6 Airbnb Scams Targeting Hosts & How to Avoid Them

Airbnb scams are a very real thing. Imagine you're working on your computer, browsing emails perhaps, when suddenly, the screen flashes and demands your credit card information. You’ve been scammed. The initial shock, the rising dread—there's nothing quite like it. Dealing with the aftermath can be a real nightmare.

The unpredictability of encountering a scammer means the best defense is preparation. By learning to recognize, prevent and address scams, you can protect your Airbnb hosting experience and continue to welcome trustworthy guests.

Let's dive into what Airbnb scams look like and how you can avoid the hassle and financial hit they bring. By the end of this, you'll feel more confident and prepared, ready to face any potential scammer with a calm and steady hand. After all, being an Airbnb host should be a rewarding experience, not one fraught with fear and uncertainty. Let's make sure it stays that way.

Most Common Airbnb Scams Targeting Hosts

“Accidental” overpayment

Overpayment scams involve guests claiming to send more money than what is required for their stay. They might say it was an honest mistake and give a believable excuse, then ask for the extra money back, often wanting it through a sketchy method like a wire transfer. In the end, their original payment turns out to be fake, leaving the host out of pocket if they’ve refunded the overpayment.

Credit card chargebacks

Some guests might pay for their stay with a credit card and then turn around and dispute the charge, claiming it was unauthorized or fraudulent. If the bank sides with them, the host loses the payment and is left without money for the booking.

To avoid this, hosts should keep thorough records of everything—emails with the guest, proof of the booking, and any other details. This way, if a chargeback happens, they have all the evidence they need to fight it.

Fake Airbnb profiles

Scammers sometimes use stolen photos and personal info to create fake identities and pose as legitimate renters. Once they gain access to a rental property, they can cause all sorts of trouble—damaging the place, stealing valuables or not paying for their stay.

The really frustrating part for hosts is that there's often little they can do to fix the problem since the scammer isn’t the same person listed on the rental agreement. This can leave hosts feeling helpless and stressed.

To avoid these headaches, it’s really important for hosts to be extra careful and thoroughly verify each guest’s identity before confirming a booking. Taking a few extra steps upfront can save a lot of trouble down the line.

Identity theft

Identity theft is when someone steals your personal information and pretends to be you. If a scammer gets their hands on your government ID or bank details, they can use that info to impersonate you or access your Airbnb account, which can lead to all sorts of problems.

As a host, it’s crucial to be careful about sharing your personal information. Never give out details like your ID or bank info out, especially if the request seems odd or unnecessary. It’s always better to be safe and keep your personal data secure. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is. 

Off-platform payments

One common scam on Airbnb involves guests asking to make payments outside of the Airbnb platform. They might suggest using PayPal, bank transfer or even cash. While these off-platform payments can seem harmless, they pose significant risks.

When you accept payments outside of Airbnb, you lose the protections the platform provides and run the risk of having your account suspended or your property delisted due to the violation of Airbnb’s policies. Additionally, if something goes wrong—like the payment not arriving you have little to no recourse through Airbnb.

Scammers often exploit off-platform payments by sending fake payment confirmations or claiming they’ve paid when they haven’t. By the time you realize the payment wasn’t legitimate, the scammer might have already stayed at your property, even caused damage.

To protect yourself, always insist on using Airbnb’s payment system. Be wary of guests who pressure you to accept off-platform payments, and report any suspicious requests to Airbnb.

Phishing scams

Phishing scams trick hosts into giving away sensitive information through fake emails or messages that look like they’re from Airbnb. These scams get hosts to reveal their login details, payment info, or personal data, which scammers then use to access bank accounts or steal identities.

To avoid falling victim to these scams, always be cautious with unsolicited communications. If you get an unexpected email or message, take a moment to double-check where it’s coming from. Look closely at the email address to make sure it’s legitimate. Airbnb will never ask for sensitive information through email, so if something seems off, it probably is.

Trust your instincts and take your time to verify the source before providing any information. To help you out, here’s a list of legitimate Airbnb domains:

• @airbnb.com

• @airbnbaction.com

• @airbnblove.com

• @airbnbmail.com

• @support-email.airbnb.com

• @supportmessaging.airbnb.com

• @airbnb.zendesk.com

• @e.airbnb.com

• @express.medallia.com

• @ext.airbnb.com

• @guest.airbnb.com

• @host.airbnb.com

• @noreply@qemailserver.com

• @outreach.airbnb.com

• @research.airbnb.com

Simple Tips to Protect Airbnb Hosts from Scams

As an Airbnb host, it's important to stay vigilant against potential scams. Protecting your property and finances doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some straightforward tips to help you avoid common scams and ensure a safe and positive hosting experience.

1. Verify guest profiles: Take a little time to check out guest profiles before accepting bookings. Look for completed profiles with verified info like photos, reviews from other hosts and government IDs or verified email addresses. 

2. Check reviews: Read through reviews from other hosts to spot any red flags. Look for reports of disruptive behavior, property damage, or anything else that seems suspicious.

3. Use guest screening software: Use software such as Superhog or Autohost to automate the screening process.

4. Know Airbnb’s policies: Familiarize yourself with Airbnb’s policies and guidelines, including cancellation policies and how to resolve disputes. Knowing your rights and responsibilities can help you handle potential scams.

5. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of any damage or incidents during a guest’s stay. Take photos, videos, and notes to document your property’s condition before and after each reservation. This can be valuable if a dispute arises.

6. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off or suspicious, trust your gut. It’s better to decline a booking than to risk dealing with a scam.

What to Do If You Fall Victim to an Airbnb Scam

Document everything you can: Keep records of all communication with guests, booking details and photos or videos of any damage or incidents. Good documentation can support your case if you ever get scammed and is a smart practice overall.

Contact Airbnb support: If you suspect a scam, reach out to Airbnb’s customer support right away. Provide them with a detailed account of what happened and any supporting documentation to help them investigate the issue.

File a Resolution Center case: If you experience financial loss or property damage, you’ll need to dispute it through Airbnb’s Resolution Center.

Review Airbnb's Host Guarantee: Check out Airbnb’s host damage protection program to understand how to file a claim for reimbursement if needed.

Consider legal action: For severe scams and significant losses, you might want to consult a lawyer to explore legal action against the responsible party.

Monitor your account: Keep a close watch on your Airbnb and bank accounts. Report any unusual activity to Airbnb’s support team immediately.

Stay informed and vigilant: Learn from bad experiences and stay updated on common scams and fraudulent tactics. Be extra cautious when interacting with guests and managing your Airbnb listings.

Bad Experiences Make for Great Lessons

While encountering scams can be frustrating and disheartening, each experience offers valuable lessons. By staying informed about the common scams targeting Airbnb hosts and taking proactive steps to safeguard your property and finances, you can turn these challenges into opportunities for growth. 

Remember, vigilance and thorough preparation are your best defenses. Learn from each experience, share your knowledge with the community and continue to provide a safe and enjoyable space for your guests. Your diligence not only protects you but also helps maintain the integrity and trustworthiness of the Airbnb community as a whole.