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

[Alexandra316]

@Mark1452 Also definitely a scam. That's not the Airbnb site. You also can't reserve dates for a certain guest like that the way it's shown.

[William758]

Found 2 ads showing the same apt for different rates.  Any thoughts?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/21714025?location=Paris%2C%20France&adults=2&check_in=2019-06-06&check_...

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/15462775?location=Paris%2C%20France&adults=2&check_in=2019-06-06&check_....

[Alexandra316]

@William758 My thought is that's a major red flag. If you're interested in booking, I would message both hosts and ask them what's up, but honestly I'd probably just move on. That seems extremely sketchy.

[Avilinah0]

Hello people

i am in Quito , Ecuador and there is an apartment I found. It is awesomely cheap, which I find too good to be true. I am required to pay the full amount now to Airbnb. how do I verify that it is legit?

TIA

[Ruth495]

Can someone pls check if this listing is fake? Its a new listing so no reviews.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/33246373?adults=8&children=1&toddlers=0&check_in=2019-04-26&check_out=2...

[Sarah977]

@Ruth495   When I clicked on the link, it says the listing is no longer available. So who knows what goes on with it? That is the official Airbnb URL, so if it's on the site it shouldn't be fake, but it seems sketchy that you just were looking at it and now it's gone.

The ones that are really out and out scams aren't on the Airbnb site- they direct you to a site which is a good facsimile of the Airbnb site, but in fact the URL is slightly different.

[Liz586]

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/30203678?location=Temecula%2C%20CA%2C%20United%20States&guests=1&adults...

Hi, will someone please validate if this listing is real? There are only 10 reviews and all of them are verified but this was their first booking.  Just looking for some peace of mind as I really like this place. 

[Sarah977]

@Liz586  What do you mean, there are "only 10 reviews but this is their first booking"? Obviously if there are 10 reviews it's not the first booking. Why wouldn't it be real? It's on the officail Airbnb site.

[Sandee14]

I’m guessing this is a fake listing? Will Airbnb give me my money back if it is? How does that work.

[Sarah977]

@Sandee14  You didn't post any listing link, so how would anyone be able to tell you if it's fake? And if it is fake, of course Airbnb wouldn't give you your money back, they wouldn't have your money, the scammer would. 

[John2474]

Baltimore luxury harbor apartment rental by guy name Antonio ... seems too good to be true? Thoughts guys?

[John2474]

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/33490849?adults=1&toddlers=0&check_in=2019-05-05&check_out=2019-05-08&g... thoughts???

[Sarah977]

@John2474  That listing is no longer on the site, so yes, I guess it was a scam. Did you report it?

[Jarrod19]

Hi, I would love anyones thoughts on the listing below.  On has one very short review which was quite recent.  The price and place seams on par with others.  It says 'its is a rare find, as it is usally booked'.

I cant find how long it has been on airbnb for.  Any help much appreciated

https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/30028252?children=1&adults=6&infants=3&check_in=2020-01-04&check_out...

[Isabel637]

Hello, I am wondering if this a legit airbnb. I'm weary because he looks like a new host so no reviews yet. He doesn't have a pic to his profile and the rate is pretty incredible for the area and season. Can you help?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/32638310?s=51