Airbnb has changed how travelers, families, and business movers book short stays. Simply select a location, find properties, and book one. How easy is it?
However, scammers and fraudsters are also active on the platform.
According to a 2021 report from the University of Colorado School of Public Affairs in Colorado Springs and John Jay College of Criminal Justice, more than 28,000 complaints on Twitter (currently ‘X’) were posted about Airbnb scams.
But what are the most common scams that happen on Airbnb?
The most common ones are multiple listings scams (41.1%), listings that are different than what is described (25.7%), fake listings (2.5%), and the list goes on.
Do you want to learn about all the different scams that can happen to guests as well as hosts? If so, read this guide and go through the detailed list!
Scams That Hosts Do
Here are some of the most common scams hosts perform against guests:
- Not As Described
- Multiple Listings Scam
- Bait-and-Switch Scam
- Fake Reviews
- Extra Fees and Taxes Upon Arrival
- Host Falsifies Damages
- Fake Airbnb Emails/Website
- Demand for Payment Outside Airbnb
1. Not As Described
Some hosts list properties that look amazing in photos but are completely different in real life.
For example, the apartment might be smaller, dirtier, or key amenities like Wi-Fi or air conditioning could be missing. In some cases, the property might not even exist.
Some listings even use photos from other locations. Guests often arrive to find old furniture, broken appliances, or a different address.
The best way to avoid this scam is to verify the property’s address using online maps, such as Street Vie by Google Maps.
Don’t forget to read reviews carefully, and have a thorough look for guest-uploaded photos. Contact the host and verify all the details.
Remember, if a listing has no reviews or seems too good to be true, it is a red flag.
2. Multiple Listings Scam
Some dishonest hosts create multiple listings for the same property at different prices. If they get multiple bookings, they cancel on lower-paying guests at the last minute.
This leaves some guests without a place to stay, often at the last minute, making them find new, often more expensive, accommodations.
Sometimes, they even claim the original listing is “unavailable” and offer a worse property.
Hosts do so to pressurize guests so they offer a better price since they are in a hurry.
Look for duplicate listings to avoid this. Check if the photos, descriptions, or locations match across multiple ads. Reviews and host profiles can also provide clues.
If you suspect anything suspicious, report it to Airbnb immediately.
3. Bait-and-Switch Scam
This scam begins with a host offering an attractive property at a competitive rate.
Once the booking is made, the host tells the guest it is unavailable due to “maintenance” or another excuse and cancels it. Then, offers an alternative property.
The new property is often worse in quality—smaller, older, in a bad location, or expensive. Since guests have already paid, they often feel trapped.
This trick is common in areas with high tourist demand.
To avoid this, carefully review the host’s profile and past reviews. A history of cancellations or complaints about alternative accommodations is a red flag.
If a host tries to switch your property, contact Airbnb support right away and ask for a refund or a better alternative.
4. Fake Reviews
It is a common tactic in which hosts use fake reviews to boost their listings.
Some hosts create fake accounts to post positive reviews for their properties. Others ask friends or family to leave good feedback that attracts guests.
These reviews make bad properties seem better than they really are. Some even remove negative feedback by bribing or pressuring guests.
However, you can easily catch such reviews. They sound overly generic or identical across multiple listings. They lack details, depth, and information.
To avoid being fooled, select listings with a high number of reviews—it is harder to fake dozens or hundreds of them.
Read detailed, balanced reviews that mention both positives and negatives. Be cautious if all reviews are overly positive or lack specific details.
Be cautious if a listing has only perfect 5-star ratings with vague descriptions.
5. Extra Fees and Taxes Upon Arrival
Some dishonest hosts lure guests with low prices but then demand extra fees upon arrival.
They often claim these are unexpected cleaning fees, local taxes, or service charges that weren’t mentioned in the listing. Sometimes, they refuse to give the keys unless guests pay.
This scam is especially common in areas with high tourist traffic.
To avoid this, check the listing for all possible charges before booking. It is a clear policy of Airbnb that all fees must be listed upfront.
In case a host asks for extra money in person, don’t pay—report them to Airbnb.
6. Host Falsifies Damages
Some hosts falsely accuse guests of damaging their property to claim money from Airbnb’s deposit system. They may stage fake damage, use old photos, or charge for pre-existing issues.
Guests often get surprise charges after checkout.
To avoid this, take photos of the property when you arrive and before you leave. Report any pre-existing damage immediately via Airbnb messages.
If a host tries to charge you unfairly, dispute it with Airbnb and provide your evidence.
Booking with well-reviewed hosts reduces the risk of this scam.
7. Fake Airbnb Emails/Website
Scammers often send emails that look like official Airbnb communication.
These emails often include links that lead to fake websites designed to steal your login details or infect your device with malware.
In most cases, scammers act as potential hosts and send links. They claim that they need extra information about guests to process the booking.
The best way to avoid these phishing scams is to never click on third-party links in emails and/or messages. Always access Airbnb directly through its app or official website.
Be cautious of any email that asks for personal information or payment outside Airbnb’s platform.
8. Demand for Payment Outside Airbnb
Some hosts ask guests to pay via PayPal, bank transfer, or cash instead of through Airbnb.
They claim this will save on fees or secure a better deal. In reality, this removes all Airbnb protections. If something goes wrong, Airbnb won’t be able to help.
Some scammers even cancel bookings after receiving money, leaving guests with no place to stay. Never agree to pay outside Airbnb, even if the host seems friendly or trustworthy.
Always pay through Airbnb. Why? Because the platform holds your rental payment for 24 hours after you check in for safety purposes.
If a host asks for an outside payment, simply refuse to do so.
Scams That Guests Do
Here are different methods guests use to scam hosts:
- Unauthorized Guests
- Communication Outside Airbnb
- Fake Profile/Fake Guest Scam
- The Overpayment Scam
- Last-Minute Cancellation Scam
1. Unauthorized Guests
Some guests book for one or two people but secretly bring more.
More uninvited people means overcrowding, extra wear and tear, and safety risks. Some even throw parties, which cause noise and also property damage.
Hosts often only find out after neighbors complain or when they inspect the property.
Therefore, a host should always communicate clearly with a guest before confirming a booking.
Installing a video doorbell or security camera at the entrance/outside, as per legal and Airbnb rules, can also help track activity.
Always verify guests, set clear rules, and review guest reviews for any suspicious behavior. You can even charge an extra fee for additional guests.
2. Communication Outside Airbnb
As mentioned in the case of the hosts, some guests try to move the conversation off Airbnb to bring up affordable rental rates and avoid platform fees.
They may ask for a direct phone number or suggest using WhatsApp or email.
While this might seem harmless, it removes all Airbnb protections. If something goes wrong—like a no-show or damage—Airbnb won’t be able to help.
Some guests also do this to scam hosts by cancelling at the last minute and refusing to pay.
All hosts have to do is keep all communication and payments within Airbnb’s platform.
3. Fake Profile/Fake Guest Scam
Scammers sometimes create fake Airbnb profiles using stolen photos or false information. These profiles often lack verified IDs, reviews, or proper descriptions.
They mostly use these accounts to book stays, damage the property, or commit fraud. Some guests even use fake profiles to bypass previous bans or bad reviews.
Therefore, hosts should verify guest profiles and review guest reviews left by other hosts.
Suppose a guest has an incomplete Airbnb profile. In such a case, ask them to verify their identity via Airbnb or ask for verified IDs.
Don’t hesitate to decline the booking if something feels off.
4. The Overpayment Scam
In this scam, a guest “accidentally” sends more money than required and asks the host to refund the difference. The original payment then turns out to be fraudulent or cancelled, leaving the host with nothing.
Scammers often use stolen credit cards or fake bank transfers. By the time the fraud is discovered, the host has already sent the refund and lost money.
Hosts should never accept overpayments or send money back outside Airbnb to avoid this.
If a guest claims to have overpaid, they should contact Airbnb support directly for assistance.
5. Last-Minute Cancellation Scam
Some guests book a property, stay for most of their trip, and then cancel at the last minute.
They claim the place was dirty, unsafe, or not as described, even if everything was fine. This allows them to get a refund while still having used the property.
Some guests even take staged photos to support false claims.
Always set stricter cancellation policies to prevent such situations and discourage last-minute changes. Take pictures of the property before each stay.
If a guest makes false claims, report them to Airbnb and provide evidence.
What Are Other Red Flags On Airbnb?
Other red flags hosts, and guests should look for on Airbnb are:
Too-Good-To-Be-True Prices
If a listing is way cheaper than similar properties in the area, it might be a scam. Scammers lure guests in with low prices and disappear after payment.
New Listing with No Reviews
A brand-new listing with no reviews can be risky. While some new hosts are legitimate, booking properties with good reviews from past guests is safer.
Unverified Host
A host without a profile picture, verification, or a detailed bio can be suspicious.
Poor Communication
If the host is slow to respond or avoids answering important questions, that’s a bad sign.
Unclear or Misleading Photos
If the pictures look overly edited, are too few, or don’t show key areas like the bathroom or kitchen, the listing might not be as advertised.
Last-Minute Cancellations
The host/guest may be unreliable if past reviews mention frequent cancellations. This can leave you stranded without a place to stay.
Too Many Negative Reviews
A few bad reviews are normal, but if multiple guests mention dirty conditions, safety concerns, or rude hosts, take it seriously.
Strict or Unfair House Rules
Some listings have overly strict rules, like no visitors, no cooking, or even curfews. Read them carefully to avoid trouble.
Location Mismatch
If the listing claims to be in a prime location but reviews say otherwise, it might be misleading. Use Google Maps to verify the address.
Avoid the guests or host if they give you any of these red flags, or carefully review their request and profile. Be extra cautious with them.
Conclusion
Airbnb offers great convenience, but scams are a real issue for both hosts and guests.
Fake listings, misleading photos, extra fees, and payment scams can turn a dream stay into a nightmare. Guests also commit fraud, like last-minute cancellations and fake profiles.
The best way to stay safe is to be alert.
Read reviews, verify details, and never make payments outside Airbnb. If something feels off, report it immediately.
FAQs
Will Airbnb Refund Me If I Get Scammed?
Airbnb offers a reservation guarantee and refund policies that protect against scams. If you find yourself in a scam situation, report it to Airbnb as soon as possible.
What Are the Red Flags for Airbnb Guests?
Red flags for guests are heavily discounted listings, hosts insisting on off-platform communication, listings with vague descriptions, and profiles with no previous reviews.
Is There a Fake Airbnb Site? How to Spot a Bad Airbnb?
Yes, there are fake sites designed to mimic Airbnb.
To spot a bad listing, check for discrepancies in the URL, ensure the site is secured (look for HTTPS). Be wary of listings that ask for direct payment outside of Airbnb’s platform.
How Do I Trust an Airbnb Host?
Review their profile for verified identification, read past guest reviews, and check their response rate and booking history. If everything feels good, you can trust them.
Does Airbnb Verify Guests?
Airbnb has a verification process for both hosts and guests where identity is verified via government-issued IDs and other methods.
