Accommodation Scams in Punta del Este, Uruguay
Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud. Below are the accommodation scams scams reported in Punta del Este — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Valparaíso, Mendoza, and Medellín.
Last updated: April 9, 2026
1
Accommodation Scams Scams
10
Total in Punta del Este
How it works
During the December–February high season when Punta del Este accommodation is scarce, scammers post fraudulent apartment and house listings on social media, WhatsApp groups, and informal classified sites at prices slightly below market. They contact prospective renters claiming to be owners or agents, manufacture urgency by saying other parties are competing for the property, then request a "reservation deposit" of 20–30% wired to a personal bank account or paid via informal transfer. The property does not exist or belongs to someone else.
See all scams in Punta del Este
10 total warnings across all categories
More about Punta del Este