Earlier, people used to prefer hotels for their vacationrs, and now the trend has shifted to Airbnb to provide better comfort to travellers. But scammers found ways to exploit that, too, resulting in a new type of Airbnb WhatsApp scam.
In this, the scammer uses the names of well-known Airbnb brands and runs a Business account WhatsApp Scam to lure victims into financial traps.
So, if you are planning to book Airbnb for your next vacation, don’t forget to read the information on how this scam works and ways to protect yourself.
What Is the Airbnb WhatsApp Scam?
Now, like another WhatsApp scam, the scammer targets people by sending messages on WhatsApp, impersonating to be from Airbnb.
They either play blind games or target people who recently searched for any such property. Stealing their data from internet, they approach them with tempting offers which make them fall easily in their trap.
Sometimes, these scammers send a message of fake confirmation of the reservation that the recipient has never made, catching their attention and making them click on links containing malware.
Airbnb WhatsApp Scam Method
Here’s a typical flow of the Airbnb WhatsApp scam:
- You receive a message from an unknown number on WhatsApp claiming to be a host or Airbnb representative.
- The message includes high-quality images of a property and details of a “special deal” or “last-minute offer.”
- The scammer pressures you to make a quick decision by offering a discount for direct payment or saying the property is in high demand.
- A payment link is shared, often redirecting you to a fake Airbnb-looking website.
- Once the payment is made, the scammer disappears. The booking is fake, and the money is lost.
Why This Scam Is Effective
This scam works for a few key reasons:
- Airbnb is a trusted platform, so its name adds credibility.
- WhatsApp feels personal and direct, which lowers suspicion.
- The properties shown are often copied from real Airbnb listings.
- The sense of urgency or exclusivity pushes victims to act quickly.
How to Identify a Scammer on WhatsApp?
Several indicators can help identify the Airbnb WhatsApp scammer:
- You receive a booking confirmation for a reservation you never made.
- The sender asks for payment outside Airbnb’s official platform.
- The deal seems too good to be true.
- The sender uses high-pressure tactics, urging you to pay quickly.
- The link redirects to a site that looks like Airbnb but has a suspicious URL.
- You are asked to download a file or share your card details via WhatsApp.
What to Do If You Encounter an Airbnb WhatsApp Scam
If you receive a suspicious WhatsApp message related to Airbnb, take the following steps:
- Do not click any links or download any files.
- Never make payments outside the Airbnb website or app.
- Report the number on WhatsApp and block it immediately.
- Visit Airbnb’s official site and use their customer service to verify any claims.
- If you’ve made a payment, contact your bank immediately to try to reverse the transaction.
- Report the scam to your local cybercrime authorities or file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in if you’re in India.
Airbnb WhatsApp Scam Complaints
In case you failed in identifying the tricks of a scammer and lost money in any of such scams, then do not panic.
There are ways to recover your losses.
Take one step at a time, and call your bank to block all transactions. Secondly, take steps to report the case. You can register with us now to get assistance in filing a case on the respective platform and get complete guidance for recovery.
Conclusion
The Airbnb WhatsApp scam is a growing concern for travelers and users of short-term rental platforms.
While the scam leverages trust in the Airbnb brand and the casual nature of WhatsApp communication, staying informed and cautious can help you avoid falling victim.
Always use official channels for bookings and payments, and when in doubt, verify directly through Airbnb’s customer service.
Staying vigilant is the best defense against digital fraud.
