Scam library · Shopping · Email & phishing
Vacation rental scam
You find a beautiful vacation rental at a great price. The 'owner' is friendly and responsive, but asks you to pay outside the booking platform by wire, Zelle or another payment app to get a discount or 'avoid fees'.
When you arrive, the house belongs to someone else, is already rented, or doesn't exist.
The listing photos are often real, which is why this scam is so convincing.
What the message looks like
From: 'Owner' of a beach house listing <beachhouse.owner.rentals@gmail[.]com>
Subject: Re: Availability July 12-19
Yes, the house is available! I can give you 15% off if you pay directly instead of through the site.
Please send the full amount by wire or Zelle to secure your dates. Other families are interested.
How this scam works
Scammers copy photos and descriptions from real listings and post them on classified sites, social media or fake websites. Others hijack real host accounts on booking platforms, then message guests to move the conversation and payment elsewhere.
The FTC warns that scammers hijack real rental listings or create fake ones, and push travelers to pay by wire transfer, gift card or cryptocurrency, payment methods that are hard to reverse.
Fake booking sites can look like well-known travel brands, with slightly different web addresses. Some appear in search ads.
Peak seasons, holidays and big events like concerts or sports finals are prime time for these scams, because demand is high and travelers expect to move fast.
Booking platforms usually protect payments only when you pay through their own checkout. Once you pay outside, those protections disappear. That's why so many scams start with a message like 'Email me directly and I'll give you a better rate.'
Red flags
- Requests to pay outside the booking platform.
- Discounts for paying by wire, Zelle or gift card.
- Prices far below similar rentals.
- Owners who can't talk by phone or video.
- Pressure because 'others are interested'.
How to tell it’s fake
- Book and pay only through the platform's checkout.
- Search the address and photos online to see if they appear elsewhere.
- Check the property on maps and street view.
- Use a credit card for added protection.
- Look up the management company yourself.
What to do if you clicked, paid or shared info
Don’t panic, and don’t blame yourself. These scams are built by professionals. Act quickly, one step at a time.
If you clicked a link or called back
- Stop communicating and report the listing to the platform.
If you paid
- Contact your bank or payment app right away and report to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.
If you shared personal info, a password or a code
- If you shared ID documents, watch for identity theft.
Where to report and get help (U.S.)
If a message seems legit and you’re still not sure, get a second opinion before you act. Reporting helps stop scammers, even if money can’t be recovered. If you are in danger, call 911.
- Your bank or card issuer
Call the number on the back of your card or on your statement, not one from the message. Ask them to stop or reverse the payment and to watch the account. - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) · ReportFraud.ftc.gov
Report the scam and get a step-by-step recovery plan. - FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) · ic3.gov
Report scams that happened online, especially if money was lost. Include phone numbers, websites and payment details. - AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline · aarp.org helpline
Free, for anyone of any age: trained volunteers help you sort out next steps. 877-908-3360, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern. - IdentityTheft.gov · IdentityTheft.gov
If you shared your Social Security number or someone opened accounts in your name.
How Gmork Scam Guard would warn you
Scam Guard in Chrome and Edge on your computer checks rental listings and booking emails. It recognizes fake booking sites and 'pay me directly' requests. If a rental seems legit, a scam expert can check it with you before you pay.
Scam Guard can miss things, so the checks above still matter. See what it warns about and what it keeps private.
Questions people ask
- Is paying a host directly safe?
- It removes platform protections. Pay through the platform.
- How do I check if a rental is real?
- Search the photos and address and confirm through the platform.
- What if I arrive and the rental is fake?
- Contact local police and your bank, and report to the platform and the FTC.
- Are deals on social media safe?
- Be very careful. Many fake listings are posted there.