Travel & Vacation Scams
Fake vacation rentals on Craigslist and off-platform Airbnb listings. Timeshare resale scams target existing owners with fake buyers. Fake travel agents sell 'wholesale' airline tickets that never ticket.
How it worksThe anatomy of the scam
Every case follows roughly the same playbook. Recognize the pattern, stop it early.
1. The incredible deal
Beachfront condo, fraction of market rate, dates still open.
2. The push off-platform
'Airbnb is charging high fees, let's do it direct and I'll give you an extra 20% off.'
3. Wire or Zelle only
No platform protection, no refund path.
4. Arrival shock
You show up to find someone else lives there, or the address doesn't exist.
Warning signsRed flags to watch for
If you're seeing two or more of these, assume it's a scam until proven otherwise.
Asks to move off Airbnb/VRBO
You lose all platform protection.
Wire transfers only
Real rentals accept cards.
Reverse-image search finds the photos on a real listing
Scammers copy real listings with new contact info.
Protect yourselfDo this. Not that.
✓ Do
Book on-platform with credit card. Pay platform fees — they're insurance.
✗ Don't
Never move a vacation rental transaction off-platform.
✓ Do
Reverse-image search listing photos before booking.
✗ Don't
Don't wire money to 'owners' who can't meet you in person.
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