I gave a scammer an address for the money

[Ann72]

Yup.  After yet another Homeaway/VRBO inquiry that said the guest's company was taking care of the payment, so they could only send a company or certified check, I wrote back:

"Sure, you can send a check for $5,000 to:

You're a Scammer

Go F*** Yourself, NY  00000."

And I wasn't even drunk.

[Stephanie]

Hey @Ann72 , I've moved her post out to her own topic so she can get help with her question. 

Cheers for the mention,

Stephanie

[Ann72]

Thanks, @Stephanie!

[Annie147]

Hi Ann; 

I truly don't believe this is a scam as such.

For some reason, VRBO makes available contact information in the initial "questions" phase. I believe that these messages are sent after you don;t land bookings and communicate with possible guests. 

I think that what VRBO is trying to do is "catch" you trying to conceive a booking out of their portal.

Keep in mind that they claim they are the ones that "will have the company send you a check" which just never arrives, so you are not asked for any money ever.

This has happened to me 4 times. Although I called the so called guest's phone number on all the 4 times, I only got a physical voice once. When I proceeded to ask him questions as to what his needs were he gave me another completely off date to what he was originally looking for which made me confirm my suspicions all together. I just hung up. I have not received any more of these, but I'm sure they will come about.

[Ann72]

@Annie147   I can't really see where you're going with this.  So it was just a little test conducted by VRBO?  Or it wasn't really a scam, but just kind of a scam?  Or not a scam at all, but definitely sketchy?  Have you read your own answer?

[Anita7]

I wanna see the address you give them when you have been drinking LOL

[Ann72]

@Anita7 LOL!!!  

[Test25]

lol!

[Zmartm0]

poor~