Airbnb can be a great option for those looking for a more affordable alternative to a hotel, or just somewhere to stay that’s more unique. However, it can also be a place full of dangers and pitfalls. Here’s some of the most common Airbnb scams to be aware of.
One of the benefits and problems of Airbnb is that it’s a user-fueled service. Similar to how Uber or Lyft works with drivers, Airbnb is made of a variety of places that are made available by the general public. This can result in times where consumers don’t get exactly what they expect. Sometimes, the bad deal can be the result of a lack of clear information, while other times it can be a deliberate action by the Airbnb host.
In a recent report, Vice detailed some of the major dangers and scams that are often countered when renting a place to say through Airbnb. The results were based on actual experiences by almost 1,000 Airbnb guests. Knowing this information is the best way to protect yourself, so here’s what you need to be aware of before you book your next Airbnb stay.
Here’s The Most Common Airbnb Scams
Arguably, the most common Airbnb scam overall is a common one in general - bait and switch. This is where the Airbnb host advertises one place only for the real place to be totally different. Sometimes this can be a blatant bait and switch where the renter turns up only to find out the place is not as advertised. While in other instances, the baiting and switching can be more subtle. For example, the Airbnb host might state there’s a plumbing issue and recommend staying at a different, often better, property. Apparently, plumbing issues are a loophole in Airbnb’s rules that stops the owner encountering any comeback for changing the location. Another popular location-based scam is double booking the property in the first place. Again, sometimes this is accidental, but other times it’s not. Interestingly, this is not one Airbnb has any control over as its system does not allow for double bookings to begin with. Therefore, any double booking that does occur is going to be the result of the owner also accepting bookings outside of Airbnb.
Another set of scams that can be grouped together are money-related scams. The most common of which is the Airbnb host requesting payment outside of the app. As is the case with most online services, consumers should always only do business and make payments within the protection of the app or website as this is the only way they can be sure everything is above board and within control of the service. If the owner does not try to scam you before paying, they may try afterwards by claiming fake damages to the property. Or worst still, a hot might try and charge incredibly high rates instead of what would be considered a normal amount for genuine accidents. Any money disputes that do surface (either before or after a stay) should be confirmed and resolved with the help of Airbnb.
On a last note, fake repairs are not the only way an Airbnb host might try and scam the system after you’ve left. Although these scams are more on the general public, than you specifically. For example, Airbnb owners might try to get a review edited, hidden or removed entirely, if it is not as good as they want it to be. In some cases, users reported Airbnb hosts threatening them physically as a means to scare them into a positive review. Then there’s the times where hosts (and even Airbnb indirectly) runs down the time users have to leave a review by arguing over refunds or dragging out a dispute. For reference, guests only have a 14 day window where they can leave an Airbnb review.
More: Are You Being Watched? How To Spot Airbnb, Hotel Room Hidden Cameras
Source: Vice
