Are you getting ready for a vacation and planning to use popular rental platforms like Airbnb, HomeAway, or VRBO to find your perfect getaway? Be cautious. Cybercriminals are increasingly using these services to trick unsuspecting travelers and steal their money.

How Does It Work?

Scammers often post completely fake rental listings, using images they find online or stealing pictures and details from legitimate listings. They create their own fake listings with the scammer’s contact information. When someone inquires about these bogus listings, the scammer requests a security deposit or a portion of the rental price as a down payment. Once they have your money, they may cancel the reservation at the last minute, or worse, you might arrive at your supposed vacation home only to find it already booked or non-existent.

How Do I Spot a Scam?

Don't let scammers ruin your vacation. Here are some tips to help you stay safe when booking your next vacation rental online:

• Book through reputable websites: Use only trusted platforms that offer protection against fraud and have secure payment portals.
• Verify the property: Search for the property on Google Maps or another mapping service. If possible, ask someone in the area to check out the property for you. Scammers might use a non-existent address or the address of a random company, vacant building, or parking lot.
• Research the listing: Look up the property owner's name and address online and check for images of the property before making any payments. If you find multiple listings with different contact information, reconsider booking.
• Read reviews: Be cautious if a property has multiple negative reviews or lacks reviews entirely. Opt for properties with positive feedback from previous guests.
• Use the official payment system: Make payments only through the rental platform’s official website. Scammers often try to get you to pay via check, wire transfer, or services like MoneyGram or Western Union.

Stay vigilant and enjoy a safe and stress-free vacation!

For additional information about online scams and cybersecurity visit our website: https://www.myunionstate.bank/services/mobile-and-online-banking/online-security-tips

Please Report Scams

If you spot a scam, please report it to the Federal Trade Commission.

• Call the FTC at

1-877-FTC-HELP

(1-877-382-4357)

or TTY

1-866-653-4261.

• Go online: ftc.gov/complaint

Your report can help protect other people. By reporting fraud, you can help the FTC’s investigators

identify the scammers and stop them before they

can get someone’s hard-earned money. It really makes a difference.

Information provided courtesy of Federal Trade Commission. FTC.gov/PassItOn