Lorraine Williamson
As Spain heads into peak holiday season, the Guardia Civil has issued a fresh warning about scams in holiday homes, urging would-be travellers to stay alert when booking rentals. With last-minute deals in high demand, scammers are taking advantage—using fake listings and online traps to exploit unsuspecting tourists looking for summer getaways.
Criminals are targeting popular destinations—especially along the coast—with fraudulent adverts for too-good-to-be-true holiday homes.
Rising threat of rental fraud
Cybercriminals have become increasingly sophisticated in how they target victims. Fake websites, cloned listings, and even convincing phone calls are now common tools of the trade. Social media platforms, classified ad websites, and holiday rental portals are all being used to lure holidaymakers into digital traps.
While the deals may look irresistible, authorities warn that “if it looks too good to be true, it probably is”. Properties with perfect pictures and rock-bottom prices are often a red flag—especially in hotspots like the Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, or Balearic Islands.
Red flags to watch for
Authorities recommend a checklist for verifying listings. Blurry or overly polished photos, vague property descriptions, or duplicate listings across platforms are all signs to proceed with caution. A simple reverse image search can reveal if the photos have been lifted from another site.
Another common tactic is luring potential renters into conversations outside the official booking platform. If you’re asked to communicate via WhatsApp, SMS, or email—don’t. These tactics are designed to sidestep security checks and make payments harder to trace.
Take 15 minutes to investigate
The Guardia Civil, alongside the Oficina de Seguridad del Internauta (OSI) and the Instituto Nacional de Ciberseguridad (INCIBE), encourages consumers to do their homework. That means cross-checking the listing across multiple websites, reading reviews, and confirming that the property actually exists.
Just fifteen minutes of research can prevent heartbreak, financial loss, and a ruined holiday.
How to stay safe
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Stick to trusted platforms and avoid deals shared only via social media or online classifieds.
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Never pay via bank transfer unless the platform guarantees it.
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Scrutinise the listing—if something feels off, walk away.
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Verify the host and contact customer support if unsure.
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Don’t rush—scammers rely on pressure and urgency.
Why this matters
Spain’s rental market is booming, especially in the summer months. But with that comes risk. Scams in holiday homes are not just financial crimes—they can destroy dream holidays. That’s why awareness and caution are key.
Report suspicious listings
Authorities plan to increase public awareness through online campaigns and media outreach this summer. Travellers are urged to report suspicious listings and help prevent others from falling into the same trap.
In the meantime, the Guardia Civil’s advice is clear: if in doubt, don’t book. A little caution now can save a lot of trouble later.
Source: 20minutos.es