Please be careful as we enter the peak holiday booking the rental scammers are back where they exploit the time that it typically takes to clear a cheque
Because I manage a number of properties over multiple sites this individual stupidly tried to make multiple bookings with me plus another site picked them and issues a warning
They make an enquiry on a property and, agree the rental and then ask to pay by cheque, normally wanting to pay on a long term for the whole year, or on the holiday including all charges
The scammers then send a cheque for the item. However, the cheque is for substantially more than the specified amount.
The scammers invent some excuse for this overpayment and ask that the balance be electronically transferred to a specified bank account..
The seller dutifully transfers the amount out of his or her own funds.
Later, the seller finds that his or her bank has dishonoured the cheque. In some cases, the bank may actually have cleared the funds, but discovers later that the check is a forgery or was stolen.
Please watch out for this type of scam and always insist on photo ID and proof of address when taking a booking