What is the "Online Rental Deposit Scam" scam in Virginia Beach?

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Fraudulent vacation rental listings for Virginia Beach properties circulate online with stolen photos of oceanfront condos and homes, collecting deposits via Zelle or wire transfer before the rental period begins. The scam is concentrated around peak summer booking season when inventory is legitimately tight and visitors feel pressure to secure a property quickly. Losses typically range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on rental duration. Use only VRBO or Airbnb with their official payment systems when booking Virginia Beach rentals. Confirm any property listing by calling the listed address on Google Maps to verify ownership. Never pay via Zelle, wire transfer, or cash app for a vacation rental.

Online Scams in Virginia Beach

Online Rental Deposit Scam

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