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Beware of vacation rental scams

Posted at 2:35 PM, Jul 15, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-15 17:35:44-04
Have you booked a summer trip, yet, or are you still looking? Either way, beware!
 
TheFederal Trade Commission and theBetter Business Bureauwarn of scams that are aimed at ruining your vacation. One of the largest scams involves fake rentals.
 
The BBB said they received 40 percent more complaints last year than the year before, involving vacation rentals.
 
Sometimes, the rental address doesn't even exist. Other times, scammers copied legitimate rental or home sale listings and made their own fake ads. Then, they collect large upfront deposits and provide you with nothing.
 
If you're asked to wire money, it's a big red flag. You should also be alarmed 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 do business 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 emailor a video email where you attach a video explaining the problem.
And you can reach me onTwitter, "like" the Let Joe KnowFacebook 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.