Recognizing Airbnb Scams by Guests: Key Warning Signs and Prevention Tips

A Guide of Scams and Red Flags for Airbnb hosts to look out for

Have you checked out any of those Airbnb Host groups on Facebook lately? Once you start scrolling through a few posts, you'll definitely see at least one recent convo about a host getting scammed by a guest—like someone trying to get their stay refunded or even swiping stuff from the place.

While Airbnb works hard to vet users and ensure safety, there are still instances where hosts may encounter fraudulent behaviour. In this guide, we'll explore common Airbnb platform scams by guests, how to identify them, and most importantly, how to prevent them from impacting your hosting experience and ensuring the best experience.

Payment Scams

Scam: Guests may try to scam hosts by claiming payment issues or unauthorized charges. This could involve requesting refunds outside of Airbnb's platform or disputing legitimate charges with their bank. The guest would usually claim that their card is not “working within Airbnb”/”the payment doesn’t go through”

Identification: Be cautious of guests who insist on making payments outside of Airbnb's secure payment system or those who provide vague reasons for payment issues.

Prevention: Airbnb is not immune to financial scams. Always process payments within the Airbnb platform and familiarise yourself with Airbnb's refund policies. If a guest requests payment outside of Airbnb, politely refuse and report the incident to Airbnb's support team.

Property Damage

Scam: Some guests may intentionally damage property during their stay and then attempt to avoid responsibility or dispute the damages.

Identification: Take thorough inventory and photographs of your property before and after each guest's stay. Document any damages and communicate expectations regarding property care to guests.

Prevention: Require a security deposit for bookings or invest in Airbnb's Host Guarantee program, which protects eligible damages up to a certain amount. Additionally, promptly report any damages to Airbnb's resolution centre with evidence to support your claim.

Unauthorised Guests

Scam: Guests may attempt to bring additional people beyond the booking agreement without notifying the host. This can lead to overcrowding, additional wear and tear, and potential security risks.

Identification: Clearly outline the maximum occupancy of your property in your listing and communicate this information to guests before and during their stay. Keep a video doorbell by the main door (remember that the camera can only be facing outside the property, never inside!).

Prevention: Set clear house rules regarding occupancy limits and guest behaviour.

Communication Outside the Platform

Scam: Scammers often attempt to contact hosts privately through WhatsApp, text messaging, email address or other means of communication outside of Airbnb. By doing so, they aim to circumvent the platform’s policies, get your personal information, negotiate special deals, or carry out fraudulent activities without leaving a trace on Airbnb.

Prevention: Don’t communicate with guests outside of Airbnb messages - if even a part of your conversation is done outside of the platform, in case of any dispute, Airbnb won’t be able to help you.

How to Spot Airbnb Scams by Guests and Common Scams

The best way to protect yourself from scams is to be proactive. This means being aware of the signs of fraud and suspicious bookings for taking steps to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are a comprehensive guide of the common red flags to look out for:

Poor communication

Be cautious if a person communicates in broken language, evades your questions, or makes unreasonable demands. These behaviors can be red flags indicating that the individual may not have your best interests at heart. They might be trying to manipulate the situation or avoid revealing their true intentions. Pay attention to inconsistencies in their story or the way they respond to your inquiries.

If you notice that they frequently change the subject or provide vague answers, it’s important to trust your instincts. It may be wise to set clear boundaries and not engage further until you feel more comfortable. Remember, open and honest communication is key in any relationship, whether personal or professional.

Additionally, consider seeking advice from trusted friends or colleagues if you find yourself in a situation that feels off. Their perspectives can provide valuable insights and help you navigate the circumstances more effectively. Always prioritize your safety and well-being in any interaction. 

Unverified profile

A guest with an incomplete profile, no reviews, suspicious behavior or fabricated details should raise concerns. Such indicators may suggest that the individual is not genuinely interested in the experience being offered or may have ulterior motives. It’s essential to approach interactions with caution in these situations, as they could lead to potential issues ranging from minor inconveniences to significant safety risks.

Hosts should take the time to verify any information provided and consider implementing stricter vetting processes for guests who do not meet certain criteria. Additionally, maintaining open lines of communication can help clarify any uncertainties. If a guest seems evasive, uncooperative, or if the guest refuses when asked for more information, it may be a fake account. Be prudent and reconsider the booking or seek alternatives. 

Ultimately, prioritizing safety and trust is vital in any hosting arrangement. Building a community of reliable guests and hosts is beneficial for everyone involved, ensuring a positive experience and fostering long-term relationships.

Incomplete payment

If a guest’s payment doesn’t process or they request an unusual method, that is a common warning sign that something is amiss. It’s essential to approach the situation with caution and investigate further before proceeding. Start by reaching out to the guest to clarify their payment issues or requests. Ask open-ended questions to understand their situation better. 

Evaluate the details they provide; legitimate guests may have valid reasons for their payment difficulties, such as technical issues or recent changes to their banking information. However, if their responses seem evasive or inconsistent, it could indicate potential fraud or a scam.

Unusual requests

Guests asking for your email, phone number, or social media accounts may be attempting to contact you outside of Airbnb, which is against the platform’s policy. It's important to protect your privacy and ensure a safe experience for both yourself and your guests. If a guest requests your personal contact information, politely remind them that all communication should occur through the Airbnb platform. This protects both parties by keeping a record of interactions and ensuring that you are covered by Airbnb's protections and policies.

If you feel uncomfortable or pressured by such requests, you can report the guest to Airbnb's support team. They take such matters seriously and can provide guidance on how to handle the situation. Always prioritize your safety and the integrity of your listing by adhering to Airbnb's guidelines. 

Suspicious activities

Be wary of guests who refuse to follow house rules, bring additional guests to vacation rental, or make unreasonable refund requests.

Proactive Measures by Airbnb Host to Ward Off Scammers

Implement these robust measures to safeguard your property and business from fraudulent guests:

Get in touch with your guests

Establish a rapport with your guests through the Airbnb messaging system, clarifying doubts and ensuring all necessary details are discussed in advance. Who knows? Your guest might be genuinely interested in staying. Stick to the platform for communication to minimize security risks.

Find out what other hosts have to say

Read all the reviews from previous hosts to gauge the guest’s reliability, respectfulness, and reasonableness. This will very useful to spot potential red flags. Be cautious with guests who have no review history or numerous negative reviews. If multiple hosts confirm your guest's profile and its reliability, you will already feel more confident.

Refund overpayments with extra caution

If a guest claims to have overpaid and requests a refund, take your time to investigate the situation before issuing a full refund. Verify the legitimacy of the overpayment to avoid stolen credit, and follow Airbnb’s guidelines on refunds.

Implement strict cancellation policies

Establish a strict cancellation policy to deter guests who may attempt to exploit last-minute cancellations for refunds. By setting clear expectations, you can minimize the chances of encountering the ‘Last Minute Cancellation’ scam.

Familiarise yourself with Airbnb policies

Stay informed about Airbnb’s policies, terms of service, and best practices for hosting. Understanding the platform’s rules and regulations ensures that you operate within the guidelines and can seek support if needed.

Trust your instincts

Trust your instincts if something feels off about a guest or their booking request. It’s better to be cautious and decline a reservation than to fall victim to a scam.

When it comes to managing guest access to Airbnb rentals, understanding how to avoid being scammed by a guest is essential. You must equip yourself with knowledge to avoid common mistakes as Airbnb hosts, especially when coordinating interactions outside the Airbnb platform. Being proactive and implementing secure solutions, like those offered by Keynest, helps keep hosts and guests alike safe and immune to scams. We hope this article helps you navigate the world of Airbnb scams with confidence, and ensures a secure experience for all involved.

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KeyNest offers you a convenient service for storing and exchanging your property keys. You can drop off a key at any of the 7,000+ locations in our network, so there’s one such Point located next to your property already.

Guests, cleaners or contractors can then collect the key securely from a KeyNest Point, which is usually open 24/7. You'll be notified each time the key is picked up or returned, and you can even customize check-in and check-out times.

KeyNest has an ever-expanding global network of locations located just minutes from your property. To find out more, visit our website.