Airbnb Scams
Lost money in an Airbnb scam? If so, read on to learn about your options, including potential refunds.
It’s probably fair to say that Airbnb scams are becoming more common and can turn your dream holiday into a stressful nightmare. Whether you’ve spotted a suspicious listing or already lost money to a fake host it’s important to know how to protect yourself from fraudsters targeting unsuspecting travellers.
If you’ve already been refused a refund by Airbnb or your bank don’t give up hope. Our fraud recovery service could help you to recover your losses and guide you through the process of getting your money back. You don’t have to face this alone.
Keep reading to find out what to do if you’ve fallen victim to an Airbnb scam and learn how to spot the warning signs before it’s too late. If you’d rather speak to someone now just call +1 (206) 609-6016 to talk with our specialists or contact us online to arrange a call back.
What Are Airbnb Scams
Airbnb scams target you when booking or staying at accommodation listed online. Scammers often create fake listings or pose as legitimate hosts to trick you into sending money or personal information. Examples include cloned listings, last-minute property switches or fake requests for payment outside official channels.
During the course of this guide, we’ll provide some examples of common methods used by scammers in Airbnb scams.
We’ll also show how you could be entitled to a refund from your bank or Airbnb and the steps you can take to try to get your money back.
Importantly, if your refund doesn’t materialise, we may still be able to help you. We specialise in obtaining scam refunds for our clients, even after a refusal. So, why not contact us today to see if we could help you?
How Capital Refund House Can Help
Common Types of Airbnb Scams
Understanding how Airbnb scams operate helps you spot and avoid them. Each scam type follows specific patterns, with distinct warning signs and risks.
1. Fake Listings
Scammers create non-existent properties, often stealing photos and descriptions from genuine listings.
Examples: Beautiful city-centre flats, penthouses in popular tourist areas, or entire homes with unbelievable amenities.
Warning signs: Prices much lower than similar rentals; requests for communication or payment outside the platform; lack of reviews or generic text; hosts who can’t meet in person.
You can often pursue refunds through your payment provider if you’ve been misled by a fake listing. Contact us for a free consultation—our specialists can review whether you’re owed a refund, especially if your bank refused a chargeback.
2. Cloned Listings
Fraudsters copy real listings, changing only contact details or price.
Examples: Duplicate listings with changed host profiles or slightly altered titles.
Warning signs: Multiple entries for the same property; pushy hosts urging off-platform communication.
You could present a claim if you sent money to a cloned listing. Our team assists by analysing evidence and acting on your behalf, including contacting banks.
3. Last-Minute Property Switches
Some hosts claim the booked property isn’t available and offer to “upgrade” or move you.
Examples: Arriving to find your accommodation changed, and the new property is substandard or doesn’t exist.
Warning signs: Excuses given just before check-in; pressured to accept alternatives immediately.
If you’ve lost money or ended up stranded, we can help gather evidence to claim funds back from banks or other responsible parties, even after past denials. Why not reach out to our team for bespoke support and a no-cost eligibility check?
Case Study: Group of 12 Travels To Belgium for Nonexistent Airbnb Rental
According to the BBC, a group of 12 people paid £845 to stay at an Airbnb rental in Belgium (travelling from Birmingham). However, upon arrival at the property, they were somewhat dismayed to find that the property was occupied by a long-term tenant. Whilst deciding what to do next, another group who’d also been scammed arrived to stay at the property!
To try and resolve the matter, the victim had to call the local police and Airbnb. She reported that it took hours to get anywhere, but finally, Airbnb agreed to a full refund and the cost of a night’s stay at a local hotel.
This case study is just one example of how an Airbnb scam can ruin your holiday and, potentially, cause financial losses.
Warning Signs of Airbnb Scams
Recognising the main warning signs of Airbnb scams can help to protect your money. Typical features in fraudulent bookings include:
Unusually low nightly rates compared to similar properties in the same neighbourhood
Requests to pay outside of the official Airbnb platform. These types of scams can sometimes lead to sharing of personal information.
Pushy hosts urging fast decisions or asking to move conversations away from Airbnb
Last-minute changes to the booked property, often described as “unexpected maintenance”
Poor spelling, grammar or generic descriptions in listings, often copied from legitimate hosts
If you’re concerned that a rental is not legitimate, you should contact Airbnb in the first instance. However, if you’re worried that you may have provided sensitive information to scammers, you should report the fraud to your bank right away. This could help to stop any money being taken in this or future frauds.
What To Do If You're Involved in an Airbnb Scam
If you’ve become a victim of an Airbnb scam, fast action helps protect your finances. Our specialists guide you step by step:
Report the scam using the platform’s official channels first, as this creates a record of your complaint
Gather all evidence, including messages, property photos, payment receipts, and communications with the host
Contact your bank or card issuer to flag any suspicious payments and ask about chargeback or dispute options
Avoid further communication with the scammer, especially if they request additional payments
Remember, if you’ve lost money to an Airbnb scam and been unable to secure a refund, we could help recover your losses. Why not call today for more information?
Will I Receive a Refund After an Airbnb Scam
There is a chance that Airbnb will refund you if you’ve lost money to a scam on their platform. You may also be refunded by your bank if the scam led to an authorised push payment (app scam). This is where the scammer convinces you to share personal information or make a payment to them under false pretences. In these circumstances, you could be refunded if:
You tried to verify the scammer’s details during the fraud.
You didn’t hand over personal information too easily.
After the scam was realised, you contacted your bank.
We have been made aware of various scam victims who have not received bank refunds. If you are in this position, remember that we could still help to get your money back. Please call today to find out more.
What To Do If The Refund Is Refused
Airbnb scam victims sometimes find refund requests refused after contacting the platform or payment provider. Even if your bank has refused to refund you, there may still be steps you can take. They include:
Ask your bank to put its decision in writing. This can make it easier to spot flawed decisions.
Escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) as they can overturn bank refusals.
Call our team for a free review of your case. We may be able to get your money back despite your bank’s initial refusal.
Please call today if you have any further queries on the support we can provide. Remember, we are fraud recovery specialists with a track record of overturning refused refunds.
Contact Us About Airbnb Scams
If you’ve fallen victim to an Airbnb scam or are struggling to recover your money, don’t lose hope. Expert help is available to guide you through the next steps and improve your chances of getting a refund.
The easiest way to find out if we can help get your money back is to call +1 (206) 609-6016 or connect to our live chat service right away.
Reach out for a free assessment and personalised advice tailored to your situation. With the right support, you can take control, protect your finances, and make sure your voice is heard.
Extra Links
Action Fraud
Report scams and receive advice from the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre.
Citizens Advice
Get free, confidential advice on your rights and the steps to take if you’ve been scammed.
Airbnb Help Centre
Access Airbnb’s official support for reporting scams, fraudulent listings, and seeking refunds.
EE Scams
Advice on avoiding common scams targeting EE customers.
Evri Scams
How to spot if a text, email, or call from Evri is in fact a scam.
Gift Card Scams
How to check if you or a loved one has been asked to buy a gift card by a scammer.