Airbnb Scams by Guests: How to Spot Red Flags and Protect Your Listing

Fake profiles, refund scams, last-minute bookings—guest scams are getting smarter. Learn the key red flags and practical steps to protect your Airbnb listing, income, and peace of mind.

Airbnb Scams by Guests How to Spot Red Flags and Protect Your Listing

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Airbnb scams are a growing concern for hosts, especially Airbnb scams by guests. While the platform remains one of the most popular short-term rental marketplaces, fraudulent behavior, from fake profiles to refund scams, continues to impact hosts worldwide.

In fact, an analysis of more than 127,000 complaints showed that over 22 % mentioned some form of scam, ranging from misleading listings to account fraud.

Scams on Airbnb can lead to financial loss, property damage, and reputational harm. Refund scams are a common tactic used by guests to get a free stay or unjustified compensation, so hosts must be vigilant and document all interactions and issues to protect themselves.

As an Airbnb host, knowing how to detect and avoid scams by guests will help you run a safer, more successful hosting experience. Hosts must be vigilant and document everything to protect themselves from scams and ensure their property and income are secure.

Identifying Red Flags

Being alert to red flags is one of the most effective ways to spot scams before they escalate:

• Last-minute booking requests: Sudden requests without a history or clear reason can be a warning sign. Last-minute bookings are a preferred method for scammers.
• Incomplete profiles: When reviewing a guest's profile, look for missing photos, no reviews, and a lack of verified government ID, especially if the profile is new. These are significant red flags.
• Requests to communicate or pay outside Airbnb: Legitimate bookings and communication should always stay on the Airbnb platform.
• Suspicious language or inconsistent stories: Poor grammar, contradictory details, or unusual explanations can indicate deceit.
• Pressure to book or pay quickly: Scammers often try to force urgency to prevent you from researching or validating their identity.

A new guest's profile with no photo, no reviews, no linked social media, and no verified government ID is a significant red flag.

Understanding Guest Scams

Scams by guests come in many forms, and hosts should be familiar with the most common schemes.

A scammer would often try to avoid detection by providing limited information or rushing the booking process. Scammers often create fake profiles or use stolen identities to book properties.

Hosts can get ahead of scams by proactively screening guests, verifying their identities, and communicating directly before confirming a reservation.

Fake Profiles

Dishonest guests may set up profiles with stock images, fake names, or no reviews to secure a booking. Hosts should carefully review the guest's profile; profiles with no photo, no reviews, and no verified government ID are significant red flags. Always verify guest identity before approval.

Refund and Chargeback Scams

Some guests may attempt a refund scam by asking for refunds after a stay through fabricated issues or using fraudulent payment methods. Guests may claim they overpaid for their booking and request a refund outside the Airbnb platform, which is a common refund scam that can result in financial loss for the host.

Others might dispute a charge with their credit card company after their stay, falsely claiming they never authorized the transaction. Some may also pay with stolen card information and then dispute the charge, leaving you unpaid.

Property Damage and Theft

Unreported property damage, theft, or intentional harm can be used as leverage for extortion or unjustified refund requests.

Unauthorized Guests & Party Abuse

Guests misrepresent their plans and host parties, causing noise, damage, or violations of local regulations.

Understanding these common scams helps you take proactive steps to protect your short-term rental.

Guest Scams and Email Address Verification

Airbnb scams by guests are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and one of the most overlooked red flags is a suspicious email address.

Verifying a guest’s email address is a crucial step in protecting your short-term rental from common Airbnb scams, such as refund scams or fake profile schemes. As a host, you should always pay close attention to the email address provided during a booking request. This small detail can reveal a lot about a guest’s intentions.

Start by checking if the email address matches the guest’s profile name. Legitimate guests typically use an email that reflects their real name, not a string of random characters or numbers. Be wary of generic or temporary email services, as scammers often use these to hide their identity or create multiple fake profiles. If an email address seems off or doesn’t align with the guest’s information, consider it a warning sign.

It’s also wise to search for the email address online to see if it’s been linked to previous scams or fraudulent activity. If you spot any inconsistencies between the email and the guest’s profile, such as a different name, lack of a profile photo, or missing personal information, be extra careful. These red flags, especially when combined with last-minute booking requests or requests to communicate outside the Airbnb platform, may indicate a potential scam.

In addition to email verification, review the guest’s profile for completeness. A trustworthy guest will have a clear profile picture, a detailed bio, and a verified government ID. Check for reviews from other hosts; a lack of reviews or a history of negative feedback can be a sign of guest scams. Make sure your house rules are clearly communicated and acknowledged by the guest before confirming any booking.

By making email address verification a standard part of your guest screening process, you can help protect your property and business from scams by guests.

Remember, if something about a booking request feels suspicious, it’s always best to trust your instincts and decline. Taking the time to verify information and spot red flags will help you avoid common scams and ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience for both you and your legitimate guests.

Protecting Your Short-Term Rental

The following strategies help protect your property and ensure you’re covered when issues arise: Hosts must document the condition of their property before and after each stay to protect against false claims.

Use Airbnb Features

• Keep all communication and payments on-platform: This maintains accountability and ensures protection under Airbnb policies.
• Use guest verification tools: Airbnb offers ID verification and other security features to help screen guests. For streamlined property management and to provide clear Airbnb checkout instructions, consider leveraging specialized tools.

Establish Clear House Rules

Clearly state expectations for behavior, check-in/out procedures, noise policies, and damage compensation. Make sure guests acknowledge these rules before arrival.

Document Property Condition

Take timestamped photos or video of your property before and after every stay. This documentation is invaluable in disputes.

Invest in Security Measures

Install visible security cameras at entry points (as permitted by Airbnb policy), use smart locks, and consider noise sensors to deter misuse.

By formalizing your process, you create barriers that make scam attempts less likely and easier to resolve if they occur.

Common Airbnb Issues That Signal Scams

Be attentive to these recurring issues, as they can indicate fraudulent behavior:

• Unreasonable refund requests: Especially when made outside the platform or without supporting evidence.
• Complaints that shift suddenly: If a guest’s story changes or escalates without reason, verify before taking action.
• Threats of bad reviews: Blackmail or extortion through promises of negative feedback is a known scam tactic.
• False damage claims: Guests may claim that damages were pre-existing or exaggerated in order to avoid responsibility or secure a refund.

Common Airbnb scams include false damage claims, unauthorized parties, booking with fraudulent profiles, and refund scams.

Keep Communication Records

Always save messages, emails, and screenshots. Airbnb’s Resolution Center can use these records when resolving conflicts.

Use Airbnb Resolution Center

For disputes related to damage or refunds, open a case through Airbnb’s tools rather than negotiating privately.

Vacation Rental Safety

Guest safety and property security go hand in hand. Here are steps to enhance your vacation rental’s protection:

• Install security devices: Cameras, motion lights, and smart locks improve oversight. Installing security cameras and noise monitors can help detect unauthorized parties, provided they comply with privacy rules.
• Use secure key management solutions: Implement key exchange services or designated key collection and return points to control access and prevent unauthorized entry.
• Protect valuables: Keep personal items and valuables out of reach or in locked areas.
• Consider professional help: A property manager can screen guests, handle communication, and respond to issues quickly.

Investing in safety not only deters scams but also enhances guest trust and satisfaction.

The Role of the Airbnb Host

As a host, you’re the frontline defense against scams and property misuse:

• Be responsive: Prompt replies reduce miscommunication and show professionalism.
• Use Airbnb’s platform tools: From messaging to payment systems, staying on-platform protects both parties.
• Maintain your property: Clean, safe, and well-maintained listings reduce complaints and improve reviews — and fewer complaints mean fewer opportunities for scam attempts.
• A vigilant host would carefully screen guests, verify their profiles, and set clear house rules to minimize the risk of scams.
• Airbnb allows hosts to block or blacklist troublesome guests to prevent future bookings, providing an extra layer of protection.

Warning Signs to Watch Out For

Here are some straightforward warning signs that may signal a scam:

• Mismatched contact info: Email addresses or phone numbers that don’t align with guest profiles.
• Requests for wire transfer or external payments: Never agree to payment outside Airbnb’s payment system.
• Inconsistent language or behavior: Abrupt changes in messaging or demands suggest something isn’t right.
• Too good to be true requests: Offers that seem unusually generous or urgent often are.

When in doubt, trust your instincts and contact Airbnb Support.

Last Minute Bookings and Potential Scams

Last-minute bookings can be legitimate, but they can also be a red flag:

• Guests eager to bypass platform procedures or push for rapid payment should be verified carefully.
• Before accepting, review their profile history and communication patterns.
• Last-minute combined with off-platform communication is a stronger indicator of risk.

Use Airbnb’s protections, like payment safeguards and verification, to your advantage when exploring ways to make money on Airbnb without owning property.

Final Thoughts

Scams by guests on Airbnb may not be widespread, most hosts and guests interact without issue, and even rare scams can be costly. Understanding the warning signs, putting safeguards in place, and communicating clearly with guests will help ensure a safer hosting experience and protect your valuable short-term rental business.

About the Author
Daniëlle Kruger is a writer and Content Manager at iGMS. She is an avid reader and researcher of all things travel, always trying to keep her finger on the pulse of the latest trends and innovations. Find her on LinkedIn.