VRBO
Questions & Answers

I have had our condo on VRBO for years and most of renters pay with personal check. But I am also very quick to call and talk to renters in person and let them know they can pay via credit card or even PayPal. Obviously we prefer check because of the crazy PayPal fees, but we will do it if the renter feels more comfortable.

As others have stated, everyone has to get their first rental. If you are concerned I would call and talk to the owner in person.

I would suggest you NEVER use PayPal for your rental. It is not that PayPal is not reliable, it is the owner, who doesn't always advise you that he will will back charge you for any charges PayPal charges him. I personally had this experience, because he wanted the deposit to secure the rental and I was in an airport on my way to another committment so thinking I was doing the right thing rather than open my credit card to scammers, I would use PayPal - WRONG. I was not advised that he would back charge me, but insisted he told me he did. I asked for proof, and of course, none was forthcoming, so I was out almost $25.00 for charges PayPal charged him! I will NEVER rent from Tom Hoy of Fort Myers, FL again even if he is the last rental in the area. Just make sure you know what charges you will be charged up front. A lesson learned for me!

Talk directly with the owner by phone. It may just be new listing as advertised. You get a better sense whether it's the real deal speaking
To them personally. Pay with a credit card to be safe. You can always charge back that way. I have had good experiences too, but remember the owner is in the drivers seat.

I've been a vrbo owner for 7 years and have two rentals, one which is new. If you've just posted your place on vrbo, you're not going to have reviews right away. You may want to call the owner and speak to them. Also, I usually just ask for a $200 deposit to hold the place and the balance 30 days from check in. ALWAYS put it on a credit card. If they're wanting payment any other way, walk away. A credit card payment can be disputed if there is fraud or disception. Also, you can google the place to be sure where it is.

Personally, I would not book anything that wasn't a unit in a complex. We have booked previously at Las Mananitas in San jose del Cabos because our daughter in law's parents owned in there so could validate the pictures and there were prior reviews on the unit we got. Re-booked several rooms the next year son's wedding - some with reviews, a couple owners renting their units for the first time.
This year we are renting at another complex in Barbados but through a property manager. We know the complex - Sapphire Beach Resort at St Lawrence Gap.
The only bad experience was January 2015 through FlipKey - I think we were talking to a 'party' who knows if a scammer who wanted a wire transfer sent to a UK account - NO WAY!
So my advice and we travel A LOT. Is dealt with an established complex where you can see lot's of other units being listed and if yours doesn't have a review at least you know the complex is legit; deal with people who accept VISA, AMEX, credit cards or HomeAway (although there are bad reviews - we once paid deposit had to cancel and got refund with no problems all on credit card through HomeAway).
There a SO many scammers and unless you are willing to say 'Oh well' when things don't work out or you lose your money... we're not... then these are the rules I keep. Never give in to any pressure tactics - never send personal cheques, bank drafts or wire transfers is OUR moto... but some owners are honest and only want cheques... so that is up to you!

I cannot answer your question other than you need to use your gut feeling.