Beware of Vacation Rental Scams!

Just got a call from a potential client with a sad story. She called me a couple of weeks ago wanting to rent my home (http://www.miamibeachvacationrental house.com ). She asked how close it was to South Beach as they wanted to be as close to South Beach as possible and also stay in a home.

I told her while I was close to South Beach (1.5 miles away), she said she wanted to be within walking distance of everything in South Beach and on the ocean. I told her a condo or hotel would probably be her best option as there are no homes right on the beach. She thanked me and said she would try and find something closer. I wished her luck.

Well... just got a call from her about an hour ago and she related me this story (pay attention as their are some tips for you to pay attention to if you want to rent safe and hassle-free).

She said the "owner" of the property she was interested in renting, at 1007 Ocean Drive (the main drag right on the ocean in Miami Beach where only hotels are located - no houses - 1st red flag) required here to Western Union her the deposit (2nd red flag). In case you don't know, there is very little traceability when using Western Union. They spoke on the telephone - International number (3rd red flag). She was required to send all documents by International fax (4th red flag).

It turns out she probably is never going to get her deposit back -- ever. She did some research and found out this same person is posing as the owner of other units for rent, and trying to collect deposit monies on them as well. She's contacted the police, but they have no jurisdiction in International matters.

Here's some "Lessons Learned" for those of you reading this:
1. Most owners of these vacation rental homes are local. Think about it, if someone is going to rent you their home, how are they going to give you the keys when you arrive if they are in another country?
2. It's ok to have an International owner you're trying to rent their house from, just ask them pertinent questions like: "I want to see the house before I commit. I will be in the area next week. Can I arrange to get a showing?" See how they answer. Use your instinct. If it "feels" wrong, it probably is, unless they can provide some kind of proof for the uncertainty you feel.
3. Don't send money by western Union. Use PayPal (free to sign up) or your Credit Card. If you have any issues, they can do a chargeback on the merchant and you can get your money back.
4. If it's an International owner, ask them if they use a local management company to manage their unit. Ask them for their phone number if they say yes. Get their website and check them out. Ask for contact information from other owners they are managing.
5. Do a search on the local county website to see who the owner of the property you're thinking of renting is. If it is the same, take it one more step and ask for the person you're speaking with on the phone to provide you with a copy of their drivers license.

Do the legwork so you don't get scammed.

Hope this helps!

Harry