Whether you booked a cabin in the Alps or a loft in central London, Airbnb promises a range of experiences for travellers looking to live like locals. Yet what if it all goes wrong? Airbnb hosts and guests must be aware of common scams to stay safer and help protect their properties and bank accounts. Explore what typical Airbnb scams look like so you can easily sidestep them and learn what to do if you run into one. And don’t forget to secure your digital world with multi-layered privacy and protection by Avira Prime.
What are Airbnb scams?
Airbnb scams are like the unwanted guests of the holiday rental world, showing up uninvited and potentially causing both hosts and guests plenty of headaches. From fake listings to fraudulent damage claims, Airbnb fraud can be expensive for victims and ruin your trip. Knowing what to look out for can save you money and a lot of hassle (and heartbreak) down the line. Dive in to see how these scams typically operate and, more importantly, how to help avoid them. And remember: Both hosts and guests can be perpetrators and victims. As a host, you’re letting strangers into your property or even your home. Irresistible photos, too-good-to-be-true offers and empty online promises lure in unsuspecting guests. Both parties must take a leap of faith, and sadly, things can and do go wrong.
Explore common Airbnb scams by hosts
Most Airbnb hosts are reliable and take pride in offering guests a positive experience, but there will always be a few bad apples. Unscrupulous hosts can use various methods to scam their guests. Look out for:
Fake Listings
A classic among Airbnb fraud. Scammers post pictures of a gorgeous property that doesn’t exist or isn’t theirs to rent. You show up, bags in hand, only to find yourself standing in front of a vacant lot, a grocery shop, or a baffled homeowner who’s never heard of Airbnb. The perpetrators created a false listing with a fake address and used AI-generated, doctored, or stock images. Airbnb does try to keep a careful eye out for counterfeit listings, but some do slip through the net.
How to help avoid this scam:
- Research the host’s profile and read reviews from previous guests.
- Closely examine any photos for signs of manipulation, such as distortions, strange reflections, or shadows that don’t line up. Also, look for clues that photos have been AI-generated, like an unnaturally glossy finish.
- Use a reverse image search, like Google Image Search, to see if the same image has been used elsewhere online. Find out how to do a reverse image search on your phone.
- Use tools like Google Street View to see if the property exists at that location and what it really looks like.
Edited images and deceptive descriptions
Did the listing look like a palace but turn out to be an apartment the size of a shoebox? Is the “beachfront view” just a sliver of ocean if you stand on a chair and squint through a window? Sadly, you’ve checked into the world of generous photo editing and over-hyped descriptions. If a listing looks too good to be true, it probably is. Be wary of images that look highly edited and ask yourself why a host has gone to the trouble of changing how their property really looks.
How to help avoid this scam:
- Research the host’s profile and read reviews from previous guests.
- Like in the fake-listing scam, you can check photos for signs of manipulation like warping, shadows that don’t fall correctly, and abnormal lighting.
Payment outside the Airbnb platform
“Pay me directly, and I’ll give you a discount”. That may sound tempting but don’t fall for it. Once you hand over cash or pay money off-platform via a bank transfer or cheque, you’re on your own if things go wrong. Airbnb can only protect you from within the confines of their platform and payment system. Scammers know this, so they’ll lure you off-site to a third-party payment system so you can’t recoup your money. Paying a host through an outside system can also compromise your personal data. Remember that this applies to communications, too! Always use the in-app messaging feature.
How to help avoid this scam:
- Never be tempted to leave the Airbnb platform when dealing with a host. Always make payments exclusively through the platform.
- Never share confidential information, like personal or financial details, with hosts outside the Airbnb platform.
- Report any request for outside payments to Airbnb.
Bait-and-switch
The name says it all. The Airbnb host lures you in with an irresistible listing at a competitive price (the bait). After you’ve paid and just before you check in, the host informs you that the original listing is no longer available—it could be due to a double booking or a maintenance problem, for example. Now it’s time for the switch: They offer you an alternative property, but it’s pricier and not as nice. In the worst-case scenario, you might have booked a dreamy loft in the city centre and ended up in a dingy apartment across town. Since you’ve already paid and urgently need a place to stay, you might panic and feel forced to accept the offer. Beware! If you take the lesser property, you can’t report the scam to Airbnb and won’t be reimbursed.
How to help avoid this scam:
- Always thoroughly research the host and property before committing. Read the host’s profile and past reviews.
- Conduct all communications through the Airbnb platform.
- If you have suspicions, report the host and share your concerns.
Repetitive property listings
This sometimes sets the scene for a bait-and-switch scam. A host posts the same property multiple times, usually at different prices. If you book the lower-priced listing, you can expect it to be cancelled in favour of the higher-priced offer. As you grapple for a substitute, the host leaps in to offer you more expensive and probably less desirable accommodation. You’ve been “baited and switched”! Like fake listings, duplicate offers go against Airbnb’s rules. Offenders are investigated and potentially removed from the platform. Sneaky hosts also aren’t allowed to duplicate a listing to circumvent an Airbnb suspension or to escape from negative reviews.
How to help avoid this scam:
- If you find what looks like a double listing, report it to Airbnb at once.
- Carefully read property reviews.
- Avoid any booking if you’re in doubt—trust your instincts.
Hidden cameras
Airbnb hosts can place security cameras in public places like the front door or a communal foyer, but they must disclose these in advance. Don’t tolerate cameras that monitor indoor spaces—they invade your privacy and violate Airbnb rules. See the Airbnb community policy on the use of security cameras and monitors. If you want to check for unauthorised cameras, here are the most common hiding places: lamps, TV remotes, smoke detectors, air vents, wall sockets, mirrors, artwork, books, radios, thermostats, and books.
How to help avoid this scam:
- If surveillance cameras are mentioned in the property listing, ensure they’re in public or communal areas only.
- Read reviews from previous guests and look out for any privacy concerns.
- When you arrive, inspect the property for surveillance equipment. Look for small holes, lens reflections, and out-of-place electronics.
- Use your mobile phone. Shine a flashlight on surfaces to reveal hidden camera lenses. You can also use apps like Fing, which scan Wi-Fi networks for cameras.
- If you want to fight technology with technology (and feel like 007), use a radio frequency detector to scan for wireless signals emitted by hidden cameras. You can also use a lens detector. This emits infrared light, which is reflected by a camera lens as a red dot.
- Quickly report any hidden cameras discovered to Airbnb.
False charges after checkout
Sometimes, guests really do violate house rules or cause damage. But if the host gets overly creative with their charges after you check out by, for example, claiming you broke something that you never even touched, then that’s fraud. Carefully review the host’s claim and any evidence they present. If you think the charges are false, decline the reimbursement request and provide your proof to Airbnb within 24 hours. This can be tricky as you probably won’t have a photo of an intact vase, for example. Sit tight with your fingers crossed. Airbnb will review the case, and you won’t be charged if they determine you’re not responsible.
How to help avoid this scam:
- Take photos or videos when you arrive and report any pre-existing damage to the host.
- Document the conversation by communicating with the host only through the Airbnb platform.
- Quickly dispute any reimbursement requests and provide evidence supporting your innocence.
Fake reviews
A dishonest Airbnb host with a less-than-ideal property might try to manipulate their ratings and reputation with fake positive reviews. They sometimes pay for phoney reviews or ask friends and family to create fake bookings so they can leave glowing reviews. Another technique is to obscure negative reviews with a landslide of positive ones.
How to help avoid this scam:
- Carefully read the reviews, looking for detailed and verified accounts.
- Be wary of listings that have concise, generic, and even repetitive positive reviews. If the same writing style is used for multiple reviews, there’s a high chance one person generated them all.
- Research the host, their property and their reputation on Airbnb.
It’s always a good idea to look out for Airbnb Superhosts as Airbnb recognises them for consistently providing exceptional service and experiences for their guests. Look for the special badge on their profile and listing. You can also use the “Superhost only” search filter to see only listings from Superhosts.
What are typical Airbnb guest scams?
It’s not just hosts who can be sneaky. Guests sometimes delve into their bag of tricks to scam the Airbnb system. Let’s look at the most common examples of Airbnb guest fraud.
Fake payment or chargeback fraud
Guests book with a stolen credit card or dispute the charge after their stay. Hosts are left scrambling to recover their losses, and it’s a major headache. This scam can leave hosts wondering if accepting guests is worth the risk.
False damage claims against hosts
Unscrupulous guests accuse the hosts of having a dirty or damaged property and demand discounts and refunds or threaten to leave bad reviews if they don’t get their way. Some even stage “damage” to strengthen their case, like spilling coffee and claiming the sofa was already stained.
Overcrowding or unauthorised guests
All bookings are for a specified number of people. Some guests book a cosy spot for two and then show up with 15 of their closest friends. It’s a quick way to break house and Airbnb rules and possibly the furniture. This scam can damage the rental and lead to safety issues or eviction notices from neighbours.
Identity fraud and fake guests
It’s like catfishing for rentals. Scammers create phoney profiles using fake IDs or stolen identities and make bookings in these new names. Once they gain access, they can act as they please, trashing the property, using it for illegal activities, or even refusing to leave. This could leave the host in legal hot water.
How to help avoid Airbnb guest scams:
- Take the time to get to know them. Communicate with prospective guests before accepting a booking request to get a sense of them.
- Research their Airbnb profile and read past reviews. Be suspicious of profiles that lack details, photos, and reviews from other hosts.
- Don’t be afraid to turn down any guests you think might be dishonest or unsuitable.
- If you want to play it extra safe, don’t accept guests who are new to the site.
- Install a video doorbell to help keep track of who’s coming and going from your home.
Spot the top warning signs of an Airbnb scam!
Don’t let scammers catch you off guard. If you see any of these red flags waving in the digital winds of your property search or booking, move on fast:
- Too-good-to-be-true prices: A luxury villa for the price of a budget hotel room? Be sceptical.
- Requests for off-platform payments: Legitimate hosts won’t pressure you to pay outside the platform. Never cave in to demands to break Airbnb rules, and always keep all transactions on Airbnb.
- Vague property listings or guest profiles: Hosts who are scammers often scrimp on details like amenities, décor, and location if their listings are fake or misleading. Look for properties backed by detailed information and multiple reviews. Similarly, an incomplete guest profile is also worrying. If someone wants to rent your home but their profile lacks detailed information or reviews by other hosts, be wary.
- Brand-new listings or guest profiles: These won’t be backed with reviews. While it’s kind to give a newbie a start on the platform, they are a riskier choice.
- Last-minute changes: Does the host suddenly change the plans or even try to swap your stay? This could signify a bait-and-switch scheme, and you’re the online fish.
- Unresponsive hosts: Airbnb hosts have 24 hours to accept or decline a request, but most reply more quickly, and good hosts always try to be prompt. You can make allowances for time zones and a lack of internet access but be suspicious of hosts who don’t seem interested in providing a professional service. If a host suddenly goes silent after you’ve made an upfront payment—whether for a reservation deposit or full payment—it could be a sign they’re ghosting you.
- High-pressure tactics: Anyone rushing you to pay or book probably doesn’t have your best interests at heart. Take your time to verify everything before committing.
Before booking: Help protect yourself against Airbnb scams
You must do your homework to stay ahead of online fraudsters. Never rush.
Read reviews, look for verified hosts or guests, and pay attention to complaints. Scrutinise listings and double-check with tools like reverse image searches to confirm photos are legitimate. If the same images appear on multiple listings, run for the hills. Keep all communication on the platform and consider it a red flag if someone tries to persuade you to use WhatsApp or email—and the same goes for payments. Never trust someone who prefers to pay or demands payment off Airbnb.
Know your rights and the rules: See these ground rules for guests on Airbnb. And here are the Airbnb rules and guidelines for hosts. Above all, trust your instincts and walk away if you’re uncertain. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Keep your personal information safer on Airbnb and beyond
If a fraudster gains access to your personal information, such as your address or bank details, you’re at risk of identity theft. Sometimes scammers use phishing techniques, like sending emails that appear to be from Airbnb, asking you to verify your account or update your information. Remember that Airbnb will never send an email requesting your password or other login details! Cybercriminals also create spoof websites that can look like a convincing replica of the Airbnb platform and trick users into entering their login credentials. Paying using a credit card on Airbnb is a good idea as you’ll typically have more protections and will stay safer from PayPal scams. Treat Airbnb with the same caution you would anywhere online. Never click on unknown links, and use reputable, up-to-date antivirus and a VPN if you must access your account on public Wi-Fi (remember the dangers of public Wi-Fi). How strong is your password? It’s the first line of defence for every online account, so make sure that all of yours are strong and unique. A password manager is essential in helping generate and manage your passwords more securely.
A multi-pronged solution like Avira Prime combines protection, privacy, and performance tools in one premium subscription, making it the hassle-free choice for safer surfing.
What to do if you encounter an Airbnb scam
If you think you’ve been scammed, here’s your action plan:
Step 1: Report
Use Airbnb’s reporting tools to flag suspicious behaviour.
- If you receive a suspicious message, click the flag icon to report it.
- Report a suspicious email to report.phishing@airbnb.com.
- If you suspect someone is committing fraud, contact the Airbnb customer service
- Report a listing or report an Airbnb host or guest’s profile through the Airbnb platform by clicking on the “Report this listing” or “Report this user” options.
Step 2: Save evidence
Keep screenshots of messages, listings, and receipts and document all your communications within the app or platform. The more evidence you supply, the stronger your case will be.
Step 3: Contact support
Airbnb’s team can help mediate disputes and issue refunds. You must provide detailed information about the issue, so be organised and prepared.
Step 4: Alert authorities (for severe cases only)
If you’re a victim of identity theft or harassment, your property has been wilfully damaged, or items have been stolen, you’ll need to file a police report with your local authorities.
Remember Airbnb AirCover. This free feature is designed to help protect both guests and hosts and is included with every booking. If you’re a guest, you’re automatically eligible for support if your host cancels at the last minute, you have trouble accessing the property, or your new home turns out to be very different from how it was advertised! Contact the 24/7 safety line. Aircover for hosts includes liability insurance and damage protection. (It comes with its own conditions and exclusions, so hosts should familiarise themselves with the specifics).
Help secure what you have online and what you do
Airbnb can open doors to unforgettable travel experiences but is not immune to crime. The scams are many and varied, from fake listings to bogus damage fees, but understanding them is half the battle. You can help dodge the pitfalls by staying informed and vigilant. Enjoy your real-life trips—and consider Avira Prime for all online adventures. The premium protection, privacy, and performance suite helps detect malware and other online threats while also anonymising (and encrypting) your web browsing. It can also automatically update your software and remember your passwords. And if you’re looking to help clean out and speed up your device, it’s got you covered too. A single subscription works across devices and operating systems, including PC, Mac, Android, IOS, and web browsers.
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