- A brief overview of the events that took place.
- The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the people and companies involved.
- Copies of all documents you signed or that you received, including any deeds or contracts.
- Copies of canceled checks or money orders (both front and back) that you gave in payment.
- Supply all of your contact information, including name, addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers.
The victims in this story thought they had done everything properly, but there were certain steps that they could’ve taken to protect themselves. You can help avoid being a victim yourself just by following a few steps:
- Remember the old saying, “If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
- Don’t let a landlord pressure you. If you are being pushed or oversold in a business arrangement, don’t continue.
- Try to make travel purchases from agencies and promoters that you know are legitimate. Whenever possible check with the Better Business Bureau.
- Get all the details before you agree and make a purchase.
- Make sure you get all the terms and conditions of your stay in writing.
- Be leery when being pressured to send payment via courier service or overnight mail. A con-artist wants to receive their money as soon as possible, and while trying to avoid any federal mail fraud charges, may ask you to use a courier.
- Always try to pay with credit card. If you do become a victim of rental fraud, there is virtually no chance of you receiving your money back if you use a check, money order, wire transfer, or cash. It is also important to note that you may not receive your money back if you pay by credit card; however paying with a credit card does increase the odds that you may recover your lost funds.
Summer vacation is just on the horizon. Con-artists will be waiting to take unsuspecting victims money and dreams of summer fun. It is important to be aware of how to protect yourself when making lodging arrangements from travel services other than Expedia, Travelocity, Hotel.com, travel agencies, so you won’t have a summer vacation horror story to tell your friends when returning to campus next year.
