Yes, scams happen on Airbnb, and they target both guests and hosts

Airbnb scams are real. Guests lose money to fake listings, hosts get their accounts hijacked, and payment disputes happen regularly. The platform handles millions of bookings yearly, and bad actors exploit the system because the financial stakes are high and the verification process has gaps.

The most common scams fall into a few patterns: a listing that does not exist or looks nothing like the photos, a host who cancels after you have paid, a guest who damages the property and claims they did not, or a third party who gains access to an account and changes the payment method. None of these are rare edge cases.

Airbnb does refund money in many cases, but the process is slow and you have to prove your case. The best defense is knowing what to watch for before you book.

Key Takeaways

  • Fake listings with stolen photos are common; always video-call the host before booking and ask them to show you a current photo holding today's date.
  • Hosts sometimes cancel after you pay, hoping you will rebook at a higher price; book only when you can afford to lose the money if a refund takes weeks.
  • Payment method changes on hacked accounts drain money directly; use Airbnb's payment system only, never send money outside the platform, and enable two-factor authentication on your account.
  • Airbnb refunds disputed bookings, but you must document everything in writing through the app and respond to their requests within their stated important date.

Fake listings with stolen photos

A listing shows beautiful photos, the price is lower than nearby properties, and the host has no reviews or only a few. You book it, arrive, and the place is either not there or looks completely different. This is the most common guest-side scam.

Scammers copy photos from real listings or from the internet, create a new account, and post them at a discount to move bookings fast. They may never intend to let you in. They may cancel after you pay and claim a family emergency. They may take your money and disappear entirely.

Before you book, message the host and ask them to send you a photo of themselves holding a piece of paper with today's date written on it. Ask them to video-call you and show you the space on camera. Legitimate hosts will do this. Scammers will make excuses or stop responding. If a host will not do a video call, do not book.

Check the host's review history carefully. New hosts with no reviews are not automatically scammers, but combined with low prices and vague responses, it is a red flag. Read the reviews that do exist for mentions of the place not matching photos or the host being unreachable.

Hosts who cancel after you pay

You book a listing, pay the full amount, and a few days later the host cancels. They claim an emergency or a maintenance issue. You get a refund, but now you have to find another place, often at a higher price because availability has dropped.

Some hosts do this deliberately. They cancel your booking hoping you will rebook the same listing at a higher nightly rate once they re-list it. Others may be testing whether you will accept a cancellation without complaint.

Airbnb's cancellation policy is set by the host and shown before you book. A host with a "strict" cancellation policy can still cancel on you, but you get a full refund. The problem is timing: if you book two weeks out and they cancel one week before arrival, you may not find another place. If you book last-minute, a cancellation leaves you with nowhere to stay.

There is no way to prevent this entirely, but you can reduce your risk. Book properties with many positive reviews and hosts who have been on the platform for years. Message the host before booking and ask a specific question about the listing — if they respond thoughtfully and quickly, they are more likely to be reliable. Avoid booking last-minute for important trips unless you have a backup plan.

Hacked accounts and unauthorized charges

You receive a charge from Airbnb that you did not make. Your account shows a booking you never created, or your payment method has been changed. This happens when someone gains access to your account, usually through a weak password or a password reused across multiple websites.

Once inside, they may book a property using your payment method, change your payment details to their own card, or both. By the time you notice, days have passed and the booking may be complete.

Enable two-factor authentication on your Airbnb account when ready. Go to Account Settings, then Security, and turn on two-factor authentication. This means anyone trying to log in from a new device will need a code from your phone, even if they have your password.

Use a unique, strong password for Airbnb — do not reuse a password from other websites. If you have used the same password elsewhere and that other site was breached, attackers can try that password on Airbnb. A password manager like Bitwarden or 1Password can generate and store unique passwords for you.

Disputes over damage and missing items

You stay at a property, leave it clean, and the host claims you damaged something or stole an item. They file a damage claim through Airbnb and ask for money. You disagree and want to dispute it.

Hosts can file damage claims up to 14 days after checkout. Airbnb then asks you to respond. If you do not respond within their important date, they may side with the host and charge your payment method.

Document the condition of the space when you arrive. Take photos or video of the whole property, including closets, appliances, and furniture. If something is already broken or dirty, photograph it and message the host when ready, before you unpack. Keep these messages in the Airbnb app, not in text or email.

If a host files a damage claim against you, respond through the Airbnb Resolution Center within their important date. Provide your photos from arrival, explain what happened, and keep your tone factual and calm. Do not argue or make accusations. Airbnb reviews both sides and makes a decision. If you disagree with their decision, you can escalate to Airbnb customer service, but this process is slow.

Requests to pay outside the platform

A host messages you and asks you to pay part of the booking fee directly to them via bank transfer, PayPal, or another method. They claim it is cheaper, faster, or necessary for some reason. Do not do this.

Airbnb's protection policies only cover payments made through the platform. If you send money outside Airbnb and the host disappears or the booking falls through, you have no recourse. The platform cannot refund you because the transaction never happened on their system.

Scammers use this tactic to avoid Airbnb's fraud detection and to make sure you cannot dispute the charge. Legitimate hosts have no reason to ask for this. If a host requests payment outside the platform, cancel the booking and report them to Airbnb.

How to report a scam and request a refund

If you believe you have been scammed, open the Resolution Center in the Airbnb app or website. Go to your booking, select "Report an issue," and describe what happened. Provide screenshots, photos, messages, and any other evidence. Be specific about dates and what you expected versus what you received.

Airbnb will ask the other party to respond. This back-and-forth can take weeks. Respond to every message Airbnb sends you within their important date, usually three to seven days. If you miss a important date, they may close the case.

If Airbnb denies your claim, you can escalate to their customer service team, but the outcome is often the same. Some people pursue chargebacks through their credit card company if Airbnb refuses to refund them, but this can result in Airbnb closing your account.

For serious fraud — such as identity theft or a crime — contact your local police department and file a report. Provide them with all Airbnb communications and transaction records. Police reports can help if you pursue a chargeback or small claims court action.

Red flags to watch before you book

A new listing with no reviews and a price much lower than similar properties in the same area is suspicious. A host who responds to messages with generic text or poor grammar may be operating multiple accounts or using a template. A listing with only a few photos, especially if they are low quality or do not show the full space, is a warning sign.

Hosts who ask you to message them outside the app, request payment outside Airbnb, or seem evasive about video calls are not trustworthy. If something feels off, trust that feeling. There are thousands of other listings.

Check the host's profile for how long they have been on the platform, how many bookings they have completed, and what their response rate is. A host with 100+ completed bookings and a 95%+ response rate is far less likely to scam you than a host with three bookings and no response history.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Airbnb refund me if I book a fake listing?

Yes, but you have to report it through the Resolution Center and provide evidence that the listing was not as described. Airbnb will ask the host to respond. If the host does not respond or their explanation is not credible, Airbnb will refund you. This process typically takes two to four weeks.

What should I do if my account was hacked and someone booked a property?

Contact Airbnb customer service when ready through the app or website. Tell them your account was compromised and you did not make the booking. Change your password and enable two-factor authentication. Airbnb will investigate and may refund you, but act fast — the sooner you report it, the better your chances.

If a host files a damage claim, do I have to pay?

No, not automatically. You can dispute it through the Resolution Center. Provide photos of the space when you arrived and explain what actually happened. Airbnb will review both sides. If you disagree with their decision, you can escalate, but the outcome may not change.

Is it safe to use Airbnb at all?

Millions of people use Airbnb safely every year. The risk of a scam is real but not inevitable. Use the precautions in this guide — video-call hosts, document the space with photos, enable two-factor authentication, and book only through the Airbnb platform. Most hosts are legitimate and most guests are honest.

What if Airbnb refuses to refund me?

You can dispute the charge with your credit card company if you paid by card. You can also pursue small claims court if the amount is large enough and you have documentation. Keep all messages, photos, and transaction records. Some people also post detailed reviews of their experience, which may pressure Airbnb to reconsider, but this is not may provide.