With the festive season approaching, many families are looking to make the most of the summer break by booking a few days or a weekend away. However, accommodation scams can turn an exciting getaway into a costly disappointment.
Also see: 5 Common WhatsApp scams to watch out for
While holiday scams are nothing new, fraudsters are increasingly finding ways to manipulate people into thinking red flags are green.
Before booking your festive getaway, here are some common holiday rental pitfalls to watch out for to avoid falling victim to scams
Holiday accommodation scams to avoid
Not checking if the accommodation exists
If doubts about the transaction plague your mind, ask family or friends who live in the rental accommodation area to check out the place or speak to the owner or agent in person, suggests the property brand Private Property.
It may sound like an extreme step to take, but con artists know no bounds.
Booking flights that are too good to be true
Nedbank notes that ‘major airlines’ offering ultra-low fares can be fake, as scammers can copy trusted brands to lure in their victims.
Being pressured into making a decision
Private Property advises being wary of ‘pushy people’ and doing your homework before transferring your deposit, even if you’re warned that you’ll miss out on a deal.
Also see: How to avoid common online banking scams
Going to private individuals advertising holiday accommodations
Although some landlords choose to rent out their properties privately, this approach can carry a higher risk of scams.
Many private landlords now advertise through platforms such as Airbnb, making it easier to verify a listing. Check whether the property is available for your chosen dates and reduce the risk of falling victim to fraud.
Not listening to your gut
Most importantly, walk away if something doesn’t feel right. Trust your instincts and continue looking if any red flags are raised, notes Private Property.
Safety tips when booking a trip
As holiday booking scams become more convincing, knowing what to look out for can help you secure your accommodation and avoid costly mistakes:
- Research the company: Don’t be fooled by a professional-looking website or an attractive offer. Read reviews, verify contact details and be cautious if the only information available is a mobile number or email address.
- Check credentials: Look for relevant industry memberships and accreditations. For international travel providers, these may include ABTA, ATOL or ABTOT. Verify any claimed membership before booking.
- Be careful with links: Rather than clicking on adverts or links shared through emails and social media, type the website address directly into your browser to reduce the risk of landing on a fraudulent site.
- Watch out for unusually low prices: A bargain may be tempting, but accommodation advertised at a price significantly below similar listings could be a red flag.
- Verify the property: Use Google Maps and reputable review platforms to check the property’s location and look for signs that the listing is legitimate. You can also ask the agent how they verify their properties.
- Book through trusted providers: Where possible, book directly with established hotels or reputable travel agents. If booking privately, verify the person’s identity you’re dealing with and confirm the property’s availability before making payment.
Featured image: iStock/scyther5
Also see: Buying a second-hand car? Spot red flags and avoid scams
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