🏖️ Avoiding Vacation Rental Scams
Searching for a vacation rental can be exciting given the many options available on Kijiji. However, we encourage you to stay alert and take a few precautions to ensure your booking experience is safe and genuine.
⚠️ If it looks too good to be true — it probably is
- Compare similar properties in the same area to get an idea of average rental prices. If a property seems significantly cheaper, be cautious — it may be a scam.
- Be wary of listings with overly professional photos that resemble hotel websites or stock images rather than personal vacation homes.
- Avoid ads that use urgent or emotional language (“last minute cancellation,” “act fast”) to pressure you into quick decisions or deposits.
🏡 Do your homework
- Ask the poster to provide proof of ownership such as a property tax bill, deed, or utility bill. The name on these documents should match the name on public property records.
- Use online map and street view tools (like Google Maps) to confirm that the address exists and that the property resembles the photos in the listing.
- Search the property description or images online — scammers often reuse the same content from legitimate ads.
- Review the user’s profile and posting history. A newly created account with few or no other listings may indicate a potential fraud risk.
🔍 It’s in the details
- Ask for additional or personalized photos of the property — such as specific rooms or the view from the balcony. Genuine owners should easily be able to provide these.
- Request a brief video call (e.g., FaceTime, Zoom) to see the property live and verify that the person you’re speaking with is indeed the owner or manager.
- Avoid sending wire transfers or cryptocurrency payments (e.g., Western Union, MoneyGram, Bitcoin) — these methods are frequently used by scammers and are difficult to trace or reverse.
- Use secure payment methods such as major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express), as they offer protection in cases of fraud or dispute.
- Never agree to make off-platform transactions or share personal information outside Kijiji’s messaging system.
💳 If you use money transfer services
If you still choose to send money using a transfer service, keep these points in mind:
- Western Union or MoneyGram will never send invoices via email. Do not send money or click on any link claiming to be from these companies.
- Always verify directly with the payment institution to confirm that any invoice or transaction is legitimate.
- Be suspicious of anyone who insists on payment before you’ve been able to verify ownership or see the property.
🧭 Additional safety tips
- Search the property’s address on short-term rental platforms (like Airbnb or VRBO) to see if it exists there legitimately — and compare details.
- Avoid listings without local contact details or those claiming the owner is “abroad.” This is a frequent red flag.
- Always keep copies of your correspondence, receipts, and proof of payment in case you need to file a report.
