The Airbnb platform is generally safe, but Airbnb scams still happen. Fortunately, if you fall victim to a fraudulent listing on Airbnb, it’s possible to get a refund.
In this post, we discuss the options you’ll have after getting scammed on Airbnb, as well as tips that’ll help you stay clear of fake Airbnb listings.
Key Takeaways
If you fall victim to an Airbnb scam, you’ll have 72 hours from checkout to request a full refund. Additionally, you’ll have 60 days to file a claim with the Resolution Center.
Should your refund request be denied, you can request a chargeback from your credit card issuer or bank. Chargeback requests can take 120 days to resolve, so file one immediately after you receive a decision from Airbnb.
What to Do if You Get Scammed on Airbnb
Option One: Contact Airbnb
Once you know you’re the victim of an Airbnb scam, reach out to Airbnb support immediately. Inform them of your situation and request a refund.
According to Airbnb’s Rebooking and Refund Policy, a guest has 72 hours from the moment an issue is discovered to request a refund. Also, a guest will have up to 60 days from the checkout date to file a claim via the Resolution Center.
You can use the Airbnb app or website to request a refund. If your request is granted, Airbnb will refund the full amount paid.
Option Two: Contact Your Card Provider
If you aren’t able to get a refund through the Airbnb help center, contact the credit card company that issued your card and request a chargeback.
When requesting a chargeback, make sure you select the right “reason code,” i.e. the reason why you’re requesting a chargeback. If you select the wrong code, your request will be denied and you may not be able to request a chargeback again.
It can take up to 120 days to get a decision since the credit card company has to assess the validity of your claim. They’ll also have to see what options, if any, are available to get your funds back.
Common Airbnb Scams
Unfortunately, Airbnb scammers are constantly perfecting their methods, which means new scams are popping up all the time. Let’s look at common Airbnb scams and how to avoid them.
Fake Listings
You may be wondering: “Who falls for a fake Airbnb listing?” Well, fake listings are getting harder and harder to detect, so more and more Airbnb users are falling victim to them.
If an Airbnb listing seems too good to be true, consider this a glaring red flag. For example, if the nightly rate is far lower than what nearby Airbnb hosts are charging, do more research before booking.
Suspicious Messages
If you get a suspicious message on or off the Airbnb platform, report it to Airbnb at once. A scammer may be trying to phish you.
If they ask you to send money or personal contact information, ignore them and wait for Airbnb to take action. So long as you don’t click any links or follow their directions, you should be safe.
Bait-And-Switch
An Airbnb bait-and-switch goes like this. A host puts up an attractive listing. After the property is booked, they change the terms. The guest, feeling like they don’t have a choice, either has to pay more money or accept worse accommodations.
Bait-and-switching is against Airbnb’s Terms of Service, so report any host who attempts to do this.
