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.

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803 Replies 803
Whitney112
Level 1
Courtice, Canada

Is it normal host ask for like 500$ safety deposit to be returned at a checkout when stay is one night and costs 200$.?? I too am confused 🤷🏼‍♀️ how to tell who is legit . 

@Whitney112  If you are talking about a cash deposit, that isn't allowed for individuals listings, but I believe it is for commercial listings- i.e. those run by property managers with tons of listings. You can call Airbnb to find out if the host is doing something against Airbnb TOS, or whether they can legitimately ask for a cash deposit.

A man contacted me about a flat saying I could rent through airbnb using this link ? 

Carlee25
Level 2
Clifton, VA

So I found this listing.  It’s a fairly new renter with no reviews.  I’m not sure

 

https://abnb.me/wRscinfTn2

 

If anybody have any idea weather this property is real or not, isn't must for the owner to provide government ID? 

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/40668360?source_impression_id=p3_1576953773_1FOfCYCPvw5CzxvF

Amy1587
Level 1
Milwaukee, WI

https://abnb.me/BBrmW0N8V2 This seems pretty cheap for the location. There are only 5 reviews, and only one of the reviewers had reviews left on their page from someone besides the host. Can’t tell if this is just a new listing or a scam. Please advise

Martin3217
Level 1
Toulouse, FR

https://bit.ly/2uNdzfo  Can you please check this link? Looks like a very good fake profile and webpage about airbnb in Frankfurt

@Martin3217  That URL has nothing to do with Airbnb.

Carla1030
Level 1
Hull, GB

Hi. I am also wanting some help if possible. I have reserved a Airbnb apartment but a bit dubious as it was a lot cheaper than others, the host and place has no reviews, it also seems like he has another account with two more listings that have no reviews. He also has no profile information. Although it says he's verified by Government ID, Selfie and phone number. Heres the two profiles and properties. Any advice is appreciated:

 

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/users/show/327873424

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/users/show/315575215

 

Many thanks 

 

Stewart 

@Carla1030 What makes you think it's the same host for both profiles? The pics, etc. are different.

 

I would say if you're not feeling comfortable, cancel your booking. There's nothing that's a specific red flag to me, but they don't have any reviews, so you're taking a chance. I don't see any specific red flags, but if you want a surer thing, book with a Superhost.

@Carla1030  Did you just Instant Book, and haven't bothered to communicate with the hosts at all?  I'm always surprised at how many guests do this. Messaging between hosts and guests can do a lot to set all parties' minds at ease. You can get a feel for a host by simply sending a message. If you get a timely response, and the host answers any questions you might put to him in a friendly and professional way, that can lessen your apprehension. If you wait days with no reply, or the host just sends some cut and paste reply which doesn't really address your message, then you would have cause for concern.

Evelin132
Level 2
Deerfield Beach, FL

Hello everyone, 

will you guys please help me out, I found this listing and I don't see any reviews for this specific listing. His profile says he is a " super host" and his other listings do have review. My question is If you are a "super host " does this mean this host and all his listing have been verified? I skeptical about this one listing it's seems to be too good to be true. any input is appreciated. 

 

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/41681262?adults=6&children=2&check_in=2020-12-21&check_out=2020-12-27&s...

 

thank you!!! 

 

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/40986024?adults=4&check_in=2020-02-07&check_out=2020-02-09&source_impre...

 

Trying to tell if this is real or fake! Any help would be greatly appreciated!! There are no reviews that's why I am skeptical. 

@Allison380  No reviews isn't something that means a listing is fake- everyone has to start out somewhere, both hosts and guests. Your profile says you've been a member since 2016, yet you have zero profile info filled out and not one review. Should a host be skeptical of you as a guest?