Fake Listings

Hey there! As an experienced cybersecurity expert who has spent over a decade securing data in the cloud, I‘ve seen my fair share of online scams and frauds. One platform that is especially prone to scammers is Airbnb.

You may be planning your next vacation rental with Airbnb and wondering – is it safe? How do I avoid scams? Well, I‘m here to shed some light!

In this detailed guide, I‘ll outline the most common Airbnb scams that travelers should watch out for, along with tips on how to avoid becoming a victim. Whether you‘re an Airbnb novice or a seasoned user, it pays to be informed and vigilant against shady hosts.

One of the most frustrating Airbnb scams is the fake listing. This is when a "host" creates a fraudulent listing for a property that they don‘t actually own or control. Often, the photos will be stolen from other listings or real estate sites. The scammer may even make up elaborate stories about the amenities and neighborhood.

Once they‘ve hooked a potential victim, the fake host will instruct them to pay outside of the Airbnb platform, via bank transfer, gift cards, etc. Of course, once the payment goes through, the "host" disappears and the traveler is left without a place to stay.

According to Airbnb, fake listings are relatively rare, accounting for less than 0.1% of bookings. However, it‘s still crucial to watch out for telltale signs like:

• Listing seems too good to be true (gorgeous beachfront villa for $50/night).

• Limited photos that seem generic. Reverse image search them to see if they are copied.

• Brand new host with no reviews.

• Pushy about taking payment off-platform via PayPal, Venmo, direct bank transfer, etc.

Here‘s an example from a cybersecurity expert‘s perspective: In 2020, the FTC reported a case where victims lost around $350,000 to fake listings using stolen photos and false promises of luxury cabins near Joshua Tree National Park. The scammers even created fake booking confirmations from "Airbnb" telling victims to wire money to them directly.

If you suspect a listing is fake, report it to Airbnb immediately. And never agree to wire money or pay outside of Airbnb, as you‘ll have no recourse. According to Airbnb’s statistics, 75% of customers who reported a listing as fraudulent prevented a scam from taking place.

While outright fake listings are relatively uncommon, many hosts misrepresent their properties in more subtle ways. Exaggerating the amenities, location, condition, etc. is a common Airbnb scam.

Travelers arrive to find that the "stunning ocean view" is just a peek of water through some trees. The "cozy cottage" is run down with dubious cleanliness. The location is farther from attractions than stated. You get the idea.

Sloppy or outdated listing information happens on occasion. But at times, hosts deliberately mislead guests to generate more bookings. Airbnb estimates about 12% of listings have some degree of inaccurate information.

As a cybersecurity pro, I like to "trust but verify" everything. To avoid disappointment, scrutinize listings carefully:

• Description sounds exaggerated (5-star luxury, majestic mountain views, etc).

• Tons of amenities listed like a fancy hotel.

• Very few photos of every room from multiple angles.

• Vague location descriptions ("walking distance" to attractions with no specifics).

• No reviews, or very few recent ones.

• Details are sparse for a listing that‘s been up for a while.

Do a reverse image search on the photos, and dig into Street View to get a better sense of the area. Look up the addresses of attractions they claim are "steps away." And reach out to the host with questions—their responsiveness can tell you a lot.

Now, as a cybersecurity expert, I take phishing scams very seriously. Phishing is all about tricking users into handing over sensitive information like passwords or financial details.

On Airbnb, you may get a message asking you to "confirm your information" or "verify your account" before booking. The message will look legit, often linking to a convincing but fake Airbnb login page.

If you try to login, however, the scammer now has your Airbnb password and account access. They can then book properties using your account and payment details. Other times, the phishing scam aims to get your credit card number directly.

According to Airbnb, phishing scams on their platform increased by over 350% amid the pandemic.

These messages may come via email or text. But Airbnb will never ask for your password or financial information directly. Here are some signs of an Airbnb phishing scam:

• Email is not from an official Airbnb address. Sender‘s address looks suspicious.

• Asks you to "verify" your account before a booking.

• Links to a login page that isn‘t airbnb.com.

• Contains typos or other subtle red flags.

• Requests sensitive personal or financial information.

You can avoid phishing scams:

• Check that all links go to airbnb.com (not airbnbverify6728.xyz or something fishy).

• Login only through the official Airbnb app or website.

• Don‘t reply with personal information if requested out of the blue.

If concerned, contact Airbnb support directly to confirm a message is legitimate.

Reviews are make or break for Airbnb listings. So scammers are increasingly paying for fake 5-star reviews to boost their profiles. Some services openly advertise fake Airbnb reviews starting at just $5 each.

These reviews are often easy to spot, if you know what to look for:

• Lots of generic, ultra-positive reviews ("Perfect place! Super clean with amazing host!").

• Reviewers have no identity/photo and only a handful of reviews.

• Host has way more 5-star reviews than normal.

• Reviews seem "too good to be true".

Genuine reviews mention specifics about the property, host interactions, etc. Fake paid reviews tend to be vague and over-the-top, focusing just on star ratings.

According to a 2021 study published in Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, over 5% of Airbnb reviews show signs of being fake or paid for.

Although fake reviews are prohibited by Airbnb, the platform struggles to keep up with removing them. So travelers have to take responsibility for scrutinizing reviews—especially for new properties with limited history.

The thought of being secretly recorded in your vacation rental is creepy. While rare, hidden cameras are a risk on peer-to-peer networks like Airbnb where you‘re staying in a stranger‘s home.

Most concerning is when cameras are placed in private areas like bedrooms and bathrooms. But sketchy hosts may also hide them in living spaces.

Checking for hidden cameras takes some vigilance. Look for:

• Tiny holes in walls, ceilings or furniture.

• Unusual objects like clock radios facing the bed or smoke detectors angled strangely.

• Flickering lights that could conceal a camera.

• Anything plugged into a wall without a clear purpose.

Some travel experts recommend sweeping a room with your smartphone camera, as the camera sensor can detect wireless frequencies being transmitted by hidden cameras. An RF detector device also works well for this purpose.

If you find a concealed camera, leave immediately and report it to Airbnb. They take privacy violations extremely seriously. According to Airbnb, fewer than 0.003% of bookings have had reported privacy issues. Still, it pays to be diligent.

Revealing your personal information on Airbnb is unavoidable during the booking process. This does leave you vulnerable to potential identity theft.

Scammers may hack into Airbnb‘s systems to access user data. Or they may phish your login details through spoof emails/texts. With enough personal information, they can take over your identity and accounts.

While Airbnb has solid cybersecurity, you should still take precautions:

• Use a unique password only for Airbnb. According to IBM, using the same password across multiple sites makes you more vulnerable.

• Enable two-factor authentication. This adds an extra layer of security beyond just a password.

• Monitor your credit reports regularly for signs of fraud. Many identity theft services like LifeLock provide this.

• Consider identity theft protection services like LifeLock or IdentityForce. They make it easy to catch fraud early.

Also be very cautious of anyone asking for copies of personal ID or financial documents. This information is rarely required for Airbnb bookings.

One of the most common Airbnb scams involves undisclosed extra charges or fees. This may be bait-and-switch scams that lure you in with a reasonable price before piling on fees and gotchas after booking. Some examples include:

• Mandatory cleaning fees added after booking. Sometimes upwards of $100.

• Surprise charges for extra guests or pets not disclosed upfront.

• Allegations of damage to demand reimbursement for repairs.

• Monthly or seasonal rates that skyrocket for peak times like holidays or events.

By the time these crop up, you may feel locked into the booking and unable to dispute the costs. Shady hosts take advantage of this.

According to Airbnb, 70% of fraud complaints are related to misrepresented listings and undisclosed fees.

Savvy travelers can guard against extra charges:

• Screenshot or save a copy of the booking details, including listed rates.

• Thoroughly read the cancellation and fee policies before booking.

• Inspect premises thoroughly on arrival and notify host right away of any prior damage.

• Understand your rights—some fees may violate Airbnb‘s policies if not disclosed up front.

• Pay via credit card so you can dispute any fraudulent charges.

Despite the many potential scams, Airbnb is still an excellent way to find affordable accommodations around the world. With over 2 million bookings per night, the vast majority go off without a hitch.

By understanding the different scam risks, reading reviews carefully, and following best practices, you can avoid becoming a victim. Here are my top safety tips for foolproof Airbnb bookings:

Verify Your Host

• Vet hosts thoroughly—look for Superhosts with great recent reviews. Avoid brand new listings without reviews.

• Check that their profile looks complete and authentic. Look them up on social media.

• Ask questions and see if they respond promptly and knowledgeably.

• Search online for their full name, property address, email or phone number to uncover red flags.

Use Airbnb Securely

• Use the Airbnb platform for all communications. Move to email only to exchange arrival details.

• Decline requests to pay outside Airbnb. Scammers can‘t touch your money if you don‘t pay them directly.

• Enable two-factor authentication for enhanced account security.

• Frequently change your password and do not use it on other sites.

Research the Listing

• Reverse image search listing photos to check for fraud. Scammers often reuse others‘ photos.

• Street View the neighborhood in maps to get better context. Cross-reference details.

• If possible, use Google Earth to view 3D satellite imagery of the property.

Book Safely

• Book early and avoid last-minute rush bookings where you may overlook red flags.

• Scrutinize each listing‘s description, amenities, location, fees, etc. Ask the host if anything seems unclear.

• Use a credit card for bookings and fees. You can dispute fraudulent charges.

Monitor Closely

• Inspect the premises thoroughly on arrival and notify the host right away about any inconsistencies with the listing or prior damage.

• Keep records of all payments and take photos/video on arrival and departure in case of disputes.

• Check credit card statements closely after checkout for any unauthorized charges.

• Report any scams or incidents immediately to Airbnb. Notify your credit card provider of any potentially fraudulent charges.

Trust Your Instincts

If anything ever seems "off" about a listing or host communication, trust your gut. It‘s better to find somewhere else than risk staying with a potentially shady host. Your safety and peace of mind are most important.

By remaining vigilant, Airbnb is still an amazing service to find safe, affordable, and unique accommodations around the world. Happy and scam-free travels, my friend! Let me know if you have any other Airbnb questions.