Are you looking forward to taking a much-needed break this summer? Are you searching for the best online deals?
If, like millions of other North Americans, you are planning a beach vacation to Florida’s beautiful Emerald Coast, the last thing you need is to find yourself the victim of the latest real estate scam to be sweeping the internet.
When planning a family holiday to a popular beach resort, no-one expects to arrive at their chosen vacation home to find that they have no reservation, and that they are out of pocket by several hundred dollars. Sadly that is exactly what has happened to some unfortunate families visiting the Destin, Florida area following a rash of internet-based swindles.
The way the scam works is rather ingenious, if pretty simple. Bogus owners advertise ‘their’ vacation homes online, using popular listings sites, and offering amazing hard-to-resist rates for top-quality properties. Bargain-conscious families are delighted to discover such great value accommodations in highly sought-after destinations, and gladly pay the required deposits or full rental fees. The only problem of course, is that while these homes may well be available for rent, the photos and accommodation details have been simply copied from genuine listings sites and re-posted, with new contact details.
Only when the excited vacationers arrive at their chosen destination some weeks later, do they discover that the real owner has no record of their reservation, and that their hard-earned cash has helped line the pocket of some unscrupulous cyber-thief.
But just how are we supposed to identify these criminals, and book our dream getaway with confidence and peace of mind? The simplest solution is to use reputable listings agents and websites who accept credit card payments or can be contacted via telephone to confirm reservations. Many of the fraudulent rental listings do not publish traceable phone numbers and often require that payments be made via wire transfer. These are widely regarded as clear warning signs and should cause serious concern to potential renters.
If you are unsure as to whether an offer is genuine, it is a good idea to contact the local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for clarification. After all, nobody wants their long-awaited dream vacation to start out with the discovery that they’ve not only lost a large amount of money but also have to find somewhere new to stay, or have to return home disappointed.
If you are planning a trip to Destin’s beautiful shores this summer make sure that you rent your vacation home from a reputable source. And, to make sure that you avoid becoming the unsuspecting victim of any future scams, you might wish to contact me to arrange a tour of a perfect second-home for sale while you’re in the neighborhood!
By the Karrie Rose Writing Team
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