What is the "Fake Punta del Este Rental Listings on Social Media" scam in Punta del Este?

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During the January–February peak season, fraudulent holiday rental listings circulate heavily on Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and local Uruguayan classified sites, targeting Argentine and Brazilian visitors seeking last-minute accommodation in Punta del Este, La Barra, and José Ignacio. Scammers demand 50–100% upfront deposit via bank transfer, then go silent. Properties either do not exist or are already legitimately rented to someone else. Use only established rental platforms with verifiable host history and dispute resolution (Airbnb, Booking.com, or long-standing Uruguayan agencies). Never pay via bank transfer to an unknown individual for a vacation rental. Video-call the host and ask them to show the property live before any payment.

Online Scams in Punta del Este

Fake Punta del Este Rental Listings on Social Media

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