06/11/2022, 10:00 am | from Editorial team CHIP/DPA
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So that the holiday doesn’t turn into a flop, you should be careful when booking so that you don’t fall for fake offers. You can protect yourself with these tips.
At first glance, the offers sound very tempting: whether it’s a holiday apartment, houseboat or mountain hut – with a simple down payment, the entire holiday trip can be easily planned and booked in advance.
When vacationers actually arrive on site, the providers are suddenly no longer available, the housing offer does not exist and the money is gone.
How to protect yourself from fake offers
The Lower Saxony consumer center has collected a few points. It is best not to book in these cases:
- Caution is advised with bookings where not only a deposit, but the entire rental amount is required regardless of the travel period.
- Even if the name, address and telephone number of the landlord are missing and contact is only possible via e-mail and Whatsapp, the consumer advice center advises caution.
- How detailed is the description of the accommodation? If important information is missing, vacationers should be suspicious.
- If the landlord wants to continue communication outside of the platform, consumer advocates see the first warning signs of fake offers.
- Never transfer the rental price or a deposit outside the platform. Cash transfer services such as Western Union or Money Gram are, according to consumer advice centers, a sure sign of fraudsters.
Fallen for a fake offer? Then you should act immediately
What if it’s too late and you’ve been taken in by the scammers? The consumer advice center advises reporting the incident to the police immediately – and notifying the respective platform operator.
If you have already made a payment, you should also contact your bank and arrange a chargeback if possible.