8 Travel Scams Reported in Popular Tourist Areas — How to Spot and Avoid Them

2. Vacation rental and accommodation fraud

Scammers create fake vacation listings or copy legitimate ones to trick travelers into paying deposits or wire transfers for properties that don’t exist. They may pressure you to pay outside the booking platform, demand urgent payment, or provide photos and reviews lifted from genuine listings. The FTC warns consumers to avoid sellers who insist on wire transfers or who won’t accept secure payment methods. Always book through reputable platforms that offer verified host profiles and secure payment processing. If a host asks you to move the conversation and payment off-platform, treat that as a red flag. Verify the listing by checking recent reviews, reverse-image-searching photos, and confirming the host’s identity through platform messaging. When possible, choose listings with flexible cancellation, verified IDs, and a clear refund policy. If you arrive and the place isn’t as advertised, document the discrepancy with photos and contact the platform immediately—many sites provide protections for fraudulent listings. Keep copies of all confirmations, and when in doubt, find temporary accommodations through a hotel or verified site until you resolve the issue.