Many people pick out summer rental properties online- but beware. The Better Business Bureau gets hundreds of complaints every year from people who have lost thousands in rental scams.
The BBB encourages people to do their homework. Here's a list of suggestions:
- Use the BBB website to check out realtors, travel agencies, and vacation rental businesses.
- Search the property you're interested in on multiple rental sites to be sure it's legitimate.
- Use Google street view to confirm the property actually exists at the advertised address.
- Never wire money to someone. Use a credit card. If there's a problem you can challenge the charge.
- Get everything in writing.
- You don't ever want to pay in full upfront for any vacation package or rental.
- Be wary of unsolicited emails and websites offering deeply discounted travel deals.
