Is this a true airbnb practice?

[Ivo-Alexandre0]

Good day,

I recently moved to Spain and am living in a rented room. Naturally I am looking for an aprtment for myself. I found one that looks like a steal. The actual too good to be true. A 3bedroom apartment at less than 600€ (https://airbnb.com.rooms32570342.online/direct/1/listing/86/view-l97lwo1q/FAycyNhWSA) on a popular renting website but it advise to contact directly by email. I did so as requested and introduced myself and the host did likewise (via email) and in the end he said that payment would be arranjed by Airbnb.

He said that the 1st payment is dealt by airbnb as long with the deposit and then we would arrange future payments. I aggree to the terms and then he said he posted his listing on airbnb and sent me the link (again https://airbnb.com.rooms32570342.online/direct/1/listing/86/view-l97lwo1q/FAycyNhWSA). I filled in the details and received an invoice for an account in Ireland with the account details. As I was not able to make payment until the 27th I informed the owner and he said that he would cancel my booking as he has other potential clients and if the property was still available on the 27th to contact him.

Is this a normal Airbnb procedure or is this a scam?

Can someone from Airbnb verify this?

Kind regards,

Alex

[Ricardo85]

@Ivo-Alexandre0 

Official URL: "airbnb.com"

URL you are accessing: "airbnb.com.rooms32570342.online" <= FAKE

Ricardo

[Ivo-Alexandre0]

Obrigado

[Branka-and-Silvia0 · Accepted solution]

@Ivo-Alexandre0 

Proper listing URL on Airbnb looks like this:

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/13526118   (this is my listing)

Interestingly, the URL you got leads me to the website very similar to Airbnb, it has a green padlock on the left followed by https:// but it is NOT legit Airbnb. Real Airbnb website doesn't have a red "Leave a message" icon on the right and you can click on the profile picture of guests who left reviews. You can't click on them on the fake website.

If you entered your password on this fake URL to login then the scammers have your passwords and access to your Airbnb account!  Go quickly go to your real account on Airbnb.com (make sure you see the green padlock on the beginning of the URL) and change your password. Check your bank account details and if someone did access your account in the meantime  or booked a trip at your name with your credit card ( look at "my trips" )

When you sign up on Airbnb you have to give your full name, address, contact phone, and your credit card number. When you book through Airbnb then your credit card is automatically charged and you get a confirmation mail with full address and host's phone number.  You don't get an "invoice" with the bank account number and you don't pay outside the Airbnb.

[Ivo-Alexandre0]

Thank you very much. You saved my a few thousand euros