On the few occasions that you may have to keep a portion of the deposit, you might want to consider sending bank certified funds. If you couldn't trust these renters with your vacation home, why should you trust them with your bank account information?

WASHINGTON (10/18/04)--Checking account scams are on the rise, and some scammers now are using sophisticated and cheap technology to print checks (Delawareonline.com: The News Journal Oct. 4).

Scammers take advantage of a banking practice that allows companies to write unsigned, paper checks on a consumer's behalf for one-time transactions such as last-minute bill payments or purchases from telemarketers. Using unsigned checks and automated withdrawals, crooks can process thousands of bogus payment requests.

Law enforcement officials say crooks find it surprisingly easy to convince consumers to give checking account numbers over the phone or Internet. Officials suspect thieves also have obtained account numbers from unscrupulous mail-order suppliers.

Thousands of consumers also have been tricked into giving out account information by responding to "phishing" e-mails that appear to come from financial institutions or from Web sites like eBay or PayPal.

Consumers should keep a close watch over their checking accounts to detect and report fraud promptly: Check accounts online regularly and review monthly statements. Some financial institutions only allow consumers 30 days from the statement date to dispute an unauthorized check. Be even more protective about checking accounts than credit card information. Federal laws allow more protection for consumers disputing credit card transactions.

Think twice about using checks to pay unknown vendors. When in doubt, use a credit card.

© Christine Karpinski 2006

Ask Christine #17: Signs of Scam Inquiries (Transcript)    Christine explains the characteristics of a typical scam inquiry.

Go International-- The Merits of Advertising Your Vacation Rental Worldwide (Transcript)    Christine speaks with the HomeAway UK about renting vacation properties worldwide.

One-on-One with Baltimore Vacation Rental Owner, Richard Pretl (Transcript)    Christine interviews experienced owner, Richard Pretl, about his vacation rental in Baltimore, Maryland.

How to Spot a Vacation Rental Scam    Sadly, there are many scammers out there preying on vacation rental homeowners. Don't be a victim!

Urban Legend: The 809 Area Code Scam    Since 1996, the 809 Area Code Scam has morphed into a bigger more complex scam, resulting in a wider web of implications for vacation rental property owners.

Marketing Your Vacation Rental to International Travelers: FAQs    Answers to commonly asked questions about advertising and renting to travelers form outside the U.S.

Urban Legend: The 809 Area Code Scam     Since 1996, the 809 Area Code Scam has morphed into a more complex scam, with a wider web of implications for vacation rental property owners.

How to Protect Your Good Name: Vacation Rental Transactions    Safeguard your renters and your reputation by avoiding unsafe payment methods.

How to Protect Yourself from "Phishing" Attacks on Vacation Rental Owners    The three types of "phishing," a common scam tactic, and how to recognize them.

Trust Your Instincts: 10 Lines From Renters That Should Raise a Red Flag    A lighthearted take on a few conversations with prospective renters that should make you pause and contemplate a bit before accepting their booking.

Seal More Bookings with Your Inquiry Responses    Learn when to say yes, when to say no, and when to just pick up the phone!

When to Allow a Renter to Pay by Wire Transfer    An option for international guests or last minute bookings.

When to Allow a Renter to Pay by Wire Transfer    An option for international guests or last minute bookings.

Christine's Blog: What You Should Know About Scams (6/27/07)    Scammers are getting more and more savvy. Here are some quick dos and don'ts.

The 2nd Edition of Christine Karpinski's Book, How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner    Christine talks about the new 2nd edition of How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner, which includes over 150 pages of new material and is now available on her website.

May 1, 2007: Credit Card Scammers Target Vacation Rental Owners    Two credit cards scams affecting rental owners.

Frequent Vacation Rental Scam Inquiries    We've added this section to our site to help owners spot vacation rental scams. Have you received a suspicious inquiry? Send it to us and we'll post it in this section.