South Lake Tahoe not immune from fake vacation rental scams

Imagine packing up the car and heading up to South Lake Tahoe to enjoy a week at the large vacation home you just rented, only to find out that the house isn't yours to use when you arrive.

That scenario happened over the recent holiday when not one, not two, but four different groups thought they rented a home on Bonita Road near Heavenly Mountain Resort. All of the groups found a home for rent on Craigslist, a popular website used for buying, selling and renting.

More and more people are renting vacation homes which give them the ease of home living when traditional hotels and motels are either booked or don't meet their needs. Even though South Lake Tahoe has dozens of legitimate vacation home management companies, potential renters still turn to Craigslist to find both a good deal and the perfect place in which to spend their Tahoe vacation.

The scam starts when someone posts photos and descriptions of a home on Craigslist. They may include a phone number and perhaps a website on the listing along with so much information the renter thinks it is legitimate and is comfortable moving forward with a contract and payment.

Many of the fake rental listings include photos of real vacation homes along with descriptions taken from legitimate vacation rentals. Or, they've pulled the pictures off the MLS from the home's last sale. The culprits will form a relationship with people which puts them at ease. They may even present what looks like real contracts and business information.

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department or El Dorado County Sheriff's Office will respond to the would be renter's phone call but there really isn't much they can do except take a report. The place the fraud took place usually isn't in Tahoe as the actual fraud occurs where the money is exchanged.

The problem isn't new. Over the last few years local law enforcement has seen more of these type of cases, especially since the beginning of Craigslist and other internet home rental sites.

Vacation home renters can protect themselves by dealing only with legitimate businesses with business licenses and the required vacation rental permits.

How to not get caught by the Vacation Rental Scam:
1) Don't be fooled by photos. If they look too photoshopped, ask for some additional photos. An honest homeowner will give them too you.
2) If it's too good to be true, it probably is. Is $99 per night for a 6 bedroom home realistic? No.
3) Never use cash, Western Union, Money Gram or a pre-paid credit card available at the local corner store. Use a credit card so you can recover funds lost to fraud.
4) Use a trusted local agent. Even though some of the scams are now using websites they've put together, they aren't located locally.
5) Confirm legitimacy. For ownership and all documents, confirm that the owner’s name on the lease is the same as the one shown on public property appraiser records.
6) Read the company's reviews.
7) Trust your instincts and take your time. If you apply some skepticism to the process, you’re more likely to see red flags. You’re also more likely to catch suspicious behavior.