If you’ve ever used Airbnb, you know it’s a great platform for finding and booking unique accommodations around the world.

🌎 Whether you’re looking for a cozy cabin, a chic apartment, or a castle, you can find pretty much anything you want!

Airbnb has really opened the doors with unique stays across the world. It’s let me enjoy alfresco rooftop dining like a local in Rome, or even try out a neighborhood I wanted to move to in Austin Texas!

But like all great online services, there can be pitfalls you need to be aware of. Here is how to Airbnb like a pro and avoid Airbnb scams along the way!

How to Spot and Avoid Airbnb Scams

Vacation fraud is still prevalent today, and that’s why you should always be discerning when booking your accommodations online.

There are the occasional dishonest host, or scammer that may try to trick you into paying more money, staying in a different property, or even threaten to cancel your reservation altogether.

In this post, I’ll go over some of the red flags to look out for, and how to avoid falling victim to these scams! 🚩

Too Good to Be True

🚩 One of the most obvious signs of a scam is when the listing has a very low price.

Usually they are much lower than others for similar dates and locations.

Sure, it could be a host trying to attract more business – BUT it may also indicate that the host is trying to lure you in with a fake deal.

Another red flag is when the description has vague details or poor grammar, or the photos are poorly taken or don’t match the property.

You could be dealing with an unprofessional host, who is using fake photos or a photos of a different unit than the one you booked. With the increase in AI photos, they property may not even exist!

🕵️‍♂️Don’t let them fool you! Become a detective by :

Checking the reviews and ratings of the property
Reverse image search the photos to see if they come up on other vacation rental sites
Compare the photos with other sources like Google Map Street View.

Of course, if you arrive and find out that the property is not as advertised, be sure to contact Airbnb immediately. They can help you request a refund, relocate you to a better situation. 🙏

Verify Your Host

Another important step to avoid scams is to verify the identity of the Airbnb host. 👥

✅ You can do this by checking their profile and reviews. You can see if they have a verified badge, which means they have provided information that has been validated by Airbnb.

You can also read the feedback from previous guests and see if they mention anything about the host’s identity or communication.

🗣️ Be sure to also check out the reviews for any other properties they have listed under their profile.

Another way to verify the identity of an Airbnb host is to ask them to show you the place in person or via video call before you book.

This way, you can see the property for yourself and make sure it matches the photos and description. You can also ask them some questions about the property, the neighborhood, and the amenities.

🚫If the host refuses to show you the place in person or via video call, or asks you to sign a lease or a contract, that’s a big no-no.

They may be hiding something, or plan to try to scam you into paying more money.

Payment Methods

A third way to avoid scams is to use ALWAYS use Airbnb’s secure payment system. 💳

You should never pay the host outside the Airbnb platform because it could really expose you to scams and fraud.

🚨 Airbnb will only release the payment to the host 24 hours after you check in, so you can report any issues or discrepancies to Airbnb and get a refund if needed.

Some common scams that involve payment outside of Airbnb are:

Asking for payment off the website:

This is a common scam where the host asks you to pay outside of Airbnb, usually by wire transfer, cash, or other untraceable methods.

They may claim that they have a problem with their account, that they can offer you a better deal, or that they need a deposit or security fee. Don’t fall for it!

This is against Airbnb’s terms of service and you will lose your money and protection. Always pay through Airbnb’s secure platform and report any suspicious messages to Airbnb. 🙌

Asking for additional payment after booking:

This is a scam where the host asks you to pay more money after you have already booked and paid for the property.

🚨They may claim that there are extra fees, taxes, cleaning charges, or utility bills that are not included in the price. Don’t agree to it!

This is a violation of Airbnb’s price transparency policy and you are not obligated to pay anything more than what you agreed to.

Always read the listing description and the house rules carefully before booking, and decline any requests for additional payment.

💯 If the host insists or threatens to cancel your reservation, contact Airbnb and report the issue.

Booking Pressure

A final tip to avoid scams is to not let the host pressure you to pay or book right away, without verifying their identity or reviews.

🙅‍♀️ Some hosts may try to create a sense of urgency or scarcity, by saying that the property is in high demand, that the price is only valid for a limited time, or that they have other offers waiting.

Don’t let them rush you! Take your time to do your research, compare prices, check the host’s profile and reviews, and use Airbnb’s secure payment system. 💯 You can also use Airbnb’s messaging system to ask the host any questions you have before booking. 📧

If the host is pushy or aggressive, that’s a bad sign. They may be trying to scam you or get you to book a property that is not as good as it seems.

😥 Trust your gut and look for another option. 🙌

Do Your Homework & Stay Safe Out There!

Yes – Airbnb is a wonderful way to find and book amazing places to stay around the world! But you also need to be careful and smart, and avoid falling victim to scams and fraud. 😨

By following these tips, you can spot and avoid Airbnb scams, and enjoy your vacation stress free!

Look for red flags in the listing, such as very low prices, vague descriptions, or poor photos. 🚩
Verify the identity of the host, by checking their profile, reviews, and asking them to show you the place in person or via video call.
Use Airbnb’s secure payment system, and never pay or communicate outside the platform. 💳
Don’t let the host pressure you to pay or book right away, without doing your research and comparing prices. 🙅‍♀️
And remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Have you ever encountered or avoided an Airbnb scam? Let me know your stories and tips in the comments below! 👇