Summer is finally here, and with summer comes vacations. Some of us are planners and plan vacations far in advance. Others look for last-minute finds that include “super savers.”

If you are looking for a super saver, be aware that scammers are using different methods to commit fraud on unwary vacationers looking for vacation rentals.

It is such an issue that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a warning earlier this week in a Scam Alert and provided practical tips to vacationers. These tips include:

  • Don’t wire money or pay with a prepaid gift card
  • Don’t be rushed into a decision
  • Be wary of super cheap rates
  • Get the contract before you send any deposit money

If you are a victim of a vacation rental scam, report it to ftc.gov/complaint.

Enjoy your vacation, but be aware that scammers are out there and some deals really are too good to be true.