Vacations are filled with wishes, hopes, and dreams and in many ways are rewards for jobs well-done. We makes lists, buy new clothes, and tuck money away for all the little extras that may come our way. Dreams can come true on vacations, but so can nightmares when scam artists hijack itineraries and send travelers on trips down rip-off lane.
Technology allows us the opportunity to pick and choose where we want to go and how to get there. With a click on a link we can be on the road to relaxation but that same button can send us to a scam artist intent on ruining plans and stealing hard-earned money. Before planning your dream vacation or retreating to a get-a-way rental home, take a few minutes and heed some of the warning signals ahead.
Slow down when viewing pictures of properties online. Scammers manipulate real estate ads and post them online pretending to be agents and/or landlords of the property. Check property appraiser records for ownership info and search Google (www.google.com ) to take a peek at the location using their street view option.
Proceed with caution when something seems too good to be true. Discounted rents and below average offers can be enticements for you to release personal information on bogus forms designed to look like legitimate rental agreements. Never sign a lease for an unseen property and be sure to read fine print on paperwork if the deal is legitimate.
Stop and think before making any payments. NEVER send cash and do not use wire transfers or pre-paid debit cards which are the same as cash and once sent, the money is in a stranger’s pockets and you have nowhere to go. Use a reputable real estate agent if needed and be sure to meet the landlord in person before paying deposits and rental fees. Con artists devise new ways to play their hands in greedy games every day. Come up with protective strategies of your own by taking a step back before moving forward. Enjoy yourself and have fun – you earned it!