Offers with below average prices and advance payment requests are some of the warning signs
Carnival is just a few days away and most of the Brazilian cities that are part of the Carnival circuit already have accommodation occupancy rates reaching 100%. In recifefor example, hotel occupancy is expected to remain at 95%, according to one estimate by Brazilian Association of the Hotel Industry (ABIH-BA).
This scenario raises an alarm for vacation rental scams, which have become more common in recent years: the victim pays for a property that doesn’t exist or isn’t actually available for rent.
Attorney Ricardo Maranhão, a specialist in consumer law, warns that travelers who negotiate directly with the owner – or, in this case, the scammer – are more vulnerable to being the victim of a crime. Since people traveling to a place cannot pre-view the property (unless they send a friend who lives in the city), this is fertile ground for scams.
Therefore, platforms such as Airbnb and Booking are more reliable: through them it is possible to see ratings and comments from those who have already stayed. “Criminals use social networks, Whatsapp groups and advertising sites, such as OLX, to advertise deceptive offers,” says the lawyer.
In these cases, how to confirm the real existence of hosting? One option is to ask for specific photos or, better yet, place a video call with the owner for a live tour of the property. “When the person shows his face, the consumer can also take a screen print, to have proof of who the landlord is”, completes Ricardo Maranhão.
But that still does not guarantee that you will be safe from a possible scam. In addition to being wary of prices well below average, the lawyer recommends: “inform yourself well before closing the accommodation, confirm the location of the property, request a lease, check the account that will receive payment and avoid advance payments”. And he adds: “Be wary if the landlord charges express payment or asks to receive payment outside the booking platforms, such as Booking and Airbnb”.
You also need to be aware of the practice of phishing, a crime in which people are tricked into sharing sensitive information, such as passwords and credit card numbers. Cybercriminals can do this by tricking people into clicking a fake link sent by message or email, for example.
“If you fall for a scam, the consumer should go to the nearest police station to register a police report. This registration can also be done via the Internet. Collect all information that can serve as evidence, such as bank details, conversations of message and photographs”, concludes Ricardo Maranhão.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
