Beware online vacation rental scams, Pennsylvania AG warns

Pennsylvania's attorney general is warning vacationers and property owners looking for renters to be wary of online scams, following reports to the state's Bureau of Consumer Protection of fake ads and e-mails.

"Internet sites like Craigslist or other online classified ads, are increasingly popular among consumers who are shopping for last-minute bargains on rental homes or homeowners who are hoping to earn more rental income during the summer," AG Tom Corbett said in a statement. "Unfortunately, these websites are also popular with scam artists who are hoping that an attractive offer will tempt some consumers to respond without researching the transaction."