Vacation Rental Spam Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: What is SPAM?

A: SPAM is an unsolicited commercial e-mail usually advertising a product or service. Usually, it is undesirable and is similar to "junk mail" received at your home or business via standard postal mail.

Q: What do I do if I receive a Suspicious Email?

A: Usually emails with poor grammar, spelling, odd use of capital letters and/or asking you to wire money or participate in an unusual bank transaction is a scam. The sender is usually attempting to obtain money, personal information or your email address. We recommend that you let us know you received this through our website and delete the message without responding. For further information about internet fraud and fake check scams, see fraud.org.

Q: What do I do if I receive a Spam Email?

A: Unsolicited commercial e-mail (SPAM) is prohibited from being sent through our system.   Our system automatically filters and blocks spam (however, a few emails may still be able to go out).   For further information about internet fraud and fake check scams, see fraud.org.

Q: What is a 'Renter Overpayment Scam'?

A: Scammers will send you an inquiry, which may seem legitimate, but at some point suggest they send you more than your rental fees and ask you wire back the difference. The check they send you will be a fake, but usually takes the bank several weeks to catch it. By then, you have wired the difference back and will be unable to recover what you have sent. In some instances, the bad check will even clear your bank initially. We suggest you insist on exact payment, however, if you do accept an overpayment, wait at least 30 days before returning any funds. If you receive a suspicious inquiry mentioning that a third party (a business, assistant, or someone who owes them money) is going to send an overpayment, we recommend that you delete the inquiry without responding. See fraud.org for more information.