Most Common Vrbo Scams & How to Avoid Them
Vrbo scams are increasing, with fraudsters targeting both travelers and hosts through off-platform payment requests and fake communications. Always book and pay through Vrbo to get full protections and avoid costly losses.
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
About this scam type
Impersonation scams occur when fraudsters pretend to be legitimate entities like Vrbo to trick victims into sending money or sharing information. These scams can target both travelers and hosts, using fake emails, websites, phone calls, or social media messages to create a sense of urgency and prompt risky actions. Off-platform payments and communications are the top drivers of losses.
How scammers contact victims
Scammers often reach victims through email, but also use SMS, messaging apps like WhatsApp, and even phone calls. Emails and messages may contain urgent notices, payment instructions, or links to spoofed Vrbo login or payment pages. Some scams start on social media or classified ads, steering victims away from the secure Vrbo system.
Who is most at risk
Scammers target U.S. travelers and vacation rental hosts, especially families booking popular destinations, seniors less familiar with online scams, and anyone responding to discounts or urgent last-minute offers. Hosts can also be targeted, especially those with new listings or less experience.
Understanding the risk level
Victims risk losing thousands of dollars, personal data, or access to their vacation or rental property. Payments made outside Vrbo, such as by wire, gift card, or crypto, are typically unrecoverable. Even credit card payments may face tight dispute timeframes. The impact can include loss of money, ruined trips, and compromised accounts.
Most Common Vrbo Scams
How it works: Scammers claim you'll get a lower price if you pay outside Vrbo’s system via Zelle, Venmo, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. They may send fake invoices or direct you to continue the conversation via WhatsApp, email, or text, pretending it's for convenience or a special deal. Once money is sent off-platform, it's almost never recoverable and you lose Vrbo protections.
Real Example (2025)
For a better price, let's move to WhatsApp. Pay via Zelle to secure your booking. From FTC consumer report
Complete payment by wire to confirm, and I'll send you a rental contract for your records. Red Flag Signs:
- • Requests to pay with Zelle, Venmo, wire, or gift card
- • Offers of deep discounts for off-platform payment
- • Messaging moves from Vrbo to WhatsApp or email
- • Fake invoices or urgent instructions
How it works: Fraudsters copy Vrbo property photos and details, then post them on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or fake sites at much lower prices. Victims are rushed into paying outside Vrbo, often by wire or P2P app, for rentals that aren’t real or double-booked. Some scams use stolen host accounts.
Spectrum Local News coverage
We found our dream beach house on Facebook for half price... they wanted a wire transfer right away. Business Insider case
The rental listing looked legit, but after sending money, we found out it was a copy from Vrbo. Red Flag Signs:
- • Rental listings with unusually low rates
- • Links or payment instructions outside Vrbo
- • No reviews or inconsistent host info
- • Stock photos or reused images
How it works: Scammers create fake Vrbo emails or text messages about urgent payment issues, login problems, or account verification. These often link to counterfeit Vrbo sites or prompt you to call fake support numbers. A growing pattern is 'smishing'—fake texts with urgent prompts.
FTC rental scam bulletin
Your Vrbo booking cannot be processed. Resolve now: [fake link]. Vrbo Help Center sample
Update payment info to keep your reservation. Use the secure portal here: [phishing URL]. Red Flag Signs:
- • Emails or texts not relayed via @messages.vrbo.com
- • Urgent requests to click a link or update account
- • Spelling errors or odd sender names
- • Requests for sensitive details
How it works: Hosts receive fake booking requests with overpayments by cashier’s check and are asked to refund the difference, or they are targeted by phishing links for account access. Some are pressured via threats of negative reviews or short-notice refunds, often coupled with requests to move off-platform.
Vrbo Host Security Alert 2025
I sent too much by mistake. Could you refund the difference by wire? BBB Scam Alert
Send a quick refund and I'll update my review. I have a family emergency. Red Flag Signs:
- • Requests for refunds via different payment methods
- • Pressure to act fast or move off-platform
- • Messages not relayed via official Vrbo channels
- • Threats of poor reviews or claims of emergencies
How it works: Scammers set up lookalike websites or phone numbers claiming to be Vrbo or official government fraud agencies (including FBI IC3). They collect sensitive information or charge fake fees for 'assistance.' FBI and FTC warn to visit ic3.gov and official portals directly.
FBI PSA 2025
Report your scam at ic3gov.online for immediate investigation. Vrbo Help Center
Call this number to secure your rental refund (fake support). Red Flag Signs:
- • Unusual web addresses mimicking official sites
- • Support numbers not found on Vrbo
- • Requests for payment to get assistance
- • Pop-up ads claiming urgent action is needed
Red Flags & Warning Signs
Top 5 Phrases Scammers Use
- 1 "Let's finish this outside Vrbo for a discount."
Any request to move off-platform is a major scam sign.
- 2 "Please pay via Zelle, Venmo, or wire to confirm."
Payments outside Vrbo remove all protection and are almost always lost.
- 3 "Act now, this deal expires soon!"
Creates urgency to pressure you into acting before thinking.
- 4 "Here is a refund for my overpayment—please send back the difference."
A classic overpayment scam targeting hosts.
- 5 "Use this link or call this number to fix your account immediately."
Redirects to fake sites or support numbers.
Scam Warning Signs
- Requests for off-platform paymentsVrbo protection only applies if you book and pay on their official site.
- Not using @messages.vrbo.com addressesGenuine Vrbo messages relay through this email domain.
- Offers significantly below market ratesDeep discounts are often bait.
- Fake urgent support calls or emailsReal support never demands payment or fast response by email/phone.
- Requests for gift cards or cryptoThese payments cannot be traced or recovered.
Legitimate Communications
- All payment and messages handled on Vrbo platformYou never need to leave Vrbo to book safely.
- Email relay domain is @messages.vrbo.comOfficial communications come via this domain.
- Verified host or guest profiles with reviewsCheck for consistent, credible reviews and accurate details.
- Clear refund, insurance, and cancellation policiesLegitimate protection details are always available up front.
- Official Vrbo support found on help.vrbo.comMatch phone numbers and reporting portals directly.
How to Protect Yourself
Booking your next vacation or listing a property? Follow these essential steps to avoid scams that target Vrbo travelers and hosts.
- 1. Book and Pay ONLY on Vrbo
Never send money through wire, payment apps, or crypto. Always use Vrbo’s checkout for full coverage and to access the Book with Confidence Guarantee.
Bookmark vrbo.com and avoid links sent by email or text.
- 2. Keep All Messaging on the Platform
Use Vrbo’s built-in messaging, which uses the @messages.vrbo.com relay. Never continue discussions by WhatsApp, SMS, or personal email.
- 3. Screen the Listing Carefully
Check for quality photos, recent reviews, and consistent host details. Reverse-image search suspicious property photos to spot cloned or recycled listings.
Search the address or images using Google to check for duplicates.
- 4. Verify the Offer
Ignore deals that are far below market value, especially those requiring urgent action. Compare listings in the same area for realistic price ranges.
- 5. Understand Your Rights
Read Vrbo’s protection policies, including claim windows for misrepresentation or denied entry. Know your cancellation and insurance options ahead of time.
- 6. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Strengthen your Vrbo account security by setting up 2FA in your account settings. This is key for both travelers and hosts.
For the best protection against scams and fraud, sign up for Lifeguard’s real-time scam alerts and monitoring service today.
What to Do If You're a Victim
If you suspect a Vrbo scam, don’t panic. Follow these urgent steps based on how and where your payment was made.
- 1. If you have NOT paid, stop all off-platform contact (Do immediately)
Cease talking by text, WhatsApp, or email. Insist on using only Vrbo messages and payment system to communicate. Report the suspicious user to Vrbo support at help.vrbo.com.
- 2. If you paid ON Vrbo, contact Vrbo support immediately (Do immediately)
Gather receipts, screenshots, and evidence of all communication. File a complaint on Vrbo within the claim window (as early as 12 hours after first entry; check official terms for your region).
- 3. If you paid OFF Vrbo (wire, P2P, crypto, gift card), act fast (Do immediately)
Try to recall the transfer with your bank or app immediately (Zelle/Venmo/wire). Then report to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and to the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov (do NOT use links in Google or emails).
- 4. If you paid by credit card, dispute the charge ASAP (Within 24 hours)
Call your card issuer, reference the Fair Credit Billing Act, and request a chargeback. Do this as soon as possible to stay within the dispute window. Provide Vrbo documentation as needed.
- 5. File a police or local consumer protection report if necessary (Within 24 hours)
File a complaint with your state Attorney General or local police, especially for large losses. Save police report numbers for insurance or further disputes.
- 6. Continue monitoring accounts for suspicious activity
Watch for future unauthorized payments, phishing emails, or unusual contacts. Set up free credit monitoring if possible.
For official support, use the Vrbo Help Center, FTC ReportFraud.ftc.gov, FBI IC3 (type this address directly), the BBB Scam Tracker, and your state consumer protection office (for example, the North Carolina DOJ).
Frequently Asked Questions
Always pay through the official Vrbo checkout using a credit card. Never send wires, make P2P payments, or pay with gift cards or crypto to anyone claiming to represent a host or Vrbo.
Official Vrbo emails are relayed through @messages.vrbo.com. Don't trust messages from personal accounts or with suspicious links—always access your account directly at vrbo.com.
Do not send any payment. Report the listing to Vrbo directly, and if you have already booked, gather evidence and contact Vrbo support immediately through their official help center.
Recovery is difficult for off-platform payments, but act fast: contact your bank or payment app to attempt a recall, then file reports with the FTC and FBI IC3. The faster you act, the better your chances.
Yes, if you paid by credit card, contact your issuer as soon as possible to request a chargeback. Reference Vrbo’s fraud policies and provide all relevant documentation.
Vrbo’s Book with Confidence Guarantee and VrboCare apply only to stays and bookings paid directly through Vrbo. Payments or communication outside of Vrbo forfeit these protections.
Report directly to Vrbo via the Help Center, to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov, to the FBI IC3 at ic3.gov, and to your state’s consumer protection agency. Only use official web addresses.
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