Mykonos is one of the world’s most in-demand villa destinations — but the rise in popularity has also created a spike in fake villa listings, illegal rentals, and misleading promotions that put travelers at serious financial risk.
The scam is simple:
1️⃣ Find a photo online of a real villa
2️⃣ Upload it to a fake listing or Instagram page
3️⃣ Take deposits from guests
4️⃣ Disappear before arrival
Guests arrive with luggage… and there is no villa.
This guide teaches you exactly how to verify a legitimate villa and ensure your booking is protected — every step of the way.
What Makes a Villa “Legal” in Mykonos?
Greece requires every rental property to have:
✔️ AMA (Greek Rental License ID) — for short-term stays
✔️ EOT License — for high-capacity properties
These certifications confirm the property meets:
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Fire regulations
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Safety inspections
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Tax compliance
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Operational standards
If a villa cannot provide its license details → Do not book.
The Most Common Mykonos Booking Scams
| Red Flag | What Happens | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Payment through personal PayPal/Western Union | No accountability | Money gone |
| Agent refuses video call or real-time tour | Property not theirs | Fake listing |
| Photos look AI-generated or stolen | Zero proof of reality | Scam account |
| Prices far below market | Bait tactic | Hidden problems or fraud |
| No contract or cancellation policy | No legal protection | Big losses |
Rule: If a deal feels too good to be true → It is.
How to Validate a Villa Before Paying Any Deposit
Here is the official verification checklist:
Ask for:
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AMA/EOT license
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Exact address
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Booking contract
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Name of property manager
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VAT registration number (AFM in Greece)
Confirm:
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Google Maps match real villa location
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Photos show the same style, views, furniture
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Reviews exist on reputable platforms
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Email domain matches company (not free accounts)
If they resist providing info → walk away immediately.
Secure Payment Methods
Recommended:
✔️ Credit card
✔️ Trusted villa agencies
✔️ Bank transfer to company account
✔️ Escrow payment via verified channels
Avoid:
✖️ Cash
✖️ Cryptocurrency
✖️ Personal bank accounts
✖️ Money transfer services
Always request:
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A legal invoice
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A signed rental agreement
Why Direct-to-Owner Bookings Are Not Always Safe
Many owners rent privately to avoid platform commission — and many are excellent.
But risks include:
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No backup support
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No on-site maintenance
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No recourse if something goes wrong
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No concierge services
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No substitution if the villa becomes unavailable
Booking through a vetted villa agency like Sol Mykonos ensures:
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Verified ownership
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Guaranteed operation
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Support before & during stay
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Replacement options in emergencies
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Secure handling of payments
Platform vs. Private Agency: What’s Actually Safer?
| Booking Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Airbnb/VRBO | Insurance, reviews | Fake photos, hidden fees |
| Local Facebook/Instagram listings | Good deals sometimes | Highest scam rate |
| Large villa agencies | Structure, support | Hard to compete on rates |
| Boutique verified agencies (Us) | Personal screening, private access | Require direct communication |
Your experience is only as strong as the partner you choose.
Proof of Legitimacy — What Sol Mykonos Guarantees
Every villa on our roster goes through:
🔹 On-foot inspection of the property
Photos, furnishings, amenities, real condition
🔹 License verification
No exceptions — ever
🔹 Host reliability approval
Responsiveness & service level are tested
🔹 Concierge-grade readiness
Only villas capable of luxury hospitality qualify
You are never exposed to risks — we handle all confirmations on your behalf.
Worst-Case Scenario: What if Something Goes Wrong?
If a cancellation or issue occurs at a verified property:
A responsible agency relocates you to a similar or better villa without additional cost.
A scammer leaves you homeless.
This is why the smartest travelers never book blindly.
Final Checklist — Ask These Questions Before Booking
Before confirming any villa, ask:
1️⃣ “Can you send me the AMA/EOT license number?”
2️⃣ “Do you operate under a legal tourism company?”
3️⃣ “Can you provide a booking contract & tax invoice?”
4️⃣ “Who assists us in Mykonos if needed?”
5️⃣ “Can I verify the property location & photos?”
If any answer feels uncertain → stop.
Conclusion — Mykonos Luxury Done the Right Way
Booking a villa in Mykonos should feel exciting — not stressful.
With the right screening, you get:
✨ The view you paid for
✨ The service you expect
✨ The safety you deserve
Sol Mykonos Villas exists to protect your holiday investment while delivering true luxury — verified, authentic, and supported from the moment you arrive.
Your time is valuable. Your trust is priceless.
We ensure both are respected.
