Question 1

What is the "Overbooked Short-Term Rental Listings in Lafayette Square and Soulard" scam in St. Louis?

Accepted Answer

Fraudulent short-term rental listings in popular St. Louis neighborhoods like Lafayette Square, Soulard, and the Central West End accept deposits for dates that are simultaneously available on multiple platforms. Victims arrive to find the property already occupied, unavailable, or not as described. This is particularly common during Cardinals home opener weekend and Blues playoff season. Book only through platforms with strong buyer protections. Verify the listing address exists on Google Street View before paying. Use credit cards for all rental deposits to enable chargebacks. Communicate with hosts only through the official platform messaging system.

Question 2

What is the "Short-Term Rental Listing Fraud Near The Hill" scam in St. Louis?

Accepted Answer

The Hill—St. Louis's Italian-American neighborhood along Macklind Avenue and Daggett Avenue southwest of downtown—has seen a surge in short-term rental listings that misrepresent the neighborhood's location relative to downtown and Forest Park. Some listings describe properties in adjacent neighborhoods on Sublette Avenue or Oakland Avenue as "in The Hill" when they are blocks away, and photos emphasize the charming streetscape of Macklind Avenue while showing a different property address. Verify any St. Louis Airbnb or VRBO by mapping the exact address against the Hill neighborhood boundaries (generally defined as the area between Kingshighway Blvd, Hampton Avenue, Manchester Avenue, and Southwest Avenue). Cross-check exterior photos on Google Street View at the listed address before booking.

Accommodation Scams in St. Louis

Overbooked Short-Term Rental Listings in Lafayette Square and Soulard

Short-Term Rental Listing Fraud Near The Hill

Experienced a scam here?