California’s billionaire playground on edge as new vacation scam steals tens of thousands from tourists
Scammers post fake vacation rental listings on Craigslist offering deals that seem too good to be true, then steal money from tourists who book them.
How it works
You find a vacation rental listing on Craigslist with unusually low prices. The scammer contacts you, takes payment for the booking, and then either never grants access to the property or the property does not exist. By the time you realize the scam, the money is gone and the listing has disappeared.
Red flags to watch for
- Price is significantly lower than similar rentals in the area
- Seller refuses to use the platform's payment system or insists on wire transfer
- Listing vanishes after you send payment
- You cannot reach the landlord once money is transferred
- Photos look professional but property details are vague
What to do
Book rentals only through established platforms with buyer protection like Airbnb or VRBO, never through Craigslist. If you use Craigslist, pay with a credit card or PayPal, never wire money or use cash apps. Verify the property by calling the local tax assessor or checking public records, and always visit in person or video tour before paying.
If this reached you
Source: NY Post . Scam Sentinel summarizes this news report in plain language; it is a decision aid, not a guarantee.