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Is Vrbo a Scam?

vrbo.comLegitimate Business
Risk Assessment
20%Risk Score
Low Risk

Summary

Vrbo is a legitimate vacation rental platform owned by Expedia Group (NASDAQ: EXPE). Formerly "Vacation Rentals by Owner," it lists over 2 million vacation properties worldwide.

Vrbo is NOT a scam. It is owned by Expedia and has been operating for nearly 30 years. NEVER pay outside the Vrbo platform - that's always a scam.

Company Information

Parent Company
Expedia Group, Inc.
Founded
1995
Headquarters
Austin, TX
Stock
Private (parent: NASDAQ: EXPE)
Employees
3,000+

Trust Indicators

  • Owned by Expedia Group (publicly traded)[source]
  • Operating since 1995 (29+ years)[source]
  • Book with Confidence guarantee[source]
  • 2+ million properties worldwide[source]

Concerns

  • Scammers create fake listingsmedium[source]
  • Some listings don't match photosmedium[source]
  • Off-platform payment requests are scamshigh[source]
BBB Rating
A+
Trustpilot
1.5/5
BBB Complaints
2,000

💡 Recommendations

  • 1.ONLY pay through Vrbo - never wire money or pay off-platform
  • 2.Check host reviews and verification status
  • 3.Be wary of prices way below market rate
  • 4.Use Vrbo messaging for all communication
  • 5.Report any requests to pay outside Vrbo

📚 Sources

Vrbo AboutExpedia Group BrandsVrbo Trust & SafetyBBB Business ProfileBBB Rental Scam Warning
Last updated: 2026-01-22

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only. Information may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Our assessments should not be the sole basis for financial, legal, or personal decisions. Always conduct your own research and due diligence.