HARRISBURG PA – Just like the potential of a mosquito bite in summer, online vacation rental scams are back, AARP Pennsylvania says. As more Americans plan their seasonal get-aways, scammers are making plans “to take advantage of unsuspecting travelers,” it reported Wednesday (July 5, 2023).
“Vacation rental scams can be devastating for travelers,” according to Mary Bach, chair of AARP Pennsylvania’s consumer issues task force. They face the possible loss of money and much-needed vacation time. “With a few simple precautions,” Bach adds, “travelers can protect themselves and their families.”
The Harrisburg-based organization offers these tips to avoid vacation rental scams:
- Research all listings carefully. Check reviews and ratings from previous guests. Look for any red flags, such as poor communication from the host, unusual payment requests, or last-minute reservation changes;
- Use a secure payment method. Never wire money or pay with a prepaid debit card, methods often recommended by scammers. Instead, use a credit card, or a secure payment platform such as PayPal;
- Verify the host’s identity. Ask for a government-issued ID and compare it to the name on the reservation. You can also ask the host for a virtual tour of the rental property to ensure that it matches the listing; and
- Report scams to local law enforcement.
Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, “so it’s important to stay vigilant,” says David Kalinoski, associate state director of community outreach for AARP Pennsylvania. “If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. Take the time to do your research and protect yourself from vacation rental scams.”
Ned help? Call AARP toll-free at 1-877-908-3360, or see its online AARP Fraud Watch Network page.
AARP is the nation’s largest non-profit, non-partisan organization that works with people age 50 and older to choose how they live as they age.
Photo by Mohd Elle on Unsplash, used by Travels With The Post under license
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