How to avoid holiday rental fraud

5 steps to check your holiday home safely and reliably

Avoid rental fraud. 5 practical steps to book a holiday home safely

Dénia, Jávea and Moraira are popular destinations on the Costa Blanca. Many travellers choose a holiday home here instead of a hotel. This offers more space and privacy. It also requires extra attention. Online rental scams are becoming more common and harder to recognise. With the steps below, you can book more safely and avoid unpleasant surprises.

This information is intended for holidaymakers, families and business travellers who want to book reliably with local specialists such as Aguilarent. Aguilarent has been renting and managing holiday homes and apartments on the Costa Blanca for more than 40 years. This experience provides security and local expertise.

Avoid rental fraud

Key points to consider

  • Check photos, location and reviews
  • Verify the owner or property manager
  • Pay only through secure booking channels
  • Use local and public registers
  • Watch for signals that do not add up

Step 1. Carefully review the accommodation description and photos

Fraudsters often use copied photos and incorrect descriptions. Always take time to verify the property.

  • Use reverse image search to see if photos appear elsewhere
  • Search for the property on multiple platforms and compare prices, photos and descriptions
  • Read reviews carefully. Genuine reviews include details about beaches, neighbourhoods or restaurants in Dénia, Jávea or Moraira
  • Please note. Newly added properties often have few or no reviews. This is normal and does not indicate unreliability

Step 2. Check the owner or property manager

A reliable property has a clear and reachable contact person.

  • The owner or manager has a registered business name and a local contact address
  • The name appears on multiple websites or business listings
  • Questions about key handover, arrival and on site service are answered clearly
  • The booking process includes clear and transparent booking conditions and payment terms. You are given sufficient time to review the information before making a payment. Payments follow fixed procedures and there is no pressure to decide immediately

Step 3. Assess the booking platform

Not every platform offers the same level of protection for guests.

  • The website uses a secure https connection
  • Payments are processed through the platform and not via private transfers
  • The platform displays a clear business address with a fixed email address and phone number
  • Clear and realistic descriptions of the accommodation and its immediate surroundings are provided

Step 4. Check local and public sources

In the Valencia region, clear registration and licensing requirements apply to holiday rentals.

  • Check whether a clear location is shown on a map for the accommodation
  • Verify that the tourist registration number is included in the accommodation description
  • If in doubt, contact the local tourist office or municipality
  • Search for the owner or manager on Google Business or in local business directories

Step 5. Recognise warning signs

Many issues can be identified in advance.

  • An unusually low price for a luxury property during high season
  • Incomplete information about house rules, security deposit or check in
  • Poor or inconsistent communication with the property manager
  • Only perfect reviews without any criticism

Additional security through partner websites

Aguilarent.nl also lists its accommodations on selected partner platforms. This means you can often find the same property on several well known portals and book it there as well. This confirms that the property actually exists and is actively rented out.

  • We work exclusively with reputable and verified partners
  • Photos, descriptions and prices match our own listing
  • Each property is managed and inspected locally
  • If you have doubts about a provider, you can always ask us for advice

Extra attention for families and business bookings

Scammers often target families and companies that need to make quick decisions.

  • Use of business terms such as corporate or executive rental
  • Requests for full advance payment outside the platform
  • Fake websites that imitate well known rental brands
  • Fake profiles of supposed property managers

Why booking through Aguilarent.nl offers extra security

Aguilarent.nl works exclusively with verified accommodations in Dénia, Jávea and Moraira. Each property is managed locally. Key handover and service take place on site. Payments are secure and transparent. The accommodations comply with current regional regulations. More than 40 years of experience in rental and management form a solid foundation.

  • The property genuinely exists
  • There is always a local point of contact
  • Your payment is protected
  • Your stay runs without unexpected issues
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