This rental scam is targeting homeowners ahead of a major event, and cybersecurity experts say it’s more common than you think.
HOUSTON — With an estimated half a million visitors expected in Houston for the FIFA World Cup, demand for short-term rentals is already heating up, and scammers are taking advantage.
One Houston homeowner says he lost thousands of dollars after falling victim to a rental scam that started with what looked like a legitimate booking inquiry.
Frank Kwiatt listed his home for rent, hoping to cash in on the influx of international visitors.
“People from overseas are going to be looking for places, and places probably cheaper than the hotels,” Kwiatt said.
Within just a few days, he received multiple inquiries. One stood out, someone claiming to be from the United Kingdom who said relatives in the U.S. would send payment.
Days later, Kwiatt says he received three checks by email and deposited them.
“That would have paid for the rental, any security deposits, and the cars they were going to rent when they got up here,” he said.
Believing the checks had cleared, Kwiatt used some of the money. But soon after, his bank delivered shocking news.
“The bank asked me to come in. So, I did, and they ran it while we were there and came up with these checks are frauds. And I’m like, what,” Kwiatt said.
The account holder had placed a stop payment on the checks, claiming they were never authorized. The deposits were reversed.
By the time the dust settled, Kwiatt says he was out about $4,500, including fees.
Cybersecurity experts say this type of scam is common around high-profile events.
“Scammers are always looking for events and seasons and holidays or natural disasters or news stories, whatever it is that can add to their pretext,” said Cliff Steinhauer with the National Cybersecurity Alliance. “It helps it look familiar and more legitimate.”
Steinhauer explains that so-called “e-checks” can look convincing because scammers only need basic banking information, like an account and routing number to create a realistic-looking document.
If you plan to rent out your home during the World Cup, experts recommend avoiding accepting paper checks or e-checks, being wary of overpayments or complicated payment arrangements, use trusted rental platforms like Airbnb or VRBO, which offer protection for both renters and property owners, and to wait for verified payment confirmation before spending any funds.
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