Recognizing a fake vacation apartment or vacation home on the Internet: Your guide
Your next vacation is sure to come - and because new destinations and summer vacations are often planned at the turn of the year, we have written this blog article to help you book your next vacation with confidence.
In today's digital world, vacation rentals are easy to book online. But while this has many advantages, there is also a downside: the danger of fake vacation rentals.
In this article, we will provide you with valuable advice and tips to ensure that you do not experience any unpleasant surprises when making your booking.
Just imagine you have booked accommodation and a flight abroad for a lot of money and after a long journey with the whole family you find yourself at the address given.
But the beautiful vacation apartment you saw online is nowhere to be seen. And unfortunately you won't find it there either, because you've fallen for scammers and a dubious fake offer.
The risks of fake vacation apartments
In recent years, fraudsters have developed increasingly sophisticated methods of offering fake vacation homes.
Not only can these scams result in a significant financial loss, but they can also significantly affect your travel experience and lead to a great deal of mistrust. It is therefore essential to take the right steps to avoid this.
The scammers are after your personal data, bank details and, above all, your money. Therefore, please always be very careful how you handle your data on the Internet.
4 tips - How to recognize fake vacation apartments
1. unprofessional and professional photos
An initial indication of a fake ad may be unprofessional-looking photos or stock images. Compare the images with similar accommodations in the area.
If the photos do not match the descriptions or come from other sources, this could be a red flag.
This is not always easy, as sometimes the profiles of "actual providers" are simply copied and used on a new website and even Airbnb or Booking.
Our tip: Photograph the image from your advertisement with Google Lens and see if the photo appears again on the Internet.
If necessary, check the advertisement and the content, as well as the provider's contact details. If there are differences, you should ask yourself why.
Another tip: Check with Google Streetview or Google Mapswhether there really is a property at the given address that looks like your dream vacation home.
Because you don't want to be in for a nasty surprise on the day you arrive, do you?
2. excessively low prices - 100% instant payment
If an accommodation is significantly cheaper than comparable offers, you should be skeptical. Fraudsters often lure buyers with extremely low prices.
Research the rental prices in the region and check whether the offer is realistic. Of course, this is not easy if, for example, your destination is a vacation resort abroad and the local conditions are not so easy to check.
Use the online search and take your time. Compare your offer with other advertisements and accommodations on external websites.
Our tip: Please do not make a 100% instant deposit to secure offers such as 10% discount if there is no corresponding security.
Deposits exceeding 50% should always be questioned critically if there are already doubts about the authenticity of the provider.
3. unclear or missing information
Open and honest communication is a sign of a legal booking. If important information such as the address, contact details or type of accommodation is missing, caution is advised.
A reputable landlord provides all relevant information and is also verified. Especially if they are listed on comparison portals such as Airbnb or Booking is active.
Our tip: Always check for spelling mistakes, broken German and correct grammar. "Prompting texts" should always be viewed with caution.
If you are asked to verify your credit card via an external link, you should immediately listen carefully.
You can also pay attention to the pronunciation during direct telephone contact. For example, if it is a German provider "Thomas Müller" who only speaks English or broken German with you, then something is wrong.
4. missing or bad ratings
Missing or predominantly negative ratings are also a warning signal.
Take a look at the platform on which the accommodation is offered and search for existing reviews. Be wary of new listings without feedback.
Our tip: Have you booked/reserved?
With the help of a friend, check whether your booking is actually blocked for the selected period by requesting another booking via another PC in the same/slightly different period.
If the period is still free even though you have already booked, it is most likely a scam that is just out to make a quick buck.
5 tips for checking the reliability of vacation rentals
Choice of booking platform
Choose established booking platforms that have a rating and returns system. Platforms such as Airbnb or Booking.com often offer additional protection mechanisms.
Our tip: With Booking, Airbnb or Fewo-direkt you have the great advantage that the comparison portal often offers you fraud protection should you fall for a provider.
Keep booking confirmations
Keep all booking confirmations and emails from the landlord. These can be used later as proof in the event of any problems.
Our tip: Also take a screenshot of the website or the offer you want to book.
Consider cancellation insurance
Consider whether cancellation insurance could be useful for your booking in order to be covered in the event of unexpected changes.
Direct contact with the host
Do not hesitate to contact the host directly. Ask specific questions about the accommodation, the amenities or the area.
Answering too quickly and evasively can be another sign of dizziness.
Our tip: Also check the provider's profile picture or logo. If you find this again on the Internet in a different context or with incorrect address details etc., be careful.
The tips mentioned above can also be very helpful. Research on the Internet, on Google Map and other platforms and portals.
Our tip: Is the website secure? Check that the website you want to book on is SSL-encrypted.
You can recognize this by the small lock symbol at the top of the browser bar before the domain name appears.
Online research
Don't leave out any information! Research the accommodation online to find out whether it may have a bad reputation on other platforms or in social media. A Google search can also provide information.
Our tip: Is there a Google My Business entry that can prove authenticity? Is the imprint genuine and can you reach someone on the telephone number provided?
Our tip: Before booking, check the "Fake store finder" of the consumer advice center to see if there are any signs or indications of a scam or fraud. Also at "Watchlist Internet" you can also check this.
You can also play it safe when buying products online. Here is the Fake store finder from Trusted Shops is a good option.
Seals, certifications and verifications
If a provider has been on Airbnb for many years, has positive reviews and has confirmed all contact details, such as telephone, email and identity, it is probably a reputable host profile. Verification is the first step in checking.
But what if the provider has a new profile and is just starting out? Is it then immediately a fake?
Hosts who deal with many details about the vacation apartment and also use the specific setting options, such as e.g. dynamic pricing or "determining the WLAN quality", has real access to the advertisements and apartments and then very probably acts without malicious intentions.
Our tip: Check whether the prices in the booking calendar vary if you choose a different booking period.
You can also use the tip mentioned above by making a double booking via another person and another computer.
For the second booking, the provider would have to state that there is already an occupancy for the booked period. If this does not happen, it is most likely a fake advertisement.
Another tip: If the provider has a seal of approval from an institution such as the "German Holiday Home Association", this can first of all give you confidence.
However, it is important that you also check the link to the source. If there is no link or no correct link, proceed with caution.
But because you are also clever, don't just be satisfied with checking the link, which could theoretically lead to a fake page. Also check the provider of the seal for authenticity.
We know from experience that there are also providers of vacation apartments who create their own seals in order to generate a high level of trust among guests.
For this reason, proceed with a certain amount of skepticism when looking at these seals so that your well-deserved vacation experience is not unnecessarily jeopardized.
What to do in the event of fraud? Dealing with misuse of names and fake advertisements
Immediate notification of fraud
If you come across a fake ad, report it to the platform immediately. This way, other users can be protected and the provider can be held accountable.
Report the provider and seek legal advice if necessary.
Our tip: Select do not call the emergency number 110 at the police, but a number that is responsible for these fields of activity. Here you will find the right contact point of the Police for cybercrime - Suitable for your federal state
This way you are not blocking the main police line, which would not deal with it at this point.
Your frequently asked questions
What should I do if I book fake accommodation?
If you discover that you have fallen into a fraud trap, contact the Booking platform and your Bankto stop the payment process immediately.
Report the provider and seek legal advice if necessary.
Our tip: Do not dial the emergency number 110 for the police, but a number that is responsible for these areas of activity.
How do I recognize a trustworthy host?
A trustworthy host usually has positive reviews, answers questions quickly and provides clear information about the accommodation and the surrounding area. We have already given you some important tips in the text above.
Are booking fees always safe?
Booking fees may vary. Choose platforms that offer customer protection and are transparent about costs. Avoid payments via external links or credit card verifications.
Which payment methods are secure?
Preferably use credit cards or payment methods that offer buyer protection to secure your payment.
Conclusion: Well informed and safe travel
The booking of a Vacation apartment should be an enjoyable part of your travel preparations, not a source of stress.
By applying the tips and advice presented here, you can significantly minimize the risk of fake vacation apartments.
Use your newly acquired knowledge to make informed decisions. Plan your next trip with confidence - and enjoy every moment your accommodation has to offer.
Act now: Check your next booking and make sure it meets the criteria for safety and reliability. Your perfect vacation starts with the right accommodation!
Because we are from Momentic have often been asked how to recognize a fake accommodation, we have decided to write this article for all our guests to give them a safe feeling when booking online.
We hope that this blog post will also give you a little more security. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Do you fancy a carefree vacation? Take a look around - your summer vacation on the Baltic Sea is waiting for you here.
