Arriving at your dream vacation rental only to realize it doesn’t exist, or it does, but not for you, can be more than a little disappointing. 

Vacation rental scams are not new to the market, but they’ve become sneakier and easier to fall for, especially when booking online through platforms you assume are trustworthy. The stats show that around 79% of all vacation rentals by 2023 will originate online, which means vacation rental scams will likely increase. 

With more people than ever choosing apartments and villas over traditional hotels, scammers are finding clever ways to cash in. But you don’t need to panic. You just need to know what to look for before you click “book now.”

The Price Is Suspiciously Good

Everyone loves a deal. But if a listing looks significantly cheaper than similar properties in the same area, pause. Scammers know travellers are drawn to low prices, especially in high-demand locations like Rome, New York, or Cape Town. If a five-bedroom beachfront home is renting for the cost of a shared hostel, something’s off.

What to do instead: Cross-check prices across different platforms. Use tools like Google Street View to see if the home matches the listing. When in doubt, walk away.

They Ask You to Pay Outside the Platform

This is the scammer’s signature move.

You find a property on a major booking site, message the host, and then they ask if you can “just pay them directly” via bank transfer or a payment app. They’ll tell you it saves fees or holds the property faster. What it actually does is remove all buyer protections. Once you pay off-platform, there’s often no way to get your money back.

If they ask you to leave the site to complete payment, don’t. Stick to booking through secure channels like Airbnb, Booking.com, or Vrbo, and never pay via wire transfer or crypto. If they ask you to provide card details because there’s a problem with the payment, it could be a scam.

The Photos Look Familiar

Scam listings often include stunning photos. The problem is, those photos are usually stolen. Maybe they’re pulled from real estate listings, hotel sites, or completely different rentals. If the pictures look overly polished or too professional, it’s worth digging a bit deeper.

Try this: Do a reverse image search using Google or TinEye. If the photos appear elsewhere under a different listing or location, it’s likely a fake.

The Host Avoids Direct Questions

If your messages to the host are met with vague replies, delays, or generic copy-paste responses, trust your instincts. Real hosts will usually answer questions about check-in, amenities, or the surrounding area. Scammers often rely on canned answers and avoid anything that forces them to prove the property’s legitimacy.

Some scammers bank on travellers being too polite to push back. But you’re allowed to ask detailed questions, and you should. If they can’t tell you where the nearest grocery store is or how to access the building, don’t book.

The Reviews Are Off (Or Missing)

A legitimate listing often has detailed reviews. Scam listings tend to have none or weirdly short reviews that sound robotic or irrelevant. Be on alert for:

• Reviews that are all five stars with zero specifics
• Accounts that look new or inactive
• Spelling and grammar that feel “off” across multiple posts

Of course, not all new holiday properties are scams. Some are legitimately just starting out. When in doubt, cross-reference the property elsewhere or check the host’s other listings.

The Website Feels Unfamiliar

Booking through Facebook Marketplace or a tiny rental site you’ve never heard of? You’re in riskier territory.

Stick to well-known platforms with built-in fraud protection. If a smaller site catches your eye, check its reviews on Trustpilot or Reddit. Look for secure URLs (https://), a clear cancellation policy, and customer service options.

One Final Layer: Digital Security

Even if the property is real, it’s easy to forget that scammers also target travellers through unsecured Wi-Fi networks in rental homes, cafés, or airports. That’s why it’s worth considering a more secure connection, especially if you’re moving between countries.

A simple solution is to use an international eSIM to stay connected without relying on public networks. It keeps your data safer and your phone working across borders without needing to swap SIM cards or hunt down local providers. Some eSIM services also allow for hotspot tethering, which comes in handy if your rental’s Wi-Fi is spotty (or nonexistent).

If you’re heading to the United States specifically, choosing the best eSIM for USA can also make it easier to stay connected from the moment you land. Having mobile data available means you can access your booking confirmations, contact your host, use maps to verify the property location, and avoid relying on unfamiliar public Wi-Fi while travelling.

The Takeaway

You may dream of planning and embarking on a relaxed holiday, but scammers are banking on you being in a rush or too excited to double-check the finer details. Of course, you don’t have to become a super sleuth when making a booking, but ask the right questions, trust your gut and avoid those too-good-to-be-true deals, and you’ll save yourself a lot of hassle and heartache.