The ski season is full in swing, and excitement for snowy slopes is growing. You might already be planning to rent a cozy cabin in the mountains or a small chalet right by the slopes. But beware: protect yourself from fraud and deception, which are widespread on the Internet. Many travellers have fallen victim to such scams in the past. Our 10 tips will help you avoid fraudulent traps!
- Check online advertisements critically: Be wary of ads for accommodation that advertise with unrealistically beautiful, almost unreal-looking pictures, inaccurate details or conspicuously low prices.
- Check the advertiser of the ad: If you have any doubts or suspect fraud, contact the operator of the website on which the ad is placed. They can check whether the advertiser is on a list of fraudsters.
- Check by telephone: Call the telephone number given to check whether it actually belongs to the owner of the accommodation. If you only ever reach the answering machine or if it is a third party, ask to speak to the owner in person.
- Check email communication critically: If your exchange with the advertiser is mainly by email, pay attention to the spelling and check whether the responses could be automated.
- Do not give out personal data too early: Only give out your exact contact details and other personal information after several conversations. This is because fraudsters could use them to create a fake rental agreement.
- Check the address of the accommodation: Use online maps, for example, to check whether the address given for the accommodation in the mountains is correct. This will help you avoid renting accommodation that doesn't exist or is in an unfavorable location. For example, near a highway, construction site or garbage dump.
- Check the rental contract in advance: If the accommodation ad appears to be in order after all of the above checks, get a copy of the rental agreement. Read the rental agreement carefully and check it for hidden additional costs.
- Check payment terms: If you are renting your accommodation in Austria, check whether the IBAN of the account to which you have to pay the deposit is from an Austrian bank. You can recognize this by the first 2 digits of the IBAN, here you will find the country code “AT”. If you have the choice, prefer a bank transfer or credit card payment as a means of payment.
- Request a receipt for payment: Always ask the landlord for a receipt of the payment you have made. This must show the reference number of the rental property.
- Read reviews: Keep correspondence with the landlord carefully in a folder in your email inbox. Also ask the landlord to keep a written record of what you have discussed and what you have agreed on.
If you follow these 10 tips, nothing will stand in the way of a relaxing vacation in the mountains. Don't forget to take out the right travel insurance for you and your family: with travel insurance from Europäische Reiseversicherung, you are well covered. Our Hotel Cancellation Plus not only offers you reliable cancellation insurance, but also comprehensive support for your stay in a vacation apartment - for up to 31 days. This includes benefits in the event of trip interruption, involuntary vacation extension and mountain emergencies. So you are perfectly protected if something unforeseen happens!