Planning a Summer Getaway? Watch Out for Vacation Rental Scams

Summer is here, and for many of us, that means it’s time to start planning a getaway. Unfortunately, it’s also a busy season for scammers, especially when it comes to vacation rentals.

One of the most common scams we see this time of year involves fake rental listings that can look surprisingly real.

Here’s how it usually works:
A scammer posts a vacation home online using photos and details copied from a real listing. The price is often a great deal, most times too good to pass up. When you reach out, they’ll push you to book quickly, saying dates are filling up fast.

Then comes the catch: they ask you to send payment outside of the website, often through a wire transfer or payment app. Once the money is sent, the listing disappears, and so do they.

A few red flags to keep in mind:

• The price seems unusually low for the area
• You’re asked to pay outside the booking site
• The listing has few or no reviews
• The person won’t answer questions or seems rushed
• The photos look perfect but feel generic

Simple ways to protect yourself:

• Stick with well-known booking platforms and use their payment systems
• Be cautious of anyone asking for payment through wire transfers, gift cards, or unfamiliar apps
• Do a quick online search of the property address or photos
• Take your time, scammers rely on urgency

We’re here if you need us
If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. And if you think you may have sent money to a scammer, reach out to High Point FCU right away. The sooner we know, the more we can do to help.

We want all our members to enjoy a safe, stress-free summer, where the only surprise is how relaxing your vacation is.