Vacation Rental Scam Alert: What Every NJ Shore Host Needs to Know

Security Alert

Host Fraud Alert

Important scam warnings for Shore Summer Rentals hosts. Please read in full — knowing what to look for could protect your property, accounts, and finances.

Active scams targeting rental hosts

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Fake Zoom link / malware scam

A "guest" pressures you into a video call and sends a malicious meeting link.

  • 1Inquiry sounds normal — asks reasonable questions, often claims to be out of state or traveling.
  • 2Insists on a Zoom video call instead of a phone call or platform messaging.
  • 3Red flag  They send you the Zoom link — never click links from unverified inquirers.
  • 4Clicking may install malware, trigger a fake "Zoom update" download, or open a credential-stealing login page.
Their goal: Hack your device or accounts, intercept guest payments, impersonate you, or capture video/audio for deepfake identity fraud.
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Counterfeit cashier's check — overpayment

Check exceeds the rental amount; renter asks you to wire back the difference.

  • 1Renter sends a cashier's check for more than the rental price.
  • 2They ask you to wire or send back the "overage."
  • 3Your bank clears the check and releases funds — then holds you responsible when it's later found to be fake.
Remember: Banks may take many days to detect a counterfeit check. Never wire money back to a renter for any reason.
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Counterfeit cashier's check — fake cancellation

Correct-amount check arrives; renter immediately cancels and requests a refund.

  • 1Cashier's check is for the correct rental amount.
  • 2Renter cancels immediately and asks for a full refund, letting you keep a small "rebooking fee."
  • 3Same outcome — bank clears the check, then reverses it weeks later and you're responsible for the full amount.
Key rule: Always wait for written confirmation from your bank that a check has fully cleared before issuing any refund — especially for international checks.

How to protect yourself

✓Never click a meeting link sent by an inquirer. If a video call is needed, you generate the link and send it — not the other way around.
✓Never accept a check for more than the amount owed. No legitimate booking ever requires you to return a payment.
✓Never wire money back to a renter under any circumstances. This is always a scam, no matter how convincing the story.
✓Wait for full bank confirmation before refunding anything. Ask your bank to verify check validity in writing — don't rely on funds simply appearing in your account.
✓Be alert to guests who avoid normal verification. Refusing a phone call, insisting on off-platform contact, or urgently claiming to be "out of state" are common warning signs.
✓If something feels off, it probably is. Trust your instincts — 21+ years of Shore Summer Rentals hosts do.

Report fraud or scam attempts

If you believe you've been targeted, contact your local law enforcement and report online to one of the agencies below.

IC3.gov (FBI) FTC ReportFraud.ftc.gov FTC Hotline: 877-382-4357 Canadian PhoneBusters: 888-495-8501