As a short-term rental host, you are opening your property up to potential guests from all over the world. While the majority of these guests will be honest and law-abiding, it is important to be aware of the possibility of Airbnb scams. In this blog post, we will discuss some common scams that take place on short-term rental sites, as well as ways to protect yourself from them as a host.
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Common Signs of Airbnb Scams by Fraudulent Guests
Let’s discuss some signs that things might not be all that they seem.
Your rental is their first-ever booking
While many first-time guests are perfectly legitimate, sometimes a new profile can be a sign that the guest is actually a scammer. This is because scammers will often create multiple fake accounts in order to book rental properties.
Incomplete guest profile
Another common sign of a scammer is an incomplete guest profile. This can be a red flag because it indicates that the guest is not who they say they are. Pay special attention to see if the guest has reviews from other hosts, as well as a profile photo.
Requests to use an unreliable form of payment
When a guest requests to use an unreliable form of payment, such as a wire transfer or cash, this is usually a sign that they are attempting to commit fraud. This is because these forms of payment are not traceable and can be easily reversed.
Difficult or infrequent communication
If a guest is difficult to communicate with, or if they go MIA for long periods of time, this could be a sign that they are attempting to scam you. Scammers will often disappear when confronted with questions about their booking, as they know that they will not be able to provide legitimate answers.
Makes an overpayment and requests a refund
One of the most common Airbnb scams is when a guest makes an overpayment and then requests a refund. This can be difficult to detect, as it often looks like a legitimate mistake. However, if you are suspicious, you can ask the guest to provide proof of their overpayment, such as a screenshot of their bank statement.
How to Protect Yourself from Airbnb scams as a Host
The best way to protect yourself from scams is to be proactive. This means being aware of the signs of fraud and taking steps to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips on how to protect yourself:
Only rent to guests with complete profiles
Require all guests to provide a photo, as well as information about themselves. This will help ensure you rent to a legitimate guest, not a scammer. Sites like Airbnb offer Airbnb ID Verification, but if you’re using your own direct booking site, you’ll need to verify your guests yourself.
Check reviews from other hosts
Before renting to a guest, be sure to check their reviews from other hosts. This will give you an idea of what kind of person they are and whether they will likely attempt a scam.
Verify all forms of payment
Only accept payments through these sites when renting through Airbnb, VRBO, or Booking.com. If you’re using your own site, only accept payments through a secure payment processor. Do not accept cash or wire transfers, as these are not traceable and can be easily reversed.
Communicate with your guests
Be sure to communicate with your guests throughout the booking process. This will help to ensure that they are who they say they are and that there are no red flags.
A simple way to do this is by requiring guests to state the purpose of their trip upon booking. If a guest is unresponsive or evasive, this may be a sign that they are attempting to commit fraud.
Do not immediately refund overpayments
If a guest requests a refund for an overpayment, do not immediately comply. This is a common scam, and you’ll l likely never see the money again. Instead, request proof of the overpayment, such as a screenshot of their bank statement.
What to do if You’re a Victim of a Scam
If you believe that you have been the victim of a scam, the first thing you should do is contact your payment processor. They will be able to help you track down the funds and determine if they were stolen.
You should also report the incident to the booking site (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) and your local police department. By taking these steps, you will be helping to prevent other hosts from becoming victims of the same scam.
Final Thoughts
The best way to protect yourself from Airbnb scams is to be aware of the signs of fraud and take steps to prevent it from happening in the first place. By following the tips listed above, you can help to ensure that you are not scammed when renting out your property. If you suspect that you have been a victim of fraud, be sure to report it to the proper authorities.
Host Tools provides an automated, unified calendar for short-term rental hosts, allowing you to seamlessly list on all major channels. Start your free trial today!
