The last
weeks of summer have people scouring the internet for last minute deals on
vacation rentals.
News 12's
consumer reporter Janice Lieberman has
The Real Deal on how to spot a fake ad.
The ads look so enticing, beautiful decor and
fabulous locations at a great rate. So, how do you know if those listings are
too good to be true?
You answer the ad, but the owner says to contact
them outside the site - if that happens - it's a red flag. Everything should be
going through the platform and that includes all communications as well.
Look at the quality of the photos - Do they look
doctored? Are they blurry? Do they seem consistent with the listing itself?
And one of the best ways to figure out if an ad is
legit - read the reviews. They are the best way to understand if there could be
problems with the rental.
Read all the fine print and check out what fees
might be added to your final bill - like cleaning and garbage removal. Do not
send money to the owner directly.
If there
are problems with the rental, document them with photos and videos to show you
were not given what was promised.
And your
review counts - good or bad - for the next renter.
If you have a story idea, question or tip,
click here to reach out to Janice.