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Airbnb scams could turn your dream holiday into a nightmare. From fake listings to hidden-camera horror stories, Airbnb scammers can exploit the legitimacy of the platform to trick you out of your money, personal info, and your precious time off. Join LifeLock to help safeguard your personal information from fraudsters and protect against identity theft.
Airbnb is one of the most popular options for booking travel accommodation worldwide. In 2024, vacationers booked over 490 million Airbnb nights, experiences, and packages. But while Airbnb offers unique stays at affordable prices, it also comes with some risk. Airbnb connects users with individual hosts, not professional organizations like hotels, potentially opening the door for fraudsters.
Airbnb is a legit platform, and the company implements robust measures to stop scammers and remove them from the platform. However, scammers may still slip through the cracks.
In 2023, Airbnb removed or blocked over 215,000 fraudulent listings. Had these listings gone live, they would have made up nearly 3% of all listings on the platform. In other words, roughly 1 in every 30 would have been fake.
Today, technology like AI is giving criminals new tools to defraud Airbnb users and evade detection. Below, you’ll learn how to identify some of the most common Airbnb scams and protect yourself from fraudsters. I’ll also share some of my personal Airbnb scam encounters from my 12+ years as a guest and host on the platform.
When scammers list a property on Airbnb that isn’t actually available, it’s called a fake listing. Some fake listings are created with AI or stock images, while others are real places that aren’t available or belong to someone else.
When the guest arrives to check in, they discover that their accommodation doesn’t exist, while the scammers have already made off with their cash.
One recent listing of a Philadelphia home had over 100 reviews, making it appear legitimate. When guests showed up, they were confronted by the frustrated homeowner who said she had never put her home up for rent.
Source: Business Insider
Airbnb will assist in these situations and will often refund your money after reviewing the case. But this can take time, and it may still result in an unpleasant and underfunded vacation.
Avoid this scam: One way to tell if an Airbnb listing is fake is to check guest reviews of the accommodation. If a listing has many positive and verified reviews, it’s likely to be legitimate. If there are no reviews, be cautious.
However, savvy scammers can also create fake reviews. You may want to do a reverse image search on Google to see if the property photos appear on other sites. If so, the listing may be a scam.
It’s also a good idea to message the host personally via Airbnb before booking (especially if the listing has no reviews). If the host engages and provides clear answers, it’s a good sign.
Phishing is a type of social engineering scam when a fraudster sends a message pretending to be someone else. In the case of Airbnb scams, they might send you an email or text pretending to be Airbnb, asking for your personal information regarding a booking or encouraging you to click a malicious link.
These messages often look like real communications from Airbnb, with the brand’s logo and all. Some links may even lead to an Airbnb imposter site.
Once you enter your login and password, scammers will gain access to your real Airbnb account, where they may be able to steal sensitive information, book stays in your name, or even create fake listings.
If they gain access to enough personal information, fraudsters may even be able to steal your identity, which can wreak havoc on your finances and take months to resolve. The serious consequences of identity theft are why many people are turning to trusted identity protection tools like LifeLock Standard to help safeguard their identities against cybercriminals.
Avoid this scam: Airbnb will never send messages asking for your personal information or login info. If you receive a suspicious message or visit an imposter site, report it to Airbnb.
To be safe, avoid clicking links even in official-looking emails or messages. Instead, always access Airbnb via your web browser by visiting airbnb.com. Or, use the Airbnb app on your mobile device.
When you make a payment on Airbnb, you’re more protected by the platform’s safeguards and guarantees. Airbnb also has a verification process to ensure that transactions are legitimate.
Scammers want to avoid Airbnb’s security guardrails, so they may ask you to pay them off-platform via CashApp or Venmo. If they ask for cryptocurrency or gift cards, that’s an even bigger red flag, as these payment methods are anonymous and practically untraceable.
They may offer an attractive discount or give an excuse as to why they can’t transact on Airbnb. For long-term rentals, they may ask you to make a short booking on Airbnb then pay the rest off-platform on arrival. Don’t fall for it.
If you agree to the seller’s terms and deal off-platform, Airbnb can’t help you get your money back after the fact. Outside Airbnb’s system, you lose their protections, and they can’t assist or reimburse you if something goes wrong.
Avoid this scam: Only pay for bookings on Airbnb’s platform. If a host asks you to pay off-platform, avoid their booking and consider reporting them. Paying off-platform is against Airbnb’s terms (with a few exceptions) and it may get your account suspended or permanently banned.
Airbnb bait and switch scams happen when your accommodation is different from the one you booked on the platform. So, you might book a large sea-view apartment on Airbnb only to receive a small parking-lot-view studio upon arrival at your destination.
Some scammers make excuses about switching your booking at the last minute or offer a discount (typically off-platform). Often, the apartment you wanted was never available in the first place.
One Redditor was asked to switch to a “similar” accommodation, but when they arrived, the apartment was nothing like the listing. To make things worse, the scammer altered the original booking to make it reflect the switched accommodation. Luckily, the guest had taken screenshots of their original booking and contacted Airbnb throughout the process. They eventually received a refund.
Avoid this scam: Typically, you can avoid this scam by reading verified reviews from other guests. Reviews often mention the accuracy of the description in the listing.
When booking accommodation, take screenshots of the listing, including house rules, fees, amenities, and other important info.
If a host tries to switch your accommodation to a different one, keep all communication and payments on the Airbnb platform. If you are unhappy about the switch, contact Airbnb immediately.
Some scammers list real Airbnb accommodations multiple times at different prices. They often do this on separate platforms, listing the same space on Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, and others for the same dates.
This way, they can make the most money possible and cancel the lower-cost bookings, sometimes at the last minute. If scammers find an opportunity to earn more profit on a different site, they may try to convince you to cancel the booking on your end, potentially absolving them of obligations to give you a refund.
Instead of cancelling, some scammers might turn this into a bait-and-switch scam, offering you a different apartment than the one you booked.
Avoid this scam: Do an image search of the listing photos before booking. This can help you find out if those photos have been posted on other rental sites, too. If a host asks you to cancel, refuse and report them to Airbnb.
Some hosts may entice you with lavish descriptions of their spaces that don’t reflect reality. They may embellish their descriptions or simply lie about the accommodation or amenities.
Inaccurate descriptions can apply to any part of a listing, from the actual space to amenities, or cleanliness. Since you can’t see the exact address until close to check-in time, inaccurate descriptions can also include the location.
My real-life scam story
I once stayed at an Airbnb with free parking explicitly offered as an amenity in the listing. But when I parked at the location, the host was furious and threatened to call the police!
I immediately called Airbnb to inform them of the situation, and the issue was quickly resolved.
Avoid this scam: Inaccurate descriptions are not always scams, but they should always be discussed and resolved on the Airbnb platform. That way, you’ll be eligible for a refund and can dispute negative feedback.
It’s also a good idea to take screenshots of any aspects of the booking you’re especially concerned about (such as Wi-Fi, parking, elevator access, etc.), so you have evidence if they’re not provided.
Some dedicated Airbnb scammers populate their listings with fake reviews.
Scammers may ask real people, such as friends and relatives, to provide glowing “feedback.” They might also make multiple fake accounts and use them to leave reviews. Or, they might pay a review farm for fake reviews on Airbnb.
This scam is especially concerning because reading reviews is often the best way to know if an Airbnb listing is legit.
Fake reviews are not common on Airbnb because only guests who have had their identities verified can leave reviews. Fake reviews result in a lifetime ban, so most small-time scammers won’t go to these lengths. However, fake reviews are still an issue.
Avoid this scam: Fake reviews are often glowing yet sparse on detail. Be suspicious of newly listed spaces with a lot of recent, glowing, but generic reviews.
Scammers know that Airbnb guests often book based on pictures of the listing. They may use manipulative tactics, such as Photoshop, to alter images and make them look more attractive.
Some scammers may mix fake images in with real images then remove the fakes after you’ve already booked. So, when you think to yourself, “I could have sworn there was a balcony…,” you won’t be able to prove it.
My real-life scam story
I’ve encountered several Airbnb listings where the images did not match the text description of the apartment. In one example, the description said the apartment contained one bedroom, but the images clearly showed two different bedrooms.
When questioned, the host said that the listing was actually for multiple similar flats (a classic bait and switch), and the photos show multiple possible stays.
Avoid this scam: Make sure to read Airbnb listings carefully — don’t just look at the images. If any images look out of place, do an image search on Google to see if they appear anywhere else. They might be fake.
Take screenshots of the property description and any images you are concerned about, such as a workspace, sea view, or large bathroom. You can use these as evidence if the booking doesn’t live up to its listing.
Scammers can try to get more money from you after you depart by claiming that you damaged their space. Airbnb requires that you pay for damage caused, so hosts can request reimbursement from you via the platform (if a host asks for money off-platform, it’s a red flag).
One TikTok mom was charged $1,000 for damage to a pull-out couch — despite never having used it.
Unfortunately, without evidence, it’s difficult to dispute damage claims as a guest. However, you can deny reimbursement requests on the platform. This will prompt an investigation by Airbnb. If Airbnb charges you for the damage, you have 60 days to appeal.
Avoid this scam: Upon arriving at your Airbnb, do a sweep of the space and take pictures of all the rooms (and anything that appears damaged). If you notice damage during your stay, take a photo and inform the host immediately.
If you are charged a damage fee and you’re not responsible, deny the request and file a claim with Airbnb immediately.
Airbnb hidden cameras are a serious privacy violation and a criminal offense. Scammers may record their guests in sensitive or intimate situations with the intent of blackmailing them.
In a recent case, a couple discovered a hidden camera located in a smoke detector above their bed in a Scottsdale Airbnb. The couple has recently filed a federal lawsuit against the property owner and Airbnb.
When questioned, hosts may simply claim the cameras are for security. But Airbnb has banned the use of all indoor cameras, including security cameras, since 2024. It also has restrictions on outdoor cameras.
If you find a hidden camera in your Airbnb, take a photo of the camera and leave the accommodation as quickly as possible. Contact Airbnb and the police immediately, especially if the camera is in a sensitive area such as the bedroom or bathroom.
Avoid this scam: Do a quick sweep of your Airbnb upon arrival to check for any out-of-place items that may hide a camera, such as plushies, plants, clocks, lamps, or smoke detectors. Check electrical outlets for discreet cameras designed to look like chargers or air fresheners.
It’s much easier to identify a scammer when you know what to look for. Airbnb hosts should be hospitable, honest, and transparent in their communication. Remember that Airbnb is generally safe. Many guests only fall victim to scammers because they’re unaware of the red flags.
Follow these tips to avoid Airbnb scams and protect your personal information on the Airbnb platform.
In the case of a scam (or any other issue with your booking), Airbnb customer support will go to great lengths to rebook you in a similar place at a comparable price. If another space is not available, they’ll provide a full or partial refund. This guest protection policy is called Aircover, and it is included with every booking.
Here are some of the guest protections included with Aircover:
If you have a serious issue and need to contact Airbnb, there are some actions you should take to get the best outcome.
Hosts can also get scammed on Airbnb. Scammers may damage a host’s space, steal from them, or break the rules of the property. For example, a scammer might rent an Airbnb for a night to throw a wild party, damaging the accommodation and disappearing in the morning.
Here are some common guest scams:
Airbnb is a safe platform for booking accommodation. But its business model depends on a degree of trust between guests and hosts. Inevitably, scammers slip through the cracks, manipulating travelers out of their money and personal data.
As Airbnb scammers become more sophisticated, it’s crucial to stay informed about their tricks and keep your sensitive information secure. Identity protection from LifeLock Standard can help you safeguard your personal data and restore your identity if it’s stolen following a phishing attack. With identity alerts and up to $25,000 in stolen funds reimbursement, you can book your next stay with more confidence, knowing you’ve taken important steps to protect your identity.
Yes, Airbnb is generally safe. Airbnb has numerous safeguards in place to protect users' personal information on the platform and prevent malicious activity by guests and hosts. Airbnb requires all users to verify their identities, and its Aircover program provides assurances for both guests and hosts in the event of unexpected problems.
However, Airbnb is a user-curated platform, which leaves room for scammers to attempt to cheat honest users. Airbnb provides assistance and coverage in the event of scams, and overall, scams are not too common.
Airbnb might refund your money if you get scammed depending on the situation, the evidence, and whether you acted in accordance with Airbnb’s terms and conditions. According to Airbnb’s Aircover policy, you must first try to resolve the issue with your host. If the issue can’t be resolved, you must collect photo evidence (if possible) and contact Airbnb immediately. If there is a serious issue with your booking, Airbnb will help you find new accommodation or provide a refund.
If you think you’re getting scammed after your stay (e.g., your host is claiming you damaged the space), you can deny the accusations and file a claim with Airbnb. To be eligible for a refund, it’s important to keep all activity, including communication and payments, on the Airbnb platform.
Generally, yes, you can trust new Airbnb listings. But you should be cautious, because new listings are more likely to be scams than established listings.
Before booking a new listing, message the host through Airbnb to ask questions about the space. Also, do a Google reverse image search to check if the photos appear elsewhere online, such as on stock photo sites or on other platforms.
Yes, it’s possible for a scammer to hack into your Airbnb account. They may do so to access your personal and financial information for identity theft purposes. Or, they might take over your account and use it to run Airbnb scams, like creating fake listings.
It’s important to monitor your Airbnb account and update your passwords regularly. Many people only use their Airbnb accounts once or twice a year, so scammers may do a lot of damage before you notice.
Airbnb is a trademark of Airbnb, INC.
Editor’s note: Our articles provide educational information. LifeLock offerings may not cover or protect against every type of crime, fraud, or threat we write about.
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