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VRBeware

Matt J avatar
Matt JSWGB
5,762 views
I've noticed an interesting scam on VRBO recently. The most recent was a gentleman that stated he was a sailor and his family would be coming down for a week and a half in November. Well then we get fishy, apparently he is having his finance company send the full rent and deposit plus additional monies for his family. I'm supossed to receive the check, then deposit it and forward the additional monies to his wife. Well I get a very funny looking "cashiers" check. Once I contacted the bank and found out that the routing number is completely bogus I have since turned over the emails and check to the USPS. Apparently the scam here is to have me deposit the check and then turn around and write another check out, and mail it, to the wife. Because the routing number is bogus it takes a while for the check to come back.

Replies

16
Ocean Lover avatar
Ocean Loverbean
#2
I've noticed an interesting scam on VRBO recently. The most recent was a gentleman that stated he was a sailor and his family would be coming down for a week and a half in November. Well then we get fishy, apparently he is having his finance company send the full rent and deposit plus additional monies for his family. I'm supossed to receive the check, then deposit it and forward the additional monies to his wife. Well I get a very funny looking "cashiers" check. Once I contacted the bank and found out that the routing number is completely bogus I have since turned over the emails and check to the USPS. Apparently the scam here is to have me deposit the check and then turn around and write another check out, and mail it, to the wife. Because the routing number is bogus it takes a while for the check to come back.

I've heard of this scam before. It was ebay related tho.
Mango avatar
MangoSoWal Insider
#3
These scams and variations of them of perps sending 3rd party checks and requesting overage funds have been going on for years on all the rental sites by owner.
Paula avatar
PaulaBeach Fanatic
#4
Thanks. I, too, have heard of these before (VRBO sometimes sends emails warning VRBO members of these scams). But it's always good to get a reminder so we're not caught off-guard and fall for it.
spinDrAtlBeach Fanatic
#5
I get these all the time, mostly from vrbo want ad section when I do a last minute price, not directly off my vrbo ads. The scammers can pick your email contact address off there, but not directly off your vrbo ad as it is hidden.

Most obvious sign: the 'my company' or 'my travel agent' is paying but they are making the check for more to cover additional expenses, hence they need you to forward them the extra $$$. (They disappear as soon as I tell them I only accept checks in the amount of the rental)

Other Telltale signs:

UK yahoo address
Poor grammar
They will agree to any price you quote them, no matter how outrageous.
Matt J avatar
Matt JSWGBAuthor
#6
Today's excuse was a mix up with the check and they need the difference.

If you do get one of these or the actual check (look closely it's usually printed on an inkjet or the printing is slanted) here's the info for the USPS:

http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/forms/mlntrcvd.aspx

You can also call the Postal Inspector (For North West Florida) (850) 216-4212
seaside2 avatar
seaside2Beach Fanatic
#7
Had a friend that actually bit on one of these, except in this case it was a 5 series BMW he was selling on ebay. He sent them the extra $5k before he found out that the "Cashier's" check was bogus.:angry:

Tried to chase them down with no avail. They used FedEx so it was apparently not mail fraud (could not get the USPS interested).

bye bye $5k.:wave::wave::wave::wave::wave:
seacrestkristiBeach Fanatic
#9
Thanks. I, too, have heard of these before (VRBO sometimes sends emails warning VRBO members of these scams). But it's always good to get a reminder so we're not caught off-guard and fall for it.

Ditto! Thanks. :wave:
NicenancyBeach Comber
#10
My friend had it happen with her furniture business - same thing. Boogus check - wanted difference. Fortunately she caught it before she sent the money.
I appreciate you keeping us informed!
Dave SlovinBeach Crab
#11
After reading about the scams, I started using PayPal for my VRBO rentals. I send out electronic invoices and renters don't have to be a member to pay. Credit card fees are 2.9%, and renters can still pay by check if they qualify through PayPal (protects me).
Minnie avatar
MinnieBeach Fanatic
#12
After reading about the scams, I started using PayPal for my VRBO rentals. I send out electronic invoices and renters don't have to be a member to pay. Credit card fees are 2.9%, and renters can still pay by check if they qualify through PayPal (protects me).

Paypal protects no one but Paypal, if you have a problem don't expect anything help from them. I have had horrible experiences with them.
ckhagen avatar
ckhagenBeach Fanatic
#13
They pull this scam on wedding photographers all the time.
spinDrAtlBeach Fanatic
#14
I have been getting a lot of inquiries through VRBO lately for my ski property from people coming to 'work' the winter season and asking about monthly rates. Usually they are from Brazil or Mexico or somewhere. Simple reply is that we don't rent monthly during prime season. They are all so similar looking that some I don't even reply at all.
swantree avatar
swantreeBeach Fanatic
#16
IMO, put the money in the bank before you give a key out.
You Rang?Beach Comber
#17
I never got that from VRBO but when I used craigslist I got 1 every other day
"greetings, my name is Dr.________ and want to reserve your property for a week in _____. Please tell me the price and my wifes company will send you a check." blablabla

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