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Is your vacation rental a fake?

Posted at 4:57 PM, Jul 26, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-26 22:12:36-04

Have you booked your summer trip? Are you still looking? Either way, beware!

The Federal Trade Commission and the Better Business Bureau warn of scams that are aimed at ruining your vacation. One of the largest involves fake rentals.

The BBB said they received 40 percent more vacation rentals scam complaints last year than the year before.

In some cases, the rental address doesn't even exist. Other times, scammers have copied legitimate rental or home sale listings and made their own fake advertisements.

Then, they collect large upfront deposits and provide you with nothing.

If you're asked to wire money, it's a big red flag. Same flag should be raised if you're asked for large amounts of money upfront.

Check the address of where you'll be staying, so you know it's real. Also check county records to see who owns the property and deal with them.

Check out the latest scams we're seeing. Sign up for our monthly email newsletter by clicking here.

Need my help? Call the Assistance League of Phoenix volunteers at 1-855-323-1515. You can also send me an email or a video email where you attach a video explaining the problem.

And you can reach me on Twitter, "like" the Let Joe Know Facebook page and tell me about it there.

AND WE NEED YOUR HELP!  If you want to be a volunteer and help other consumers, let me know.