NORTH CASTLE, NY — Homeowners in North Castle could face unexpected strangers at their doors after multiple residences in the town were fraudulently listed as short-term rentals on Expedia, according to the North Castle Police Department.
Police said the scam has already created confusion and potentially dangerous encounters as travelers arrive believing they legally booked a vacation rental, only to find homeowners completely unaware their property had been advertised online.
The North Castle Police Department issued the warning Saturday, urging residents to immediately check whether their homes appear on rental platforms including Expedia, Airbnb, and VRBO.
Fake Listings Create Risk for Residents and Travelers
According to police, scammers are posting unauthorized listings using legitimate residential addresses, then collecting payments from unsuspecting travelers through fraudulent rental offers.
The scheme can escalate quickly when guests arrive expecting access to a property.
“This can lead to some potentially tense situations, as people who have booked what they believe to be a legitimate rental can show up and attempt to enter a residence, while the homeowner has no idea why they are there,” the department said in its public alert.
Police did not specify how many homes were affected or whether any criminal charges have been filed.
Residents who discover their address listed online without permission are encouraged to report the fraudulent postings directly through the rental platform’s support system.
Key Points
• North Castle police said several local homes were falsely listed as short-term rentals on Expedia
• Travelers may unknowingly arrive at occupied homes believing they booked legitimate stays
• Residents are urged to search rental sites for their addresses and report fake listings immediately
Police Urge Residents to Monitor Rental Platforms
The department advised homeowners to proactively search their addresses across major rental websites, including Expedia, Airbnb, and VRBO.
Police provided direct support resources for each company and noted that both Expedia and VRBO offer live “Help” chat features through their websites.
Investigators said they are addressing any criminal issues tied to the fraudulent listings, though officials did not elaborate on whether the scam originated locally or involved broader online fraud networks.
Short-term rental scams have become increasingly common nationwide as criminals use copied photos, stolen property information, and fake listings to target travelers searching for vacation accommodations online.
In some cases, scammers create listings for homes that are not rentals at all, leading to disputes when travelers arrive at occupied residences.
Residents Asked to Stay Alert
Along with checking online rental platforms, North Castle police urged residents to secure their homes and remain alert for suspicious activity.
Officials recommended locking doors and windows when away from home, ensuring cameras and alarm systems are functioning properly, and contacting police immediately if unfamiliar individuals attempt to access a property.
Anyone who notices suspicious activity or encounters related to fraudulent rental listings is asked to contact the North Castle Police Department at 914-273-9500.
Police said the investigation into the fraudulent listings remains ongoing.
