Beware of Villa Holiday Scammers – Important Warning from Güven Villas

Holiday Guide

12 March 2026

Beware of Villa Holiday Scammers – Important Warning from Güven Villas

At Güven Villas, ensuring that our guests have a safe and hassle-free holiday is our top priority. In recent years, especially during summer and winter seasons, people looking to rent villas have fallen victim to unauthorized individuals, or some scammers have posed as property owners, taking deposits and then disappearing.

Reports on internet forums, social media, and other platforms indicate that such fraud continues. Therefore, it is crucial for our guests to exercise caution when renting a villa.

Precautions to Ensure a Safe Holiday

Research the Company
Always research the company you are considering renting from. You can verify with local municipalities, banks, or other authorities. Detailed information and documents about us are available on our “About Us” page.
Legal Registration
Daily rental service providers must be registered with the tax office. TURSAB membership is only mandatory for tour, transfer, and package tour services; it is not currently required for daily villa rentals. However, companies claiming TURSAB membership can be verified by clicking the TURSAB logos on their websites.
Make Payments via Secure Methods
Make payments only to the company’s bank accounts. Always request a Travel Information Document or confirmation documents showing the payment details. Be cautious when using PayPal, Moneybookers, Western Union, or Google Checkout, as scammers can exploit these services.
References and Recommendations
Select a company based on recommendations from acquaintances or previous guests. This increases the likelihood of a safe and hassle-free holiday.
Research Online
Check complaints and reviews about the company. Normal complaints indicate that the company is real; fraudulent companies are usually quickly exposed.
Beware of Extremely Low Prices
If the price is half or even a quarter of the normal rental rate, be cautious. Such scammers take your money directly for personal use. Avoid properties advertised at below-market prices, as they are usually fake.
Suspicious Discount Offers
Be skeptical of companies promising large discounts. At Güven Villas, we receive only a small commission from property owners and do not offer exaggerated discounts.
Phone Verification
Be wary of companies using prepaid or non-fixed-line numbers. Digital lines starting with 0850 and mobile phones can be risky. Always request a local office number. Avoid companies without a local office.
Question Company Promotions
Exaggerated promotional claims or titles should raise suspicion. Check domain registration dates to see how long the company has been operating.
Prefer Local Companies
Reliable companies perform periodic property checks and usually operate within specific regions. Güven Villas, based in Kalkan and Fethiye, constantly monitors properties in our service areas.
Deposit and Payment Process
Paying the remaining balance on the day of check-in, apart from the deposit, ensures your safety. Güven Villas applies this method to guarantee guests’ money.
Do Not Contact the Property Owner Directly
Avoid listings on free sites such as “ilan bahçesi” or “ilan sahibinden.” Corporate companies rent and inspect properties to provide security and reliability.
Beware of Amateur Renters
Individuals without an office, operating only via a website or mobile phone, may be scammers. They often give evasive answers or attempt to meet you at random locations.
Verify via Google Maps
If you want to see the company’s office, use Google Maps to verify its location, signage, and surroundings.
Clone Sites and TURSAB Scams
Some scammers operate via cloned websites. The official TURSAB website is www.tursab.org.tr do not trust other domains.

Caution on Social Media
Up to 50% of companies on social media may be fraudulent. Do not make reservations or send payments directly through these platforms.