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.

View Top Answer in original post

820 Replies 820

@Isabel637  It looks like a legit listing, is on the official Airbnb site. The info is really scanty, though, and I was somewhat confused about what is being offered- it says private room, but it shows a whole apartment and talks about shared spaces, so it's unclear if there is more than one bedroom that are all rented out to unrelated guests. I think the host is just not savvy as to how to be thorough and clear about he's offering.

Sometimes listings are cheap when they first go up to get the first guests and some reviews. But that's not that cheap, actually, if all you get is a private bedroom and are sharing the rest of the apartment, including the bathroom, with other people you don't know. I'd suggest you message the host to clarify what exactly he's offering, and take it from there, depending on the kind of response you get.

 

Any way to figure out if this listing is a scam? It says she is a member since 2016 but there aren't any reviews on this listing which says 'new' under it. It seems that she listed it twice- as there are 2 options- to either rent just a bedroom, or the whole house.

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/33615937?adults=1&check_in=2019-04-14&check_out=2019-04-16&guests=1

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/33248382?guests=1&adults=1

Raya8
Level 1
Scotland, United Kingdom

Hi guys, could you please have a look at something for me? I am looking for a place to stay in Malta for 2 months and I found this place: https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/32584637?guests=1&adults=1 

 

I'm anxious to book as we're talking about more money than an average holiday...

Both hosts aren't ID verified and have no reviews. Does this seem legit?

@Raya8  This looks pretty legit to me. It says Lorraine has had an Airbnb account since 2016, so it is rather odd that she has no reviews, even as a guest. But I've had guests before who've been members for years with no reviews and there was a logical explanation for it (I asked them)- one had joined but never used it, one had had 2 guests stays but her hosts didn't leave reviews. Both were lovely guests. 

As a host, I don't have verified ID either, I just never bothered and haven't used the platform as a guest, in which case I'd upload that info- I signed up 2 and a half years ago and have hosted about 35 guests so far. 

The house looks well-lived in- most fake listings look pretty empty and like real estate ads. But what I suggest you do is contact the host before booking (Send an Inquiry, rather than a Booking Request) exchange a message or two with them, and see if you get a good vibe or it sounds like some kind of hard sell. 

New hosts are sometimes not good about making sure their calendar is up to date, so messaging first can also assure you that they haven't forgottten to block off dates when they won't be able to host (family coming or whatnot), and ending up having them cancel your reservation when you've already planned your trip and can't find another place to stay.

 

Raya8
Level 1
Scotland, United Kingdom

@Sarah0 Thank you so much for your opinion, I really appreciate it. I messaged them and they seem nice, although they are eager for me to book the place (understandable) and they mentioned that I worry too much (maybe it's the culture). I was 50/50 but hearing your opinion is reassuring. They send me an invitation to book the place which I think I will accept as it's really hard to find a place to stay in Malta throughout these months

Victoria762
Level 1
New York, United States

Hello, I was wondering if you could help me. I am trying to book a place to stay for my siblings who are coming up for my graduation. I found a perfect place nearby but I am a bit skeptical. It’s a new listing so there are no reviews, the price is rather low for all that the place offers, and the listing shows 3 bedrooms 2 bathroom but the pictures show 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. 3 bed 3 bath is pretty rare in NY. What do you think? 

 

https://abnb.me/XkrZBiToHV

@Victoria762  Third party bookings are against Airbnb's Terms of Service. You can't book for someone else- the booker has to be among the guests who are staying. One of your siblings has to set up their own account and book.

As far as the listing goes, it's rather odd- there is zero written description of the place. I'd be skeptical as well. Maybe message the host (send an Inquiry),  ask some questions, see what kind of response you get. 

I see it listed as 3 bedrooms and 3 baths. Not sure why you're seeing 2 baths listed.

@Sarah0yes! My sister has an account, just assisting with the browsing & came across that listing that seems too good to be true. Thank you for your help! I appreciate it. 

Umberto71
Level 2
Perugia, Italy

Hello, I have a question regarding a booking on Airbnb. I am in Barcelona and I am looking for an apartment to rent on the website.

I found this apartment and the person in charge sent me this link to make the payment:

www.airbnb.com/rooms/58920132

 

Can you tell me it is real?

The price of this flat seems to be quite too good.

Thank you

@Umberto71  When I click on that link, which is an official Airbnb link, it takes me to what appears to be a fake listing, which does not have the URL of Airbnb. I don't know how they are able to do that, as I'm not a techie nor a criminal. I believe this place in Barcelona hosted by Manuela, has been brought up on these forums before as a SCAM.

If you find a place on the real Airbnb site, there is no need for the host to send you any link to make payment. It is all automatically taken care of by the Airbnb platform when you request a booking.

General rule- if a price seems to good to be true, it's probably fake.

It would help if you screenshotted the message you received from this host. Did you find it on some other website and "Manuela" emailed you?

@Johanna517  No. That is a fake URL.

Thank you @Sarah977 !!

@Johanna517  Look at real listings on the official Airbnb site to see what an Airbnb URL looks like. The one you posted has dashes inserted where there shouldn't be any.

https://abnb.me/9pJ1TQLEZV

 

Hi - can someone verify that this listing is legitamate? It only has two reviews so I am a bit concerned. 

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