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

[Erica967]

Is this a fake?

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/23147354?check_in=2019-11-16&check_out=2019-11-17&source_impression_id=...

[César136]

Could you help me confirm if this property is not a scam? I already paid 50% of my stay through the AirBnB app.  Thank you!

https://abnb.me/OnEGDnfSP0

[Wendy987]

Does this seem legit?

https://abnb.me/ZWvMSRGOI1

[Tyler308]

Is this posting real? https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/40395053?source_impression_id=p3_1574813040_somHPtlVUsBfbmvi 

[Lizette35]

Is this posting real?    https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/39106197?wl_source=list&wl_id=661342735&role=wishlist_owner&checkin=202...

The villa seems amazing and great price to not have any reviews yet. The host mentioned it's a new listing but given the host has other listings,  it makes me wonder why they're not a super host yet.

[Sarah977]

@Lizette35  That link just goes straight to the main Airbnb page. Can you post the link for the actual listing, rather than the URL from your wishlist page? It seems like the listing may have been removed.

[Lizette35]

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/39106197?s=67&shared_item_type=1&virality_entry_point=1&sharer_id=92339...

@Sarah977  Does this work? 

[Sarah977]

@Lizette35  Yes, that link worked. This is on the official Airbnb site (as opposed to a scammer look-alike) but I couldn't say whether there is anything to be wary of or not, since there aren't any reviews. This is run by what looks to be a big property management company. 

I'd suggest you do a Google search for the company to see if you can find any information or reviews on them. Also click on the "Contact Host" button under the listing description and send a message to the host- see if you get a speedy response that puts your mind at ease, or not. And make sure you read through everything on their listing page, clicking everywhere it says "Read more"- they have some policies that you should make sure you're okay with before you decide to book it.

I also don't see any box on the main listing page where you can enter dates and number of guests to get the total price. That box where you normally input that info just says click to check for availability, which seems weird to me, as the availability should be evident from the calendar, but I know that commercial listings are set up differently than ones run by individual hosts.

[Lizette35]

Thank you @Sarah977 ! Appreciate the feedback.

[Carmen1404]

https://abnb.me/dyjVcd6VX1

I'm a bit worried as its quite cheap but the host explained it was because it was new to rent (also no reviews but understandable if new to rent).

My main concern is the professional photo image of host which is for an actor in London (again could be legit).  Messages have been pleasant and no red flags (imo) but it's our first time booking with air bnb and I'm cautious about ending up being one of those people who fell for something that looked too good to be true! 

Thanks in advance for any advice. 

[Adriana930]

I have a question about a listing and I am hoping you all can help me. I am graduation college in May and I want to take a trip with my friends. I spotted a house that I love and i was wondering if you all can check it out for me. 

https://abnb.me/TCdthMmz31

[Sarah977]

@Adriana930  Well, you'd have to give more information in order for anyone to help you.

[Adriana930]

i just updated it @Sarah977 

[Sarah977]

@Adriana930  Well, there's nothing there to me that raises red flags- it's a new listing and therefore has no reviews. Did you thoroughly read through the listing description, scrolling all the way down to the bottom of the page and clicking on "read more" everywhere? Because when I did that and clicked on "read more" on the house rules, it says "No Parties"- I don't know what kind of a stay you are planning with your frinds, but if it's a party-type affair, that won't fly. Also make sure you read and understand the cancellation policy. 

I'm rather surprised that a bunch of college students can afford a place that charges what they do, but hey, maybe one of you just won the lottery 🙂

If a guest has a question about a listing or feels leery because there aren't any reviews, I always suggest that you contact the host via an Inquiry message, and start a bit of a dialogue to see what kind of feeling you get and make sure that the place will be suitable for your plans. 

[Jon2498]

Please help with authenticity.  NEW, worries me. 

Check it out: https://abnb.me/ZMkRnppV31