Airbnb scams by hosts and guests: How to stay safe

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What are Airbnb scams?

Airbnb scams are dishonest schemes where hosts or guests try to take advantage of other people using the platform. These scams can go both ways — hosts might mislead guests with fake reviews and listings, hidden fees, or false damage claims, while guests could try to sneak in extra people, avoid paying for damages, or even hack into hosts' accounts.

Both sides use tricks to manipulate the system, which can leave people frustrated, stressed, and sometimes out of pocket. Knowing what signs to watch out for is the best way to protect yourself and stay safe.

Airbnb scams by hosts

While most Airbnb hosts are honest and offer great stays, some misuse the platform. Airbnb host scams can ruin trips, waste money, and cause a lot of stress. Below, you will find the most common tricks hosts use and tips to avoid falling victim to them.

Fake listings

Fake listings are properties that don’t exist or are completely misrepresented. Scammers often use fake photos to make the property seem real and convincing. While Airbnb requires guests to stay at a property before leaving a review, scammers sometimes find ways around this rule.

They might create fake accounts, book their own property, and leave glowing reviews to trick potential guests. You might arrive at the address only to find it doesn't exist, or worse, show up at a completely different location, like a rundown apartment or a shop that clearly isn’t for rent.

Tips to recognize fraudulent listings:

• Use Google Search or Google Maps to check the property's address and confirm the location is real. Then, use Google Street View to see if the property’s exterior matches the images on the Airbnb platform.
• Read all reviews carefully. Look out for overly positive reviews that seem exaggerated, overly enthusiastic, or too good to be true, such as “Best stay ever!” or “Absolutely perfect in every way!”
• If something about the listing feels off, ask the host for more photos or a video walkthrough to make sure it’s real. If you’re still unsure and the cancellation policy allows it, go ahead and cancel your booking. Always check the cancellation policy before you book — honest hosts are usually more flexible and willing to work with guests.

Multiple listings

In a multiple listings scam, a host lists the same property under different price points, sometimes using multiple accounts to avoid detection. Having multiple listings of the same property with different prices allows them to double-book it and rent it to whoever pays the highest rate. If another guest outbids you, the host might cancel your reservation last minute or try to move you to a subpar property they also own.

Tips to stay safe:

• Turn off price filters and look for duplicate listings while browsing. If you see the same photos on multiple profiles, choose a different booking.
• If the host tells you the property is unavailable, do not cancel the booking yourself. Instead, ask the host to cancel so that you can get a full refund from Airbnb and avoid paying cancellation fees.
• Take screenshots of the original listing before you book. This documentation provides evidence of what was promised in case the host tries to switch properties or denies the original terms later.

Too-good-to-be-true listings

Too-good-to-be-true listings offer properties that are, well, too good to be true. Scammers list rentals, such as beachside villas, luxury penthouses, or large family homes, for prices far below the market average, often paired with highly edited or extremely appealing photos. You might think you’ve booked a luxury glamping site for a bargain, only to arrive at a cramped, outdated shack.

Tips to protect yourself from false advertising:

• Compare the listing price with similar properties in the same area. If it’s significantly cheaper, think twice before booking.
• Use a reverse image search to check if the listing’s photos are pulled from the internet or copied from other platforms.
• Look for listings with several legitimate reviews. If reviews are few or missing entirely, proceed with caution. Check for bad reviews — they could also indicate a fraudulent Airbnb listing.

Bait-and-switch

A bait-and-switch scam happens when a host lists an appealing property, only to tell you right before check-in that it’s unavailable due to an emergency, like unexpected maintenance. Instead, they’ll offer you a replacement that’s worse — smaller, less comfortable, or in a less convenient location. If you complain, the host might brush it off as the best they can do and expect you to accept it.

Tips to stay safe and avoid bait-and-switch scams:

• Stick to hosts with a solid track record of good reviews. Ideally, your host’s Airbnb account should have a “Guest favorite” badge. Also, look for top-rated hosts. Airbnb Superhosts also boast a special badge.
• Communicate any concerns about the listing through Airbnb’s messaging system so the company can step in if needed.
• If the host suggests moving you to another property, refuse and report the issue to Airbnb immediately.

Payment outside the Airbnb platform

Some hosts might ask you to pay using PayPal, bank transfers, or even cryptocurrency. They might claim it’s to save money on Airbnb fees, but paying outside the platform can be risky.

Airbnb collects the full cost of your reservation through its system for a reason — it protects your money and offers a way to handle disputes or get refunds if something goes wrong. However, in some cases, Airbnb allows payments outside its platform:

• Local taxes. In some locations, hosts are legally required to collect local taxes in person. These taxes must be clearly explained in the listing description or house rules.
• Optional extras. Some hosts may offer amenities like parking or upgrades. Airbnb encourages these payments to be made through its Resolution Center.
• Mandatory fees for authorized hosts. Properties like hotels or regulated rentals can collect fees like pet charges or security deposits outside the platform, but only if these fees are clearly stated in the listing.

What to do if a host asks for payment outside Airbnb:

• Check the listing. Make sure the payment they’re asking for shows up in the listing’s price breakdown or description.

• Use the Resolution Center. If you want to pay for optional extras, ask the host to process the payment through Airbnb’s Resolution Center to keep your money safe.

Tips to protect your payment:

• Always process transactions using Airbnb’s payment system. It protects your money and allows you to request refunds if the property isn’t as described or a booking turns out to be fraudulent.
• If a host requests payment off-platform, refuses to process the payment through Airbnb’s Resolution Center, or offers extra perks in exchange, the listing is likely a scam. Choose a different one.
• Look for warning signs in messages, such as unusual payment requests or urgency to complete a deal.

False Airbnb damage scams

Some hosts falsely accuse guests of damaging their property in an attempt to file for reimbursement through Airbnb. For example, they might claim you stained their couch or broke an appliance — issues you know didn’t occur during your stay. If you don’t have evidence to back yourself up, you could lose your security deposit or even face extra charges beyond the booking cost.

Tips to avoid fake Airbnb damage scams:

• Take photos or videos of the property as soon as you arrive and right before you check out.
• Report any existing issues to the host using Airbnb’s messaging system to create a paper trail.
• If the host files a false claim, provide your photos or videos as evidence through Airbnb’s resolution center to dispute the charge.

Airbnb scams by guests

It’s not just the hosts who can be the culprits. Some guests also use tricks to manipulate Airbnb hosts and take advantage of their properties. Airbnb guest scams can disrupt your rental experience, damage your property, or leave you dealing with unnecessary expenses. Below, explore some of the most common ways guests attempt to scam hosts and what you can do to protect yourself from potential fraud.

Unauthorized guests

Some guests book your property for two people and show up with five — or even more. Others might claim they’re traveling solo but sneak in friends or throw a party without your permission. Extra people can cause extra wear and tear, violate your house rules, or even get you into trouble if your property has occupancy limits.

Tips to avoid unauthorized guests:

• Your house rules should clearly state your guest policy and set strict limits on how many people can stay. You can also ban parties outright in your listing to avoid unauthorized gatherings or property damage.
• Use a video doorbell to see who’s entering your property. Having a video doorbell doesn’t breach Airbnb’s privacy rules and can help you stay in control.
• Ask guests about their plans before accepting their booking.

Communication outside the Airbnb platform

Some guests may try to dodge Airbnb’s policies by asking to communicate through text, social media, or apps like WhatsApp. Communication outside the Airbnb platform often involves making illicit side deals. It also increases the risk of scams and makes it harder to hold the guest accountable.

Tips to stay safe:

• Always communicate through Airbnb’s messaging system. Communicating within the platform creates a record in case of disputes.
• Be cautious if a guest asks to use an alternative app or platform — they have no legitimate reason to do that. For your own safety, you also shouldn't suggest switching to WhatsApp or other communication apps. Exchange messages exclusively in the Airbnb app.
• Report suspicious requests for off-platform communication to Airbnb immediately.

Fake guest profiles

Scammers often create fake guest profiles to book your rental property. These fake accounts lack genuine details like a profile picture, bio, or reviews from other hosts. After securing a booking, these guests might throw parties, damage your property, or even refuse to leave, and you will have no reliable way to hold them accountable without proper guest verification.

Tips to avoid fake profiles:

• Look for profiles with clear photos, bios, reviews from other hosts, and an “Identity verified” badge. This badge shows that Airbnb has verified the guest’s information, like their ID or legal name. While the badge adds a layer of trust, it's not a guarantee, so stay cautious.
• Verify guests by asking polite but specific questions about their trip before accepting their booking.
• Trust your instincts. If an Airbnb account seems sketchy or the guest deflects your questions, it’s okay to decline the booking.

Overpayment scam

In an overpayment scam, a guest books your property and pretends to accidentally overpay for their stay, often for a pet or an extra guest. They then ask you to refund the extra amount, often through PayPal or Venmo. The host later finds out the guest used a stolen or invalid payment method, leaving them out of pocket after refunding the fake overpayment.

Tips to avoid overpayment scams:

• Only process payments for optional extras using Airbnb’s Resolution Center.
• Decline any request to send money back through external payment services like PayPal or Venmo.
• If a guest insists they overpaid, contact them through Airbnb’s messaging system and verify the situation carefully. Don’t send any money back unless you’re absolutely certain the original payment is legitimate.

Last-minute cancellations

Some guests abuse Airbnb’s cancellation policy by repeatedly booking and canceling your property at the last minute. They might claim sudden emergencies, like illness, to pressure you into offering refunds beyond Airbnb’s set policies. Other times, they use this method to block your listing while searching for cheaper accommodations elsewhere.

Tips to avoid last-minute cancellations:

• Stick to Airbnb’s official cancellation policies and avoid offering additional refunds unless absolutely necessary.
• If you notice a pattern of cancellations from a guest, report the behavior to Airbnb so it can investigate.
• Read reviews left by other hosts to spot any hints of problematic behavior from the guest. Look for negative reviews that confirm your suspicions.

Fake inquiries

Scammers posing as guests might send messages asking innocent-sounding questions about your rental, but their real goal is to trick users into opening malicious links. These links often lead to phishing websites designed to steal your login credentials, payment information, or personal data. In a serious scenario, opening a phishing link sent with a fake inquiry could result in an Airbnb account hacking.

Tips to stay safe:

• Never click on links that a guest sent you unless Airbnb’s messaging system has verified them.
• Check for suspicious email addresses or poorly written messages — these are common phishing indicators.
• Always navigate directly to Airbnb’s website or app to view guest profiles and respond to inquiries.

Other common Airbnb scams and privacy risks

Scammers are always looking for new ways to trick people, both on and off the Airbnb platform. Apart from scams by hosts and guests, you should also be aware of other common scams and privacy risks, such as phishing attempts via text or email, fake verification codes, employment scams, and hidden cameras.

Airbnb email or text scams

Phishing scams aim to steal personal information using fake messages, emails, or websites that look like they’re from Airbnb. Scammers might send you a text claiming you have an issue with your account and include a link to purportedly fix it. These phishing links lead to fake websites designed to capture your Airbnb login or credit card details, or even your identity.

For example, you might receive an urgent email pretending to be from Airbnb or one of Airbnb’s partners that says, “Your account will be deactivated if you don’t verify your payment details. Click here to resolve this.” The link might look official, but it will take you to a scam website. Once you enter your details, the scammers will have everything they need to steal from you or commit identity theft.

Tips to stay safe from Airbnb text scams:

• Always check the sender’s email address. Airbnb messages only come from official domains like @airbnb.com. Be cautious if the address looks odd.
• Don’t click on links in unexpected messages. Instead, go directly to the Airbnb website or app to check for account notifications.
• Look for red flags in the messages — spelling mistakes, generic greetings like “Dear user,” or urgent demands to act quickly. Report any phishing attempts to Airbnb immediately.

Airbnb verification code scams

Airbnb verification code scam starts when someone — often pretending to be a host or Airbnb support staff — reaches out and asks you to share a verification code sent to your phone. They may say they need it to confirm your booking, fix an issue, or recover your account. In reality, scammers want to use this code to access your account or link your phone number to their own fraud attempts.

For example, if you share the code, the scammer can reset your Airbnb password and lock you out of your account. They could then make bookings under your name or steal private information that could potentially lead to identity theft.

Tips to avoid falling victim to the Airbnb verification code scam:

• Airbnb will never ask you to share a verification code with anyone. If someone requests it, they’re scamming you.
• Set up two-factor authentication (2FA) to keep your account secure. Only enter codes on trusted Airbnb platforms, not third-party services.
• If you receive a suspicious request for a code, ignore it and report the incident to Airbnb immediately.

Airbnb job scams

Airbnb job scams are part of employment scams that target people looking for work. Scammers pretend to be Airbnb partners or recruiters and offer fake jobs, such as online customer service roles or property management opportunities. To seem legitimate, they might use the Airbnb logo and an email address that looks official.

Once they gain your trust, they’ll ask for payment to cover fake training fees, equipment, or background checks. In reality, there’s no job, and once you send the money, you never hear back. Alternatively, they may steal your sensitive information, like Social Security numbers, during the fake application process in order to commit identity theft.

Tips to protect yourself against Airbnb job scams:

• Airbnb does not charge fees for job applications or training. If someone asks for money, it’s a scam.
• Double-check Airbnb job offers by visiting its official careers page at careers.airbnb.com. Avoid replying to unsolicited messages about job opportunities.
• Never share sensitive information, like bank account details or ID numbers, with anyone who claims they are from Airbnb unless you verify their identity.

Hidden cameras

While Airbnb allows cameras in common areas like living rooms or entryways (if disclosed in the listing), some hosts take it too far. Hidden cameras in private spaces, like bedrooms or bathrooms, are strictly against policy but still show up in some rentals. Dishonest hosts may hide cameras in everyday objects, such as alarm clocks, smoke detectors, or phone chargers, which makes them difficult to spot.

Tips to protect your privacy:

• When you arrive, inspect the vacation rental thoroughly. Check electronics, decorations, or unusual objects for small lenses or blinking lights.
• Use a camera-detection app or flashlight to scan private areas for hidden devices.
• Choose listings where the host clearly discloses any security devices in non-private areas.

How to avoid Airbnb scams

Avoiding Airbnb scams is much easier when you know what to watch out for. By following a few simple tips, you can enjoy a safer experience whether you're hosting or travelling.

Tips for guests

If you’re booking a stay, these simple steps can help you spot red flags and keep your trip stress free:

• Book only through Airbnb’s platform. Keep all communication and payments on Airbnb to ensure you're covered by its protections and policies.
• Verify host profiles and reviews. Look for hosts with complete profiles and detailed reviews. Avoid listings with vague or overly generic feedback.
• Don’t share unnecessary personal details. Keep sensitive information, like your phone number or email address, private. Share only what’s absolutely required to complete your booking.
• Request a virtual tour. If you're unsure about a listing, ask the host for a video walkthrough to make sure the property matches the description.
• Do a reverse image search. Use tools like Google Images to check if listing photos appear elsewhere online.
• Cross-check availability. Search for the property on other rental platforms like Booking.com to ensure it’s not double-booked.
• Use strong passwords. Protect your account by using strong and unique passwords and setting up two-factor authentication.

Tips for hosts

Hosting can be an amazing experience, but it’s important to protect yourself and your property from potential scams.

• Screen guests carefully. Review guest profiles and reviews. Ask them about their travel plans or reasons for booking. Check if a guest’s Airbnb profile has the “Identity verified” badge, which indicates that Airbnb has confirmed their identity through official documentation.
• Follow Airbnb’s damage claim process. Report any damage through Airbnb with photos and documentation. Don’t try to resolve it outside the platform.
• Secure valuables. Store personal or valuable items in locked spaces or remove them from the property during guest stays.
• Recognize phishing attempts. Stay alert for fake emails or suspicious requests. Always handle account or booking issues directly through Airbnb’s website or app.
• Monitor booking patterns. Watch for red flags like frequent last-minute cancellations or vague booking messages, and report all suspicious activity to Airbnb.

What are some of the red flags on Airbnb?

If something feels off about a listing or profile, it’s important to trust your instincts. Some common red flags that could signal a possible scam or an unreliable host or guest include:

• Lack of details in a listing (or an entirely new listing). A reliable listing should include clear descriptions, photos of all rooms, and specific amenities. If the listing is vague or brand new and has no reviews, it might not be trustworthy.
• Lack of details in a profile (or an entirely new profile). Hosts or guests with incomplete profiles — missing photos, bios, or reviews — can be a warning sign. Scammers often create empty or brand-new accounts to avoid detection.
• Suspicious links. Be careful if you receive messages or emails with links asking you to verify your booking or payment. These are most likely phishing links that lead to fake websites designed to steal your information.
• Mismatched information. Pay attention to inconsistencies. If the photos, address, or description in the listing don’t match what the host says, it could be a scam. Scammers are likely to provide inaccurate property descriptions, so double-check what you can and question each and every inconsistency.
• Pressure to act quickly. Scammers often try to create urgency by saying they have other Airbnb users interested in the listing or asking for immediate payment. Don’t rush into making a decision if you’re unsure.
• Unrealistic pricing. A price that seems significantly lower than similar properties in the area should instantly put you on alert mode — it’s probably too good to be true. Double-check the listing for fake reviews and images pulled from the internet.
• No verification. Profiles or listings without Airbnb verification could pose a higher scam risk. Stick to verified accounts whenever possible.

What to do if you got scammed on Airbnb

Getting scammed on Airbnb can be frustrating, but acting quickly and following the right steps can help you protect yourself and possibly recover lost money. Use the steps below as a guide to handle the situation and prevent further problems.

• Document everything. Take photos, screenshots, or videos of the problem. Evidence is critical for your case, whether it's a property that doesn’t match the listing,  double booking, or unauthorized charges.
• Contact Airbnb support. Reach out to Airbnb through its website or app and report the issue as soon as possible. Provide all the evidence you’ve gathered to help resolve the problem.
• Change your account passwords. If the scam involved phishing or account hacking, immediately update your Airbnb password. Use a strong, unique password and enable 2FA if possible.
• File a damage or fraud claim. Use Airbnb’s Resolution Center to claim refunds for fraud, property damage, or false charges. Be specific and prompt when providing details to increase your chances of a successful claim.
• Contact local authorities (if necessary). If the scam involves illegal activity, like hidden cameras or physical threats, alert the police right away. A formal report can also strengthen your case with Airbnb or your bank.
• Contact your bank. If you paid outside of Airbnb’s platform — like via PayPal, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency — or fell for a phishing scam that involved sharing your financial details, contact your bank or credit card provider immediately. Let them know about the scam so they can block unauthorized charges or dispute fraudulent transactions.
• Monitor your financial accounts. If you shared your credit card information during a phishing scam, paid outside of Airbnb’s platform, or suspect your account details were compromised, start monitoring your financial accounts immediately. Check your bank and credit card activity for any suspicious transactions, and set up fraud alerts or use credit monitoring services to catch any further scams before they escalate.
• Report fake listings. Flag any scam listings or suspicious profiles on Airbnb. Reporting them helps remove scammers from the platform and protects other users.
• Warn others. Leave an honest review of the host or guest to inform other Airbnb users of your experience. If Airbnb removes the listing or profile, consider sharing details in travel forums or online groups.