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

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

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

Top Answer
Cynthia-and-Chris1
Level 10
Vancouver, WA

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.

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820 Replies 820

hello I found 2 listing by the same person, no reviews yet and one identical image, one of the flats is encredibly cheap, how do I know if I can trust it?

 

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/30929008?location=Rome%2C%20Metropolitan%20City%20of%20Rome%2C%20Ital...

 

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/30874567?location=Rome%2C%20Metropolitan%20City%20of%20Rome%2C%20Ital...

Hello! I read your tips but I still have doubts about a host. He has 2 houses, one in Copenaghen and one in Ibiza. He has been on airbnb for 10 years but he has no review. He asks to send to his email address our info so he will book for us through airbnb because he has some problem with his calender. But the payment is through airbnb.

What do you suggest?! 

@Martina456  Why do you have doubts? This isn't how Airbnb works- hosts don't ask for a guest's email address before they book- in fact, that info will get blocked by the site if you try to include it in a messsage before a booking is confirmed. And hosts can't book for a guest on Airbnb.

I can pretty much guarantee you that this scammer does not have any houses anywhere, not in Ibiza, not in Copenhagen, not anywhere. It's all lies.

If you post the url here of the supposed Airbnb site he says he is liosted on, we can tell you if it's the real Airbnb site.

 What about this one? https://abnb.me/rw6n2V6YfU

Hi I just made first payment for a place in Athens but now I'm worried it could be a scam as the host is listing since February this year and doesn't have any reviews. Can you help me please? They're called Global Property Management

Do you mind looking at the place of me? I am a bit skeptical because of the reseanable price and no reviews. Kind regards, Michaela

 

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/32831762?location=Newcastle%20upon%20Tyne%20NE1%201RE%2C%20UK&adults=...

 

I am interested to visit Nissi Pearl 3 with the Boys, however, he has 3 places, "Nissi Pearl 2" "Nissi Pearl 3" & "Nissi Pearl 4"!!!! they all but they all have the same photos but also have positive reviews! can you have a look at this just to check what your thoughts are! Link below.

 

 

 

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/26401636?location=Ayia%20Napa%2C%20Famagusta%2C%20Cyprus&adults=5&che...

 

 

https://www.airbnb.eu-process-booking.site/rooms/X71C806/invoice/amazing-vibes-in-vegas-escape-from-... I was trying to book and the host only excepts wire transfers, I rent from Airbnb 3 times a year and this is a first, I think its  a scam. Any thoughts?