Hello fellow host,
My title description couldn't be more specific. But this is my real experience as a host for AirBnB in Jakarta only for the past 12 weeks. So far I had 10 legit reservations and 3 attempts from hackers. This post maybe more suitable for host who rent their place in Indonesia, but it maybe apply elsewhere. So here are some of the obvious signs that someone is using fake/ hacked account to book your place in Indonesia:
1. Foreign account, with strange English grammar. As a local, I am quite familiar with how Indonesian-English grammar looks like. So if you receive a booking from foreign account, try to get more details from them using English. Indonesian hackers are expert on breaking IT system, but not so in English grammar.
2. Account name and profile picture does not match. I must emphasize to you all, that as a host you have the legal right to ask for proper photo ID. Especially when you turn-on instant booking. People can book your place only with one verified ID e.g phone number
3. Booking for someone else. In one of my case, a lady from Scandinavian country is booking for 'her Indonesian friend'. When I received strange booking like this, I can't help to snoop around. Google, Instagram, Facebook have plenty of information about your potential guest. If you don't find any obvious connection between the bookers and the guest, then raise a flag of potential scam.
4. Odd timing. Who would book an AirBnb at 3AM local time? This is hacker prime time.
The most common technique for this cyberfraud is using someone else's credit card (carding). They even advertise their service in social media, for people who wants to get cheap hotel, airline ticket, restaurant voucher etc.
In most cases, somehow AirBnb system can't identify this type of scam. I use my gut feelings and common sense and try to investigate myself. Usually I report to Airbnb after I am sure it was a scam. AirBnb is fairly new to Indonesia. Due to limited payment option i.e credit card and PayPal, this platform is not too popular. Most of my guest are local Indonesian with 0 reviews, so it's kinda challenging for a host to verify their potential guest.
Hope this helps. Please leave me a note if you have similar experience. Would love to hear from the community.
Cheers,
Anton - Indonesia