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Airbnb has become one of the most popular ways to book accommodation worldwide, with millions of stays arranged every year. But as the platform has grown, so has the number of scams designed to take advantage of travellers. From misleading listings to fraudulent charges and fake messages, Airbnb scams are becoming more common — and they can quickly turn a much-needed getaway into a holiday from hell.
This guide outlines why Airbnb attracts scammers, the most common scams to watch out for in 2025, and the practical steps you can take to stay safe when booking accommodation online.
Why do scammers target Airbnb?
Airbnb has become a popular target for scammers because it brings together two things that make online fraud easier: money and emotions. When people are booking vacations, they’re often excited, distracted or trying to secure a good deal quickly — and that can make them less cautious than usual.
Airbnb also relies heavily on trust. Guests trust that listings are real, that reviews are genuine, and that hosts are who they say they are – and most of the time that is the case. Scammers exploit this trust by creating convincing but fake listings, manipulating photos, or trying to move conversations outside the Airbnb app where safety protections don’t apply.
Because Airbnb involves payments, personal data, and time-sensitive decisions, it’s important to stay cautious when booking. Having strong cyber security protection in place — such as identity monitoring and scam protection tools like F‑Secure Total — can also help you spot suspicious activity early, even if you miss the warning signs yourself.
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Common Airbnb scams to look out for
Airbnb scams take many forms, but most aim to pressure guests into paying for something they didn’t agree to or accepting accommodation that isn’t what was promised.
Here are some of the most common scams to watch for, and how to avoid them:
1. Bait-and-switch scams
Bait-and-switch scams involve a guest booking what appears to be a perfect property — a great location, attractive photos, positive reviews, and a competitive price. Just before check-in, the host contacts the guest claiming there’s a problem, such as a burst pipe or an unexpected repair.
They then offer a “replacement” property. This alternative is usually far lower in quality, located further away, or not as described. In many cases, the original listing never existed at all, and the images were stolen or generated using AI.
Bait-and-switch red flags
Prices that seem unusually low
Newly created listings with little or no review history
Photos that look overly polished or AI-generated
What to do
Ask the host for more photos and verify the property on Google Street View
Don’t feel pressured to accept substitute accommodation that isn’t as advertised
If the property doesn’t match what you booked, file a complaint through Airbnb immediately
Leave an honest review so others can avoid the same situation
2. Phishing scams
Phishing scams target people outside the Airbnb app. Scammers send emails or texts pretending to be from Airbnb or a host, often claiming there’s an urgent issue with your booking or account. Their goal is to get you to click a link and enter your personal details, payment information, or login credentials on a fake website.
Phishing scam red flags
Messages asking for payment or personal information outside the Airbnb app
Messages about bookings you never made
Hosts insisting on communicating through SMS or email instead of Airbnb
What to do
Ignore, delete, and block any message asking you to act outside the Airbnb platform
Check your Airbnb account directly if you’re unsure whether a message is genuine
3. Fraudulent charge scams
Some dishonest hosts add cleaning, damage, or service fees after a guest checks out, even if no damage occurred. These charges can be difficult to challenge if the guest doesn’t act quickly.
Fraudulent charge red flags
Demands for additional money after checkout
Claims of damage without photos or proof
Hosts who try to resolve payment issues privately instead of through Airbnb
What to do
Request evidence for any charge
Dispute the charge through Airbnb rather than paying privately
Take photos of the condition of the property when you check in and out
How to verify a legitimate Airbnb listing
One of the most reliable ways to avoid Airbnb scams is to check the listing carefully before you book. Legitimate hosts follow platform rules, communicate clearly, and provide accurate information.
Here’s a simple checklist to help confirm that a property and host are genuine:
Read the reviews closely. Look for a mix of detailed, recent reviews from real guests. Be cautious of listings with repetitive comments, overly generic praise, or reviews from users who appear inactive.
Check the property on Google Street View. When possible, use Street View to confirm that the building exists and matches the description. This is especially useful in larger cities where images are updated regularly.
Make sure all communication stays on Airbnb. Legitimate hosts stick to the platform’s messaging system, which protects both sides. Requests to move conversations to email, SMS, or messaging apps should be treated as a red flag.
Review the host’s verification and time on the platform. New, unverified hosts with multiple properties listed at once can be a signal that something’s not quite right. A long-standing host profile with completed verifications and a history of positive reviews is generally a good sign.
What to do if you think you’ve been scammed on Airbnb
If you think you’ve been the victim of an Airbnb scam, acting quickly can help limit any financial or personal impact.
Here’s what to do:
Contact your bank immediately. Freeze your card or request a temporary hold on your account if you suspect unauthorized payments. Your bank can advise on the next steps and help prevent further losses.
Report the issue to Airbnb. Use the Resolution Center within the app to file a complaint. If the scam involves a host or guest on the platform, Airbnb can investigate and may issue refunds or take action against the account.
Report the crime to your local police department. This is especially important if your money or personal information has been stolen. Having an official report can also help with any financial disputes later.
Once you’ve taken these steps, keep an eye on your accounts for any unusual activity. It’s also a good idea to update your passwords and enable extra security measures for both Airbnb and any connected accounts.
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