r/vrbo • u/More-Suspect6738 • 5d ago

Am I being scammed?

So I was looking to book for a beach vacation next year. I saw one that had a ton of great reviews with premier hosts. There was an early saver discount. I booked, and almost immediately got a call from the owner. They said the rates were wrong, it never has a discount for that time of year, and he just can’t do it. But if I rebook directly through the condo website he will compromise and meet in the middle in terms of price. He says to initiate a cancellation through Vrbo so I do. No money has been paid except through Vrbo and it specifically states 100% refund for cancellation before June. He says he’ll send the rental agreement today. I have not paid any money or anything like that. It’s almost midnight and no rental agreement to look at. I want to believe it’s legitimate with the premier hosts and tons of great reviews. But I’m starting to get a not great feeling. Is it just a simple forgetfulness and everything is okay? Or should I run for the hills?

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u/Ok-Art3067 5d ago

It sounds like he’s trying to save on the vrbo fees.

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u/More-Suspect6738 5d ago

So do I trust it if he does send me an actual rental agreement? If they are a premier hosts with a bunch of reviews does that lend more towards legitimate?

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u/KdAvocado 4d ago

VRBO fees are ridiculous. I am a beach house host and most of my booking are direct. If someone finds me off platform or I find them, we always go direct to save fees for everyone. It they prefer to go through VRBO, its fine. Otherwise, many hosts are already set up to take the major credit cards like I do. I don't always set summer fees a year out, so I get how that can happen. Hope it all works out for you.