Holidaymakers are being urged to exercise caution when booking accommodation through social media platforms after another alleged rental scam surfaced in January.

Ballito holiday property management company Flat Out recently discovered that photographs of one of its managed apartments were being used without permission in a fraudulent online listing.

The post, shared on January 18 by a Facebook profile trading as ‘Jennifer’s Apartments’, appeared on the Ballito Holidaymakers page and other platforms.

Flat Out owner Deneil Botterill said she acted swiftly once alerted to the post.

“We reported the listing to Facebook and posted warnings across our social media platforms,” said Botterill.

“We attempted to contact ‘Jennifer’, but the post was removed and the Facebook profile was subsequently locked.”

The suspicious listing advertised the apartment at well below market-related rates, a common tactic used by scammers to lure unsuspecting travellers. Botterill said these scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

“These scammers are professional, especially those using AI,” she said.

“Their websites look legitimate and their posts appear convincing. It is extremely difficult to track them down because they steal profiles and leave very little digital footprint.”

Further red flags soon emerged. The WhatsApp business number linked to “Jennifer’s Apartments” is registered under the name Jennifer Knepscheld and displays images of low-cost apartments across KwaZulu-Natal, with no options for length of stay or nightly rates.

No business website could be found, while an email address belonging to a Jennifer Robbins was also linked to the listing.

A Truecaller search of the number offered a third, possibly unrelated name.

The listed physical business address does not exist. The location pin leads to a parking area on Lagoon Drive in Umhlanga. Attempts by the Courier to contact the Facebook account went unanswered, with calls going straight to voicemail.

Holiday property marketer Caylee Dempsey urged travellers to remain vigilant and to book only through reputable platforms or verified agencies.

“A few simple checks can save travellers from costly and stressful experiences,” said Dempsey.

“Always request recent photographs, confirm the property’s physical address and verify ownership or management details before paying any deposit. Avoid paying cash or instant EFTs to unknown parties and insist on a written booking confirmation or contract.”

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