Scammers are taking advantage of travelers, costing millions annually. With summer around the corner and vaccination rates rising, many are eager to travel again. While you want to find a great deal on accommodations, it's crucial to do your homework to avoid falling victim to scams when booking an Airbnb or vacation rental.

Though it may not have happened to you, countless Americans have been fooled by scammers while searching for the ideal getaway. According to the Federal Trade Commission, these fraudsters often hijack rental listings, advertising properties that don't exist or are unavailable, luring victims into sending money they likely won't recover.

A survey by Apartment List revealed that 5.2 million renters in the U.S. have lost money due to rental fraud. Of those affected, one-third lost over $1,000, typically after paying deposits or rent on fake properties.

Here are 10 red flags that could indicate a scam when considering a vacation rental:

STRANGE PAYMENT REQUESTS

If you're asked to pay with cash, check, or wire transfer, proceed with caution. Travel expert Melanie Fish suggests using a credit card for vacation rental payments, as reputable companies wouldn't require cash or bank details.

COMMUNICATION OUTSIDE OF THE PLATFORM

Be wary if you're instructed to communicate or make payments outside the official rental platform. Unsolicited emails or texts that don't align with your initial correspondence are major warning signs. Paying outside a trusted site could lead to phishing attempts or misdirected payments.

SECURITY DEPOSIT DEMAND BEFORE CONTRACT SIGNING

If a host or their representative pressures you into paying a hefty security deposit before signing any agreements, it's likely a scam.

OWNER CLAIMS TO BE ABROAD

If a host claims to be out of the country yet has a plan to get keys delivered through a 'lawyer' or agent, be cautious. Some scammers invent elaborate stories to justify why they need you to send money overseas.

LOW-QUALITY PHOTOS WITH ALL 5-STAR REVIEWS

Blurry or poorly lit images can signal trouble. Similarly, overly enthusiastic reviews that seem unrealistic may indicate a lack of genuine feedback. Reputable companies appreciate honest reviews, even the not-so-great ones.

GORGEOUS PHOTOS BUT TERRIBLE REVIEWS

This could mean the images were taken long ago or that the property isn't well-maintained. Approach with caution.

UNREASONABLY HIGH PRICES

Question why a property is priced significantly higher than similar listings nearby. Without comparing prices, you might end up paying much more than necessary.

UNSECURE RENTAL WEBSITE

Check the upper left corner of your screen. If you don't see a padlock icon next to the URL, the site isn't secure. Secure websites encrypt your data, protecting your payment information.

HIDDEN FEES THAT INFLATE COSTS

Be wary of hosts listing excessive additional charges for cleaning, taxes, or other fees that aren't included in the nightly rate. These can significantly increase your total cost.

NO BOOKINGS FOR THE NEXT YEAR

If a listing has no reservations for the upcoming year, question its legitimacy. This could be a sign of a fraudulent property, where scammers use real listings' photos and details to deceive potential renters.

Ultimately, scammers are exploiting travelers with fake rental listings and bogus properties. Stay alert when reserving vacation accommodations. If you suspect a scam, report it to local authorities and the Federal Trade Commission, and notify the site hosting the fraudulent ad.