B2 – Upper Intermediate
Short-term rentals have become more popular nowadays, especially among travelers. Most of them prefer renting Airbnb places because of their low cost, convenient location, and household amenities. Unfortunately, fraudsters have started scamming people.
Read the article to learn how to spot a vacation rental scam.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “to get bad press” mean, “These types of accommodations have also gotten bad press, thanks to reports of fraudsters using fake listings to swindle families out of their hard-earned vacation dollars.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
- What does “swear by something” mean, “Many travelers swear by short-term rentals due to their space, privacy, and price options.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
- What does “fall victim to” mean, “If you fall victim to any type of vacation rental scam, it’s important to report it immediately…”? Use this idiom in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- Do you prefer Airbnb to hotels when on a vacation? Why/why not?
- How and where do you usually book accommodations?
- What do you look for in accommodations?
- Have you or anyone you know experienced getting scammed when booking on Airbnb? Share this experience.
- Do you think the techniques mentioned in the article are helpful? Why/why not?
- What are other ways to avoid falling victim to rental fraud?