Finding the right winter rental can take months, and scammers know it. Fake listings for condos, cottages and RV lots appear every fall, often with lovely photos and a price that’s hard to resist. Here’s how to tell a real rental from a fake one.

Warning signs of a fake rental

• The price is far below similar places in the same area.
• The “owner” is away and can’t show you the place or put you in touch with anyone local.
• They want to move off the booking site to email, text or a messaging app.
• They ask for a wire transfer, e-transfer, gift cards or cryptocurrency, or the full amount up front.
• There’s pressure to decide now because “other people are interested.”
• There’s no written agreement, or it’s vague about dates, deposits and cancellations.

How to book safely

1. Stay on the booking website and pay through it, so you’re covered by its protections.
2. Pay by credit card when you can. It’s easier to dispute a charge than to recover a transfer.
3. Search the address and photos online. If the same photos show up under a different name or city, walk away.
4. Talk on the phone or by video call. Ask for a live video walk-through of the unit.
5. Check with the building or park office that the unit exists and is available to rent, and that the person is allowed to rent it.
6. Get everything in writing before you pay: dates, total cost, deposit, and the cancellation policy.

Renting out your own place while you’re away?

Scams can go the other way too. Be cautious of a “renter” who overpays with a cheque and asks you to send back the difference. The cheque often bounces after you’ve sent the money.

If you think you’ve been scammed

• Contact your bank or card company right away.
• Report the listing to the website where you found it.
• Report it to your local police and to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at 1-888-495-8501.

This article is general information. Last checked October 2026.

Sources: Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre