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

[Cynthia-and-Chris1]

Welcome to Airbnb!

Here are a few things you can do to make sure the listing is real:

(1) Look at the reviews and make sure they seem to talk about the same place you are booking

(2) If the listing says anything about contacting the host outside of Airbnb before booking, DO NOT - this is a well-known scam.

(3) Look at the listing - if it seems "too good to be true" (aka luxurious penthouse for a super low rate) it probably is!

You can also post the link here and we can weigh in on our thoughts.

[Lizzie]

Great tips @Cynthia-and-Chris1 🙂

[Lizeth42]

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/52598487?check_in=2021-12-30&check_out=2022-01-02&federated_search_id=d...

Is this a scam or just a good deal? No reviews yet.

[Maria14141]

Hello @Lizzie  Lizzie! I've used Airbnb many times and all has always been okay -- but I'm about to book something for a long-term stay (6 months). I need to make sure the listing isn't too good to be true and there are no reviews yet. Is there an email address to send the link to, or would I put it here in public? Thank you!

[Bill1414]

go visit the place first and make sure it's real. I know someone that paid three months' rent upfront, and shipped their car only to find out someone had lifted photos of a real estate ad. The fake landlord sent a picture of a fake license even..

[Lora408]

Does this listing seem legit?

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/890400206121384437?c=.pi80.pkYm9va2luZy92Ml9taWdyYXRpb24vcmVzZXJ2YXRp... 

[Jenny]

Hi @Lora408 

If you scroll down this listing, you'll see that the Host has a number of properties, and you can actually click a link to see their reviews.  That should give you more of an idea about their Hosting standards.

I did want to mention though, that I noticed that the Host asks for all reservation enquiries to be made through Whatsapp.  It sounds like the listing is advertised on more than one platform.  It's not professional to have things set up that way, and I would advise caution if you were to book using their process, as Airbnb actually prohibit booking off-platform.

There's more about the off-platform policy here - and for your own security we recommend you should only book and communicate via the Airbnb app.

Jenny

[Lora408]

Does this listing seem legit?

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/890400206121384437?c=.pi80.pkYm9va2luZy92Ml9taWdyYXRpb24vcmVzZXJ2YXRp... 

[Stacy390]

**[Identifiable information removed in line with the Community Center Guidelines]

[Allyson90]

**[Identifiable information removed in line with the Community Center Guidelines]

Had the same question! New to air bnb and wondering if this listing is for real? All it's reviews are from March and April 2023...Raimondo's profile seems like something out of Grey's Anatomy and hard to believe! Thoughts?

[Ivana488]

**[Identifiable information removed in line with the Community Center Guidelines]

[Chloe412]

Hey can someone look at this listing for me and tell me if it’s real?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/829050645145787701?adults=2&check_in=2023-05-15&check_out=2023-05-19&fe... 

[Ben5050]

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/850125406886575144?adults=10&check_in=2023-07-24&check_out=2023-07-31...

does this look legit to you

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Ben5050 as long as you pay through Airbnb all should be well. The moderators will remove your link I am afraid

[Ben5050]

Thankyou. The property has disappeared from the website anyway 

[Ben5050]

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/850125406886575144?adults=10&check_in=2023-07-24&check_out=2023-07-31...

coild you have a look at this please

[Hannah1100]

https://abnb.me/FGsU01rgHxb

Hi there. Can you let me know your opinion on this one. Thank you 

[Jill1231]

Is this one too good to be true?

https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/825307289366856697

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Jill1231 who knows! It looks fine but with no reviews you can't be sure I am afraid. I suggest you exchange messages and see how you get on.

[Alan1498]

https://abnb.me/cUSH1RhhAvb

Hi thank you again. No reviews on this one so please let me know of this one is legit