Renting from an owner - always look for safety

[4Reliefnow]

I posted about a rental wanted on TUG Marketplace. Someone texted me saying they had dates available. I asked them to describe their proces and they said to pay by wire transfer or cashiers check. I smelled a rat. Here is the safe rental process I described:

1.See the reservation in the owner's name and verify it
2. Review the written rental agreement
3. Ask for references
4. Pay only a small deposit to get the confirmation in my name
5. Verify my reservation with the resort before I pay the balance

I would add to talk with the owner on the phone, Google the owner, pay by credit card if concerned (offer to pay the 3% fee) I like to talk on the phone to listen for English proficiency. Someone offered to rent me 5,000 Marriott Vacation Club points. When I Googled him I found a teenager with gamer posts.

I asked the person to forward the confirmation for me to review. No response. I think this was an attempt to scam me. The phone number is 985-215-0355

 

[TUGBrian]

please provide me the email address they used to contact you so i can block it along with that phone number.

 

[4Reliefnow]

please provide me the email address they used to contact you so i can block it along with that phone number.

Texted me from 985-215-0355 never emailed the confirmation to review

 

[silentg]

I got scammed by a similar situation a few months ago. Thanks for the heads up. Unfortunately I learned the hard way.

 

[elaine]

DD almost got scammed for subletting an apartment via a University student FB rental page. When I goggled the apt address--it was (luckily) off a bit. When she told the person that her Mom wanted to have a phone call, she never heard back.