Staying safe when you book direct

Booking direct with an owner is usually the best deal, and almost always goes smoothly. A few simple checks help you avoid the rare fake listing or scam.

Before you pay

• Talk to the owner. A phone or video call is the easiest way to check they’re real and know the place.
• Look for the Verified owner badge. It means we’ve checked proof that the property or vehicle belongs to the person advertising it.
• Check their ratings. Use the links next to their scores from other sites to see the reviews for yourself.
• Check the place exists. Once you have the address, look it up on a map and on street view.
• Get it in writing. Ask for a booking confirmation showing the address, dates, total price, deposit, balance and cancellation terms.

How to pay

• Pay by credit card where you can. For payments over £100, the card company can share responsibility if things go wrong.
• PayPal “goods and services” payments come with buyer protection. “Friends and family” payments don’t.
• Be very careful with bank transfers, especially before you’ve spoken to the owner. They’re hard to get back.
• Never pay with gift cards, cryptocurrency or money transfer services.

Warning signs

• A price far below similar places nearby, especially at busy times.
• Pressure to pay quickly, or a story about why you must pay by bank transfer.
• The owner won’t talk on the phone, or wants to move the conversation away from the site straight away.
• Bank details in a different name or country from the owner.
• The same photos appearing elsewhere under a different name. A reverse image search can show this.

Hiring a campervan or motorhome

• Check exactly what the insurance covers, who can drive, and the excess you’d pay if there’s damage.
• Make sure your licence covers the vehicle’s weight. A car licence usually covers vehicles up to 3,500 kg.
• Get a written hire agreement, and walk round the vehicle with the owner at pick-up. Photograph any marks, the fuel level and the mileage, and do the same when you return it.
• Ask how the security deposit is held, and when you get it back.

If something feels wrong

• Don’t pay. Use the “Report this listing” link on the listing, or contact us. We look at every report quickly.
• If you’ve already paid and think it’s a scam, contact your bank or card company straight away.
• In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, report it to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101.

Available Now Stays doesn’t take bookings or payments, so any booking is between you and the owner. That’s what keeps prices down, and why these checks matter.