of the pole, there are scams out there.
As vacation rental owners we get our share of scams too. You know, the couple coming for their honeymoon, wanting a third party to pay for the holiday - the catch is the 'check' they send to us is greater than the amount and they want us to send a check to reimburse...........
While looking on Consumer Affairs for a dishwasher, I came across this about scammers and wanted to pass it along.
The message in a nutshell: Scam Alerts editor Mark Huffman says it's trite but true -- if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. That is, unless it truly matches what you want in a vacation rental and both parties have done their homework:) Below are points extracted from the article with our advice and comments indented.
When renting a vacation property:
- Get the details about the transaction in writing, preferable in the form of a contract, including the property information, dates of the stay, total price, and exactly what is included and what is not.
- Yes, we do send out renter agreements, even if it is for only 2 nights. We ask our potential renters to fill in names, phone numbers, address and send it back to us! Then we know you are real too and it makes for returning the damage deposit easier.
- Ask for references from past renters.
- There are always those few brave souls that book with you when you are just starting out. So thank you to them and their recommendations, it has made it easier for our current and future vacationers to learn more about us, our area and our places.
- Speak to the owners/managers on the telephone instead of exclusively through email.
- Yup, give us a call! We want to make sure it is a good fit for both parties.
- Do research online for possible complaints against the owner or rental company.
- This is important too. However, reading both between the lines and with a grain of salt will give a lot of information too. Sometimes, expectations did not meet reality, not due to the property or its representation but for other reasons. So please, look at our photos, look at the description, know what you want, need, expect and ask questions!
- Be careful when reserving properties far from home. It is easy to get scammed if you can't verify the condition and location of properties pictured on the Internet.
- True, but today, with camera stamps, Skype, you-tube, there are many more ways to verify that the place is for real. One guest just didn't believe our view was really so beautiful- I must have touched up the photo... I called back on Skype and walked outside with the computer and showed her the place! I have been posting photos including our cat, MommyKat and our dog Luigi in the photos.....
- Proceed cautiously if asked to make an international payment or use a money order or wire transfer.
- If possible, pay with a credit card. Credit cards typically offer protection in the event that your accommodation is not supplied as promised.
- Yes, we accept credit card payments, we use Paypal and we don't ask for your card numbers
- Never give out personal financial information (bank acct number, social security number, etc.)
- Consider using a reputable rental company or real estate agent for peace of mind and to assist you in your search.
- Yes, and no on this one. No one will be more interested in getting a good, happy renter in their home than the homeowner themselves; Often you can get better rates going privately, open your options and look at both ways of finding a good vacation option.
- Consumers should use caution when dealing with a company that demands advance payment for travel packages. It's one thing to pay an up-front deposit but quite another to pay the entire amount.
- Again, yes and no. Yes, always use caution. We do ask for rental payment prior to arrival. We want to know or guests are committed. If we are holding dates for you, this means we are having to turn other guests away. If you are not sure, feel uncomfortable, your gut is talking to you, my recommendation is don't book at all. If you feel you want assurance in case of a family/health emergency, vacation insurance is always a good thing. This can protect your airfare as well.
