Planning a Fall Getaway? Read This First.
September is one of the best times to travel. The crowds shrink, temperatures cool, and many Central Oregon families squeeze in one last adventure before the holiday season arrives.
Unfortunately, scammers know travelers are looking for deals.
Common Vacation Rental Scams
Fraudsters create fake listings using stolen photos from legitimate properties.
They may:
- Offer rates far below market value
- Claim high demand and pressure you to pay quickly
- Refuse to speak by phone
- Request payment through wire transfers or peer-to-peer payment apps
Once payment is made, the property often doesn’t exist, isn’t available, or belongs to someone else entirely.
How to Protect Yourself
Before booking:
- Research the property thoroughly
- Reverse-search listing photos
- Read multiple reviews
- Verify the property manager directly
- Use secure payment methods
If a deal seems significantly better than every comparable listing, that’s a warning sign.
Local Relevance
Central Oregon attracts visitors year-round for recreation, events, and outdoor experiences. Because short-term rentals are common throughout the region, scams targeting travelers continue long after the summer season ends.
Pause. Verify. Reach Out.
Pause: Don’t rush because someone says availability is limited.
Verify: Confirm the property and owner independently.
Reach Out: If payment instructions seem unusual, talk with a trusted financial partner before sending money.
For more tips on protecting your personal information, visit Mid Oregon’s Security and Fraud Page: midoregon.com.
