Currently, fraudsters are rampant on Airbnb. Users are lured into making payments outside of the platform, which can have serious consequences.
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Not everyone wants to stay in a hotel while on vacation. Those who favor individual tourism prefer to rent vacation accommodation via specialized platforms such as Airbnb.
However, those currently wishing to book accommodation through this platform should exercise caution. Indeed, as the Watchlist Internet security site indicates, Fraudsters are actively operating on Airbnb.
When you book a vacation home or apartment on Airbnb, this is usually done directly on the site or through the app, including payment. If you are recommended to book accommodation via email, this should alert you immediately.
According to Watchlist Internet, criminals are trying to lure their victims away from the website to steal from them. Experts say scammers are hijacking real Airbnb accounts and exploiting them for their own purposes.
Scammers lure victims to fake website
People who respond to the cybercriminals’ invitation and contact the “renters” by e-mail receive a message (written in English) which then indicates that the requested accommodation is still available. However, the alleged host is reportedly having issues with the Airbnb calendar. It is for this reason that you are requested to reserve the apartment via Booking.com.
Scammers therefore send their victims a booking link to Booking.com. If we follow this link, we arrive at a site which indeed resembles that of Booking.com, but which is in reality a fake. It can be recognized by URLs like “booking.stays-3876566623.live[…]”. Apart from that, the fake website looks quite convincing.
If you make the requested bank transfer, you will never see your money again. The scammers’ trap is closing on you.
What to do if you have fallen into the trap?
So be especially careful if you want to book on Airbnb, but need to contact the owner by email. Check the website URL if you receive a link, as Watchlist Internet advises.
Once the money has been transferred, it is difficult to get it back. If you quickly realize the fraud, you can contact your bank and ask them to block the transfer.
Unfortunately, this very rarely works. You can also go to Airbnb and tell them the case — they may be lenient and refund you. You should also report the scam to Airbnb and the police. (lhe)
More scam stories:
Translated and adapted by Noëline Flippe
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