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Graduation Parties,
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Birthday Parties &
Family Gatherings
CAFÉ | CATERING | MOBILE KITCHEN
21-25 Central Ave., Flemington • ChiveAndThyme.com
Our Catering Menu is a Place to Start for Ideas.
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W a t C H o u t F o r S C a m S i n v o l v i n G
v a C a t i o n r e n t a l p r o p e r t i e S
I look forward to summer vacation. It's a chance to unwind with family and friends.
Imagine, though, arriving at your destination and finding you have no accommodations.
That happens more often than you'd think, particularly with vacation property rentals.
Scammers have not overlooked the fact that vacation rentals make up a huge
market – assessed at somewhere near $24 billion a year.* In fact, it's estimated
their schemes result in lost payments exceeding $18 million a year.* Property owners
and renters alike can be targets. Here are some things to look out for:
Payments that differ from the asking price – Scammers will sometimes pose
as renters, strike a deal with the property owner and send a check in an amount higher
than the asking rental price. When the property owner alerts them to this mistake, the
scammers will blame their bank and then ask the property owner to "deposit it anyway
and send me the difference." By the time the property owner learns the check was
fraudulent, it's too late.
Larger properties/lower prices – Finding a beautiful home in an ideal location
for a price that can't be beat should make you pause and ask why. Scammers have been
known to scour real estate websites for homes on the market and offer them for rent
at bargain prices. Other times they'll post phony descriptions of less desirable or non-
existent properties.
Requests for cash or wire transfers – Be wary when the agreement calls for payment
upfront in cash or by wire transfer. Reputable owners and rental management companies
accept credit cards; some even hold your payment in escrow.
What can you do to avoid becoming a victim?
• List your property or facilitate your rental through a reputable
property management company.
• Charge it! Most credit card companies allow you to recover your money
in the event of fraud.
• Use online aerial- and street-view applications to verify the property's existence.
• Read reviews from previous renters.
• Trust your gut; if you get an uneasy feeling, look for another listing.
A little due diligence goes a long way to ensuring a pleasant experience.
Enjoy your vacation! – Victor Rotolo
*Sources: http://www.frommers.com/deals/hotels/9-tips-for-finding-a-reliable-vacation-rental
http://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/info-2015/vacation-rental-property-scams.html
LAW FIRM
THE
ROTOLO
502 U.S. 22
Lebanon, NJ 08833
908∙534∙7900
www.RotoloLawFirm.com
Victor A. Rotolo, Esq.
Former Police Officer,
City of Elizabeth
Mediation and Arbitration:
Services and Venue
Available
Victor A. Rotolo is a long-time resident of Clinton Township and the founder of
The Rotolo Law Firm. Call The Rotolo Law Firm today: 908.534.7900 to discuss
any legal situation confronting you. Your half-hour consultation is free of
charge! Their attorneys and staff are ready to serve your legal needs. The Rotolo
Law Firm • 502 US 22 West, Lebanon, NJ 08833. www.RotoloLawFirm.com
l e b a n o n r e F o r m e d C H u r C H H o S t S
" F o o d S o F t H e b i b l e "
S u m m e r W o r k S H o p
Lebanon Reformed Church will host a free summer workshop
titled "Foods of the Bible". Adults and families from the surrounding
communities are invited to attend. This exciting new workshop will be
a series of four evenings to study, taste and experience the foods of the
Bible. Join us in the Church Fellowship Hall for one or all Monday -
Thursday evenings, July 11-14, from 6:30 -9:00 pm. Each evening will
feature a different food from the Bible. Lebanon Reformed Church is
located at 100 Brunswick Ave. in Lebanon Borough. Visit: www.
LebanonReformedChurch.org for more information.
