Sadly the world of scamming has moved into the coastal vacation areas. Almost every day you can see scammers on social media asking about local rentals. In other cases you may see a fake property being advertised. Either way, it hurts the vacation rental industry.

Vacation rental owners and company employees in Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, and Orange Beach are being urged to take steps against fraud this summer. As tourism increases, so does the risk of scams involving fake vacation home listings. To help stop these crimes, law enforcement is offering a free seminar to educate rental businesses. It’s part of a joint effort to protect both property owners and visitors.

The seminar is set for June 30, 2025. It will cover fraud trends, warning signs, and how to secure your listings. The event is hosted by the Gulf Shores Police Department with help from the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office. All area rental businesses are invited to attend.

The goal is to give local companies the tools they need to avoid becoming targets. Organizers say scams are becoming more common during the busy travel season. The seminar will share local data and advice based on recent cases.

Anyone interested in attending should email gspdpio@gulfshoresal.gov. Full details are available on the Gulf Shores Police Department’s Facebook event calendar. Organizers ask that you RSVP in advance.

Officials say protecting rentals helps protect the entire community. By working together, property owners and law enforcement can stop fraud before it starts.