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

https://abnb.me/vSRSSF9nXsb

 

is this one legit? I messaged the owners but haven’t heard back yet. I’d hate to reserve a place and get there and it wasn’t real. 😳

https://abnb.me/bwQPm4eIivb

 

no reviews and a great price. Not sure what to think. Any suggestions 

I'm not going to click on the link but did you find it on Airbnb and is all the money going through Airbnb? If so you are probably OK.

@Stephen1486 It looks fine to me. As long as you pay via Airbnb your money will be protected. What you should do is send the host an inquiry (commits you to nothing) and ask about the listing location etc. One thing that would put me off is smoking is allowed. It could well smell of smoke when you get there!

https://abnb.me/cUSH1RhhAvb

 

Hi thank you again. No reviews on this one so please let me know of this one is legit

Is this one too good to be true?

 

https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/825307289366856697

@Jill1231 who knows! It looks fine but with no reviews you can't be sure I am afraid. I suggest you exchange messages and see how you get on.

https://abnb.me/FGsU01rgHxb

Hi there. Can you let me know your opinion on this one. Thank you 

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does this look legit to you

@Ben5050 as long as you pay through Airbnb all should be well. The moderators will remove your link I am afraid

Thankyou. The property has disappeared from the website anyway