Tourists being scammed by fake vacation rental owners
South Lake Tahoe police officers are advising vacation homeowners, rental companies, and future visitors to the area of a scam over the Internet through vacation rental websites.
At least three families have been victimized by this scam recently, and it is suspected there may be more.
The scam involves false postings on legitimate vacation rental websites advertising rental properties available in South Lake Tahoe. They include photographs of residences in the area, which make the postings appear authentic.
Typically a victim contacts the suspect(s) via email through such a website, and the suspect emails realistic appearing rental agreements with an out of state bank account number, and routing number for the victim to send money. The suspect then has the victim wire transfer the money, which makes it non-refundable to the victim by a bank. The victim then sends the money unknowingly to the suspect(s), thinking they have a reservation for the property.
They arrive at their destination to discover that the transaction was fraudulent and they have been scammed out of their money.
The thieves have used accounts in multiple states and have used different names, both male and female. One common denominator is that a cell phone number of (940) 238.4477 is listed on the rental agreement.
If anyone is a victim of these suspect(s), contact Officer Mark Hounsell at (530) 542.6100.
Good work by SLTPD…. It might be a good idea to post a warning on the Visitor Websites as well.
So many full time residents are disturbed, annoyed, and made uncomfortable in their own homes by lack of controls on vacation rentals. The noise, shouting, drinking, cars everywhere, and general party atmosphere in residential areas has driven locals away.
EDC is spreading the word to contact the mgmt. co instead of the Sheriff. The reason being because they don’t want the 4 strikes law to take place so they lose income. Always call SLTPD or the Sheriff at the moment a violation has taken place. Did you also know SLT and EDC are in violation of your neighborhood deed restrictions? Mine state no commercial lodging or nuisances allowed in the neighborhood – a clear violation. Start letting government know they are in violation. No one gains from VHR’s except government. Food, beer, everything is purchased before arrival. Local gov’t is making money at resident expense. VHR occupants should be in a hotel at a commercial area – not our neighborhoods!
I think this is horrible. Imagine planning for months, saving up, packing up your children, driving a long ways to gorgeous Lake Tahoe only to find you have lost your money to a scam artist and you have no place to stay. Devistating. I heard about this a while ago but I’m so glad it’s in the news now so at least people become aware. I truly hope this person is caught soon.
How are these scum buckets setting up a bank account? With all the KYC laws and the bank’s required info to set up an account, one would think it would be easy to catch them. I hope they nail these losers and the victims get their money back. Tahoe does not need negative press. Always use a credit card responsibly for protection.
This is a that is widespread on the internet. In the city press release they ask owners to check on the websites to see if their property is on it, but it would be helpful if we knew which websites to check.
Bob, I do believe you are incorrect in stating that everything is purchased before they get here. It is my experience that most people purchase their food here. It is obvious that you have not been to Raleys on a Friday, as it is packed with our visitors. Also it is not the government’s place to enforce deed restrictions. If someone in your neighborhood is in violation of a deed restrictions you may bring a private party lawsuit.
Similar to the scam whereby scamsters rent a vacation house for the weekend, place long term rental ads and hold an “open house” accepting deposits and first and last month bargain rent, then leave town. All the different renters show up on the first of the month, surprised to find their housekey doesn’t fit.
Prospective renters should verify the true property owner through county property records to avoid dealing with these scamsters.