Tips to Reel in Phishing Scams for Property Owners

Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails claiming to be from reputable companies to induce individuals to reveal personal information. Obtaining passwords and credit card numbers are often the goals of these scammers. Once criminals have these credentials, they can use them to commit financial fraud or impersonate the real user to access social networking sites or apps. Some of the emails also attempt to get people to download software (malware) onto their computer. The download contains a virus that monitors all activity on the device. If that computer is logged into a business network, an attacker could, potentially access information on the entire system.

Short-term vacation rental owners are at high risk for scammers as the travel and hospitality industry has been a large focus in recent news. If you are receiving emails regarding bookings, cancellations, and refunds make sure it feels right before you accept. These criminals can also pretend to be someone else and use your previous guests’ names.

The ways to spot these scams is not new, but you could probably use a refresher during this time of increased attack.

What to look for before opening emails

• Examine the subject line for spelling errors and poor grammar. These are signs it could be a scam.
• Inspect the from address to determine if it has a letter or symbol out of place. This is a good indication that it is bogus.
• Check the link & Hover on the link and look for misspellings as well as how the URL ends. A “.ru” on the end means the site was created in Russia; “.br” means Brazil.
• If the greeting isn’t personalized, the email may be fake.
• Be wary of emails asking for financial information. Never share personal or financial information via email or an unsecure site.
• Think before you click on links or open attachments, you could download malware.

Bottom line, if it seems off, delete it. Be extra vigilant before opening emails, especially if the subject is related to the coronavirus. Remembering how to spot a suspicious email can help your business avoid a cyber breach.

If you feel like you have been involved in a phishing scam, received fraudulent charges or become a victim of identity theft, please refer to the Federal Trade Commission for more information.

Find out more about how CBIZ Vacation Rental Insurance can protect you from the risks you face with your vacation rental business. Request a free quote today!