Beware of scammers - how to rent an apartment in Odessa at the peak of the season.

Tourists are increasingly looking for accommodation through social networks rather than traditional websites. Property owners are beginning to actively use social media, showcasing their properties in real-time and answering questions. However, with the rise in demand, the number of fake listings and the activity of scammers is also increasing.

New trends in finding accommodation

Social networks have become the main channel for tourists to find accommodation. Even TikTok has proven popular among platforms for travelers. Property owners are actively adapting to these changes, live broadcasts, and real-time Q&A sessions are the current trends.

"This year, it’s definitely TikTok. I didn’t believe it, but it’s real. I thought it was just for young people — no! There are many people on TikTok right now," said realtor Victoria Turoverova.

This fosters mutual trust between property owners and tourists, facilitating quick bookings.

How to avoid scams

As demand for accommodation increases, so does the risk of falling into the hands of scammers. To avoid being scammed, experts recommend using trusted services like Booking and Airbnb, or only contacting verified agents or property owners.

"Through verified websites — it’s Booking, Airbnb, a verified realtor or owner. If you don’t know any — just Airbnb and Booking," advises the realtor.

It is also important to check information about the owner, look for their profile on social networks, and verify the phone number using the Getcontact service to avoid unpleasant situations.

Conclusion

The travel market continues to change rapidly, adapting to new realities. Tourists need to be cautious and thoroughly check the information about their chosen accommodation, whether they are using social networks or traditional websites.