Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Fraud (Protect Yourself During the Holidays



Travel:

Booking holiday accommodations:


  • Booking Directly with Owners: Can leave you with no place to stay.  
  • Beware of Craigslist, rental websites, etc.:  You may pay a little less but the chances of it being fraud are much greater.
    • How long has the property been listed on the web-site?  The longer the better
    • Look at reviews ( Remember reviews can be fake)
    • Use Maps Google.com   https://maps.google.com/  Confirm location (address) Look at street map view do the pictures match the web-site?  Fraudsters list properties that don't exist.
    • Talk to the owner:  If this is a owner owned property (beach house/condo etc.) look up the property by address and see if there is a phone number for the owner.  Call the owner. (use a landline for best protection)
    • Ask for details of the property:  Do they match the details of the property on the web site?
    • Postal Address:  Make sure you get the postal address of the property.  No postal address, no contract.
    • Trust your instincts:  If you feel uncomfortable with something back away.  (saving a few dollars is not worth the risk)
    • Don't pay a dime until you check the contract:  Read the small print always
    • Security Deposits:  Usually 10% of rental cost  (Higher deposits can be a cause for concern)
    • Use Pay Pal:  (If connected to a credit card you are usually protected by the bank)
    • Check Property for Damage:  Upon arrival check property for damage and report it to owner right away.
    • Security Deposit:  If there are any deductions ask for proof of the problem.  Best to get it back when leaving. 

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