8 Airbnb Scams To Avoid
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A good Airbnb rental property can be a destination in and of itself. From quaint cottages to modern apartments, many of Airbnb's listings offer lodging experiences that feel personal or unique. It's no surprise why many travelers opt for Airbnb over hotels — which to many feel generic and standardized — when it's time to book.
However, booking through the platform is not without its risks. Scammers have found ways to exploit unsuspecting guests, turning what should be a relaxing vacation into a stressful ordeal.
While Airbnb has implemented various safety measures, the best defense is to always be informed and prepared. Before you book your next stay, take a look through the types of scams you might encounter on Airbnb and what you can do to protect yourself.
Can You Get Scammed On Airbnb?
While Airbnb has various safety measures in place, scammers have found clever ways to exploit the system. Hiding behind the anonymity that a computer screen provides gives unscrupulous hosts an opportunity to make a buck quicker and cheaper than if they just rented out a room or house according to the rules. So, like with any other facet of modern technology, you have to keep your radar up.
8 Airbnb Scams To Watch Out For
Here's a rundown of eight Airbnb booking scams that you should definitely steer clear of.
1. Fake Airbnb Listings
Imagine this: You find a dreamy Airbnb listing complete with five-star reviews and an unbeatable price. You book it, only to arrive and find out the property doesn't even exist. Ouch! Scammers often use photos from other listings or even stock images to create a fake profile. You want to check the host's profile for verification badges and read reviews from other guests. And hey, if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.
If the host or property is new, you may not find many reviews. Is it a case of a lower price to secure bookings and, hopefully, reviews? Or, is it because the scammer continually makes new listings? You'll have to use your best judgment to sniff out any underboard practices. Once you book the property, you'll get the address. Look it up on Google Street View to make sure it's real and to check out what the condition might be.
2. Duplicate Listings
Some hosts list the same property multiple times with slight variations in the title or photos, aiming to scam potential guests. This can be confusing and lead you to pay a higher rate for the same property, thinking the more expensive listing offers better amenities, location or view. To steer clear of this scam, do a reverse image search on the property photos to see if they appear in multiple listings.
3. Inaccurate Property Descriptions
Some hosts exaggerate the features or condition of their property to lure in guests. Only after the guest arrives do they realize the property looks nothing like the photos. The actual accommodations may be dirty, unsafe or completely different than described. The photos could simply date back to when the listing was brand new and clean, or the photos may have been staged or doctored to make the property look a lot nicer than it is.
Regardless of the reason, you don't want shock and disappointment to be the first things you're feeling when you arrive at your destination. Always read reviews and look for consistent comments about the property's condition. If multiple reviews mention a problem, for example, that the "luxury hot tub" is more like a "kiddie pool," or that there are issues with bugs, you might want to look elsewhere.
4. Airbnb Email Phishing Scams
If you've ever used Airbnb, you might not think much of an email with the company's logo. But hold on, before you click on that "Confirm Your Booking" link, make sure it's actually from Airbnb. Phishing emails are rampant, and they don't always wind up in your spam folder.
Scammers often send emails that look like they're from Airbnb, asking you to confirm your booking or update your payment information. The goal? To steal your personal data. Always double-check the email address and the URL it directs you to. Contact Airbnb directly to confirm any suspicious emails.
5. Fake Reviews
Remember those five-star reviews that convinced you to book that "luxurious penthouse"? Well, they might be as fake as a $3 bill. Some hosts create fake accounts to leave glowing reviews on their own listings. To avoid this, look for listings with a large number of reviews and scan them for any patterns that might indicate a crack in the facade, like complaints about communication with the host or about property amenities or conditions.
Check for verified reviews, too, and be skeptical of listings that have nothing but praise. If you're looking at a great listing, see if any reviews cast doubt on that opinion rather than confirming what you already think.
6. Off-Platform Payments
So, the host messages you and says, "Hey, let's take this off Airbnb. I can give you a better deal." Tempting, right? But as soon as you go off-platform, you're stepping into the Wild West of Airbnb text scams. Airbnb can't protect you if you don't stick to their platform for payments. Always keep all communications and transactions within the Airbnb platform to stay covered by their policies.
Going outside the platform is basically like paying a stranger, hoping they provide what they promised and having no recourse if they don't. That's probably not worth the risk in order to save a little money.
7. Bait-And-Switch Scams
You book a chic downtown apartment, but when you arrive, the host directs you to a dingy basement saying the original place is "under maintenance." Classic bait-and-switch. If you find yourself in this situation, contact Airbnb immediately. They can help you find alternative accommodation and may even refund your money.
Some fraudulent hosts use this strategy to get around bans on short-term rentals. They might not even own the original listing.
8. Unjustified Damage Charges
You've had a great stay, and you're ready to head home. But then you get a message from the host claiming you've damaged something and demanding extra charges. Before you know it, you're being billed for a "damaged" item you never even touched.
To protect yourself, spend a few minutes when you arrive and before you leave taking photos of the property. This will serve as evidence in case the host tries to make unjustified damage claims. Make it a part of your arrival and departure routine. If you can't supply this evidence, you'll still have an opportunity to appeal if Airbnb determines you're at fault.
What To Do If You Get Scammed On Airbnb
So, you've fallen into one of these traps — now what? First things first, don't panic. Contact Airbnb's customer support immediately. They have protocols in place to handle such situations and can assist you in finding alternative accommodations. Hopefully, your communication with the host was all through Airbnb, but if not, make sure to keep records of any conversations that were off-platform. This will strengthen your case when dealing with Airbnb and potentially getting a refund.
Falling victim to an Airbnb scam can be a distressing experience, but it also serves as a reminder to prioritize your online safety through measures like using the best identity theft protection. This is especially important if, through the scam, the perpetrator gains access to your sensitive personal or financial information.
How To Report A Host On Airbnb
If you've been scammed, it's not just about getting your money back. It's also about preventing the scammer from exploiting others. To report a host, go to the "Help Center" section on Airbnb's site or app and click on "Contact us." Log in and follow the prompts to file a formal complaint. Make sure to include all evidence and documentation to support your case.
You can also start from the reservation page and click "Report a Problem" located in the Itinerary section. Select the issue category and provide details on what happened. You can attach photos, screenshots of messages and any other relevant documentation.
No matter what comes of your complaint, be sure to leave a review. One review claiming that the host scammed you might be enough to ward off other would-be victims.
How To Avoid Airbnb Scams
When it comes to avoiding Airbnb scams, being informed is your best defense. Making last-minute bookings puts you at the greatest risk because you might not have time to investigate a host before starting the booking process. There's no surefire way to guarantee your protection, but following these tips can minimize your chances.
Carefully Examine Vacation Rental Listings
Pay close attention to the photos, description and amenities. If the listing has only one or two photos, that's a potential red flag since you can't fully assess what you're booking. Check for house rules, too, and any information about security deposits. Also, be wary of listings that are vague or have numerous spelling and grammatical errors.
Inspect Host Profiles
Some hosts have only one listing, but many hosts may have several or even work as property managers for a company with dozens of listings. There is a space for hosts to write a little about themselves. See if the host has used that space so you get an idea of who you might be booking with. Also, check for reviews from other guests at the property you're interested in as well as from other properties the host may have. A host with a thoroughly completed profile and positive reviews is generally more trustworthy.
And remember, if the host is new and doesn't have any reviews yet, proceed with caution. They might be new to Airbnb or they could have had to start a new account due to problems with the last one. Without the social proof of reviews, you have fewer ways to verify who you're dealing with.
Stay On The Airbnb Platform
Staying within the Airbnb system ensures that you're protected by the company's policies and support. If the scam involves interacting with you outside the reach of Airbnb, the scammer might not start off with a solicitation for a deal. It might be something as innocuous as requesting that you message them about the property. Once you've established a dialogue through text, email or phone, you've opened yourself up to whatever "special deal" the scammer has in mind.
Look For Verified Hosts
Airbnb doesn't verify listings, but it does verify hosts. Look for verified IDs, emails and phone numbers. On the listing page, under the host's name you should see a shield with a checkmark and the words "Identity verified." Click the host's name to visit their profile. You should see a list of confirmed information. This isn't a foolproof guarantee you won't get scammed, but it does help build a case for how much faith you can put in their listing being presented in an honest way.
Check Reviews Left By Previous Guests
Reviews give you a glimpse into other people's experiences and can be a valuable resource when choosing a property. Make sure to read both positive and negative reviews to get a balanced view. And don't just skim the star ratings because that won't really tell you what you need to know. Scan the comments to find details that can make or break your stay.
Summary Of Digg's 8 Airbnb Scams To Avoid
Airbnb has revolutionized the way people travel by allowing homeowners and tenants to rent out their properties on a short-term basis. With over six million Airbnb listings worldwide, it provides an affordable and convenient alternative to hotels.
However, the huge growth of Airbnb has also given rise to scammers trying to take advantage of unsuspecting guests. Airbnb scams are unfortunately common due to the anonymous nature of interactions on the platform.
As a potential guest, it's important to be vigilant against any suspicious activity when booking accommodations. Being aware of the most common Airbnb scams can help you avoid becoming a victim. Even once you've entered the property and things look to be in order, as Norton's Airbnb scams points out, hidden cameras are another problem to be aware of.
Watch for fake listings, inaccurate property descriptions, fake reviews and off-platform payment requests. Report any scams immediately to Airbnb and leave honest reviews about dishonest hosts.
