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

[Sebastian1498]

Hi all,  

I'm planning on visiting Tacoma, Washington mid August. I found a great place to stay and price. Not sure if it's too good to be true. There are no reviews and the photos were taken directly from the Apartment Complex's website. So I'm not even sure if the unit that is available is the one in the photos. I've messaged the host to get more information. Below is the link:

**

**[Identifiable listing removed in line with the Community Center Guidelines- Please note that is not allowed to post a listing link unless posted by a listing owner]

[Joelle43]

Hello @Sebastian1498 

The link you've provided will get taken down by the moderators but one thing that does stick out is the fact that the host has a 20% response rate and replies within a few days😱  Never seen such a bad host profile on Airbnb so personally I would start looking for a Plan B😉  And you know what they say, "if it's too good to be true, then it probably is"

This listing has very little information included so this guy is a novice that's for sure and strange that after 7 months, there are no reviews for this place but let us know if he ever gets back to you!

I would go with hosts that actually have reviews.

All the best

Joëlle

[Rebecca]

Hi everyone 👋

Thank you all for your participation on this topic. We're closing this thread to new comments as sharing an identifiable listing is only allowed by the listing owner. You can read more about this on the Community Center Guidelines, or reach out to @Quincy, @Bhumika, @Paula or myself with any questions that you might have. 

✨ Airbnb: Avoiding fraud, scams, and abuse

[Cynthia-and-Chris1 · Accepted solution]

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.

[Hayley45]

*[Link hidden for advertising reasons – in line with the Community Center Guidelines]

[Matthew285]

@Hayley45, you didn't add any commentary to the link, (so we aren't entirely sure why you sent it), but that is not a legitimate AirBnB web site.

It is one of those sites set up to look like AirBnB, but are not AirBnB. (AKA a scam.)

Where did you find this URL?

[Hayley45]

The guy sent it to me via email to book my stay. His name is **. 

[Victoria567]

Hi@Hayley

My youngest daughter’s pal lost a significant amount of money booking via a scam air bnb site last year.

My advice is to download the Airbnb app from an Apple phone .

Once you set up your account on the Air bnb app, then you are ready to go.

NEVER ever communicate outside the air  bnb platform, this applies to both guests and hosts.

NEVER pay cash, use your verified bank account or credit card.

I never use Paypal either as it faciiltates scammers.

There are rogue guests as well as  rogue hosts.....Don’t get caught out by either of them.

[Hayley45]

http://airbnb.com.reservation-offer-view.com/1/itinerary/12/itinerary-4378ihok/80421

[Matthew285]

@Hayley45, I see!

Interesting. Totally fake, but interesting.

Do you have any idea how this criminal knew you were looking to travel to this area?

[Amy3145]

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/810779608572734584?check_in=2024-07-02&check_out=2024-07-07&guests=1&ad...

[Hayley45]

This is what the person said in the email...“The apartment is not listed on the Airbnb site. I already paid a fee to register the reservation through Airbnb so in this case they manage and secure this transaction from craigslist. We are covered and protected by Airbnb so this transaction will go smooth.Again, payment will be handled by Airbnb and they will release the funds to me only after you agree to rent the apartment.“

[Sarah977]

He's lying. Airbnb doesn't work like that. And hosts don't get paid "after you agree to rent the apartment". They get paid AFTER the guest checks in.

[Matthew285]

@Hayley45, I imagine you already suspect this listing is fake and the "host" is a liar and a criminal.

Just to clear up any doubt, as others are telling you, this is 100% a fake listing and the "host" is 100% lying to you.

Should you (or anyone) send him any money at all, that person would never see the money again AND not end up with a place to stay.

Guaranteed.

[Ashley463]

https://abnb.me/wwfIvQTFwR Would y’all help me figure out if this is legit or not? The first picture of the house looks unrealistic, compared to the mediocracy of the bedrooms. The total for one night would be $175. Is this legit? HELP 🙂