How to protect yourself from this dreaded vacation rental scam ?

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Summer is in full swing. While temperatures are scorching everywhere in France, some people may be lucky enough to be sunbathing and staying cool by the sea or pool. The summer rhythm is generally calmer for everyone. But that's no reason to let your guard down. Indeed, scammers don't take any rest!

Holidaymakers must, of course, be particularly vigilant when looking for accommodation. But scammers also target holiday home owners. As every year, the refund scam is making an appearance. Unfortunately, criminals are doubling their ingenuity to lure their prey into their trap.

Beware of holidaymakers' requests for refunds

This is not a new scam. But as is often the case, fraudsters know how to adapt and modernize their approach to be more credible than ever. Thus, the refund scam affects owners of vacation accommodation. The scammers pose as vacationers who have paid more than the rental price for the accommodation and are logically asking to be reimbursed. Of course, the owners will never see the color of any transfer for the rental of the accommodation.

For a while, scammers would send a (bad) check to prove their good faith. But in 2024, that’s hard to swallow. As a result, a new modus operandi has surfaced, according to MediaVacances. Today, the malicious Internet user claims to have paid the rent (and more!) through an international money transfer company like Western Union and is asking for a refund of the payment processing fees, which are usually high. If the pseudo-vacationer presents proof of payment, it is obviously fake.

It is possible to protect yourself as best you can against this refund scam. To do this, MediaVacances reminds you of the importance of exchanging on dedicated platforms with secure messaging in order to avoid initial fraudulent contacts. It is essential to continue to discuss via these supervised messaging services. Often, scammers try to exchange directly by SMS. Above all, you should not initiate a transfer without having a guarantee from your bank that the payment has indeed been credited to your bank account. As for international money transfer companies like Western Union, you should absolutely avoid them and prefer traditional payment methods.

During this summer period, it is necessary not to let your guard down and to keep your eyes open, because scammers do not take vacations. If in doubt, do not hesitate to not follow up.

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