Lookout for travel and vacation scams

cheryl

cheryl

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Lookout for travel and vacation scams - Herald Dispatch

Timeshares and vacation rentals are a great way to travel and have the comforts of home. However, scammers love to take advantage of vacationers by making false promises and creating a sense of urgency to fool them into paying for something that doesn't exist.

How the scam works
In travel and vacation scams, con artists post listings for properties that either aren't for rent, don't exist, or are significantly different than pictured. They then lure in vacationers with the promise of low fees and great amenities. Typically, the "owner" creates a false sense of urgency, maybe another vacationer is interested in the rental, to get you to pay up before doing sufficient research.

Another common travel scam is the timeshare resale con. A timeshare owner who is looking to sell gets a call from someone claiming to be a real estate broker or agent. These scammers claim to specialize in timeshare resales and promise they have buyers ready to purchase. To secure this service, the scammer pressures the target into paying an upfront fee. The timeshare owner pays up, but the reselling agent never delivers.
 
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