Scam alert! How can I make sure a listing is real?

[Kim207]

This will be my first time using Airbnb so I'm a bit weary about listings being fake.

What can I do to make sure a listing is real and not a scam?

What should I be looking out for?

Thanks

[Lauren3193]

I did message the host and they said they would absolutely love to have us. I just wanted someone else’s input to see if it was legit or not.

[Sarah977]

@Lauren3193  Well, it's usually not really possible to tell if an actual Airbnb listing is "legit" or not. Very few wouldn't be.

Most of the questions about legitimacy here refer to scam ads that guests found on other sites which claim that they will use Airbnb for the booking. But aside from all the false claims in the communications from those scammers, the URLs for the listings aren't Airbnb URLs.

If you got a timely, friendly reply from the host that didn't send up any red flags, that's normally a sign that all is fine. If your check-in date is a ways away, and you don't get more communication from the host in the interim, it's a good idea to check back in with the host a week before check-in just to make sure all is good for your arrival.

Is there anything specific that caused you worry? Or just that it's new?

If no one ever took a chance on a new host or new guest who had no reviews yet, the platform would never have existed in the first place 🙂

Hope you have a great stay.

[Mike2604]

Hi this is the invoice I got from Airbnb the  host sent me this link

http://airbnb.co.uk/rooms/98997452/

is this genuine? 

also sent me this attatched invoice:

[Mike2604]

 Is it genuine?

Kind Regards 

Mikey

[Sarah977]

@Mike2604  It's a scam. That isn't an Airbnb URL, it's a fake look-alike, and Airbnb doesn't send invoices. Hosts do not arrange bookings. Guests find a place they want to book, and Airbnb charges the credit card the guest has on file with them. 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Mike2604As a guest you pay over the website. Airbnb do not send an invite to you so this is likely to be a scam.

[Mike2604]

sorry here Is the invoice 

**[Image removed - Community Center Guidelines]

[Sarah977]

@Mike2604  As we said, it's a scam. You don't send money to book a place. You are dealing with cybercriminals. They don't have a place to rent, their photos are stolen from real estate sites or other legitimate listings, and you would never see your money again. The scammers will stop communicating as soon as you send money, you won't have any place to stay, and their ad and email address will dissappear.

[Tracy824]

https://www.airbnb.co.nz/rooms/594613480208818818?check_in=2022-07-19&check_out=2022-07-25&guests=1&...

Hi,

I am new to Air bnb.  What do you think about this listing.  There are no reviews but the host seems to have done a lot of bookings.'

Thanks so much

Tracy

[Syeda-Nisma0]

https://alrbnbooking.view3917-home58137-rent713085.com/676f/amazing-two-bedroom-apartment-in-birming...

is this legitimate or scam

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Syeda-Nisma0 SCAM SCAM SCAM. Don't go near this one.

[Syeda-Nisma0]

yes the wesbite is starting with alrbnb which is fake

thanks for guiding 

[Daniel550]

Hi there can u please have a look to see if its legit? thanks  

https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/629704562714592415?adults=4&location=Positano%20Spiaggia%2C%20Italy&...

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Daniel550 The expert on this, @Sarah977 ,has sadly been banned from the community. Anyway the link doesn't work so I guess there is something wrong with the listing.