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

1 Best 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.

View Best Answer in original post

807 Replies 807

@Margaret955  It's hard to say, since the place is listed as new and there aren't any reviews yet. The thing that struck me as strange is that the listing is in NYC but the original listing description was written in Italian. I suppose the host could be Italian, but it's still odd. 

 

Maybe use the "Contact host" button to send an Inquiry message, come up with a few questions, and see what kind of response you get. You could also do a Google search for the listing, the photos and name of the host and see if any scam warnings come up. 

 

Personally, if I was going to book a pricey listing, I'd be looking for something with a history of what seem like good, honest reviews, and great ratings, rather than something new that gives you nothing to go on.

Deeksha2
Level 2
Kurukshetra, India

Deeksha2
Level 2
Kurukshetra, India

Roberta2
Level 10
London, United Kingdom

Hi @Deeksha2 

Because there are 8 listings using the same pictures, and the review from "Richard", in September, I would not book it.

@Deeksha2  That doesn't look like an Airbnb URL to me. It's a fake look-alike. Steer clear. 

**[Link removed due to safety reasons - Community Center Guidelines

Scam. That's not an Airbnb URL. @Thomas2195

Augustine13
Level 2
Phoenix, AZ

Hey! Any chance you can verify this link for me? I’m booking it for an extended stay and wanted to make sure it’s all safe!

 

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/45089282?source_impression_id=p3_1604944334_O5LQllB%2B5z1OyukV

Maria-Alejandra5
Level 2
Jacksonville, FL

Hi there! I’m new to this whole Airbnb thing. I have confirmed my reservation already but I have yet to pay the deposit that is asked. Can someone check this out for me? Thank you! 
https://app-airbnb.request23385.com/1/listing/114/view-hhma4v2i/BW0uV3rRpQ

This is a scam. That is a fake Airbnb URL. You haven't confirmed a reservation- that's not how Airbnb works. Do not send any money to this scammer- you'll never see your money again and you won't have a place to stay.

 

Report this scammer to the site you found the ad on. And cease communicating with this criminal.

 

Then go to the official Airbnb site and read all the articles in the Help section for guests so you understand how Airbnb works and you won't fall for this type of thing again.

 

When you book a legitimate Airbnb, you do it through the airbnb.com site. You find a place you like, you send a booking request (or alternatively an Inquiry message if you have any questions before committing) , the host then has to either accept or decline it, and if it is accepted, Airbnb charges the payment method you have on file with them. Only after that payment is verified by Airbnb is your booking confirmed. You never send money to a real Airbnb host for a booking.

 

   

 

@Ana22484

Steve2785
Level 1
England, United Kingdom

That isn't an Airbnb URL. @Steve2785

Tammy391
Level 1
Edmonton, Canada

https://abnb.me/KbOfScU8Hcb 

https://abnb.me/rA22AA58Hcb


Is this a real listing?  They have no reviews and the host name is just S.