Accommodation Scams in San Diego, USA
Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud. Below are the accommodation scams scams reported in San Diego — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Las Vegas, Miami, and Tulum.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
2
Accommodation Scams Scams
10
Total in San Diego
How it works
Fraudulent vacation rental listings for San Diego beach properties appear on Craigslist, Facebook, and lookalike sites mimicking VRBO or Airbnb. Scammers request wire transfers or Zelle payments for deposits and the landlord is unavailable by the arrival date. The FBI San Diego field office has issued warnings about this scheme.
How it works
Tourists near Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, and the Gaslamp Quarter are offered free attraction tickets or hotel upgrades in exchange for attending a 90-minute resort presentation. The presentation is a high-pressure timeshare sales event lasting 3–5 hours. Hidden conditions void the promised gifts.
See all scams in San Diego
10 total warnings across all categories