How to spot and avoid common Airbnb scams

Short-term rentals (STRs) have surged, with homeowners preferring the flexibility and income potential of STRs compared with long-term rentals (LTRs). A recent survey even shows that 88% of Australian Airbnb hosts won’t offer their homes on the LTR market, no matter if regulations increase.

However, this increase in STR bookings also comes with more noise, including scammers who try to exploit busy hosts. The good news: Airbnb guest scams are a tiny minority of stays. Most guests are genuine, and Airbnb’s safety tools do a lot of heavy lifting. Still, a few simple habits will protect your revenue, your reviews and your peace of mind.

At Hometime, we manage thousands of bookings across Australia. Below we share what we see, the red flags we act on, and the steps you can take today to stay safe and keep earning.

Common Airbnb scams that target hosts

Even with Airbnb’s safeguards, some individuals still try to exploit gaps in the process, policy and timing. Below are the Airbnb host scams we see most often, and how to shut them down fast.

1. Guests using stolen credit cards

Fraudsters use compromised cards to secure last-minute stays. The “stay now, charge later” approach backfires, and you lose both payout and nights. Never accept payment off-platform. Keep all charges inside your booking platform, so their systems and policies protect you.

2. Chargebacks after completed stays

Some guests dispute a legitimate booking after checkout. Your best defence is evidence. Keep:

• a record of all communications in the Airbnb inbox,
• time-stamped check-in/out messages, and
• before/after photos or smart-lock logs.

If a claim appears, respond fast and attach proof.

3. Fake damage claims by guests

A guest reports a problem and requests a refund through Airbnb's damage policy and damage claims process. Counter with a documented condition report: quick room-by-room photos before check-in and after cleaning, plus any maintenance logs.

4. Identity theft or fake guest profiles

New accounts with stock photos and no reviews are higher risk. Switch on government ID verification required and ask simple, friendly questions about the trip. Real guests give straight answers; scammers will likely dodge specifics.

5. Social engineering (impersonating Airbnb)

If someone contacts you outside the app claiming to be Airbnb Support, it’s not Airbnb. Don’t click links. Don’t share codes or bank details. Tell the guest you’ll continue inside the message thread and report the attempt.

Red flags to watch out for

Even experienced hosts can be caught off guard by scams that seem genuine at first glance. Keep an eye out for these telltale signs to avoid Airbnb host scams:

• Pressure to pay outside Airbnb (bank transfer, PayPal, gift cards).
  
• Unusually low prices for a premium area or peak dates can attract the wrong attention.
  
• Guests with no reviews, poor reviews and vague profiles.
  
• Inconsistent stories about the purpose of the stay or the guest count.
  
• Requests to bypass policy: “Can we check in 10 people to a 6-guest listing?”, “Can we bring in a film crew?”, “Can we chat on WhatsApp?”.
  
• Link-sharing: attachments or shortened URLs sent early in a conversation.
  
• High-risk timing: same-day bookings for one night, local guest with no reviews, and a party-friendly property type.

If two or more appear together, slow down and vet the booking before accepting.

Top tips to avoid Airbnb scams 

Prevention is always easier than recovery. Here are practical, proven methods of Airbnb scam protection. Protect your property, your earnings, and your peace of mind when hosting on Airbnb with the following steps:

1. Turn on ID verification (and stick to the inbox)

Require government ID and hold all communication in the Airbnb app. It creates a verified paper trail Airbnb can use to support you in a dispute.

2. Use dynamic pricing to avoid “too cheap” traps

Underpricing attracts bargain hunters, and sometimes scammers look for easy targets. Dynamic pricing keeps your rate aligned to demand so you’re competitive without being a magnet for risky bookings. It also lifts revenue when events spike demand.

3. Document your property every stay

• Take 3 to 5 quick photos per space before check-in
• Maintain the same set-up after cleaning
• Log any wear and tear in a simple note

This habit takes minutes and helps win disputes.

4. Vet guests without friction

Guest vetting doesn't have to be complicated and save you a headache later on. A few friendly questions do the job:

• “What brings you to the area?”
  
• “Who will be staying, and what’s your plan for arrival?”
  
• “Have you read and agreed to the house rules?”

Set calm boundaries and decline if the prospective guest’s answers don’t add up.

5. Automate smart safeguards

• Smart locks and lockboxes for self-check-in with unique codes per booking
• Exterior doorbell camera (disclosed) for check-ins
  
• Security deposit or damage protection, where available

Green flags for a reputable listing 

While guests avoid listings that look unprofessional, they're also wary of listings that appear to good to be true and often take them for an AI-generated scam, which is becoming increasingly common in Airbnb and vacation rentals. Optimised listings with strong trust signals will boost conversion rates and help you avoid awkward questions.

Hannah, from Hometime’s Portfolio Optimisation team, calls out the following “confidence signals” that will give potential guests a green flag to book your property:

• Superhost status and a Guest favourite badge
  
• Verified host badge and a complete, welcoming profile
  
• Professional Airbnb styling and photography, shot on one day (no AI or mismatched décor)
  
• Essential amenities (hotel-quality linen, fast Wi-Fi, self check-in) and thoughtful extras
  
• Moderate or flexible cancellation where viable
  
• Competitive, transparent pricing (no surprise fees)
  
• Fast response times (aim for minutes, not hours)
  
• Clear, friendly rules (avoid ALL CAPS and long lists)
  
• Self-check-in with a simple arrival guide

Run a quick audit: would you book your place if you saw it fresh in search results?

What to do if you’ve been scammed (or suspect Airbnb fraud)

1. Stop and secure

1. Change your Airbnb password and enable two-factor authentication.
   
2. Check recent logins and connected apps.
   

2. Report to Airbnb immediately

1. Use the in-app flow to report the message, listing or guest.
   
2. Share screenshots, message threads, photos and receipts.
   
3. Keep all replies inside the Airbnb inbox.
   

3. Dispute charges or chargebacks

1. Provide your proof bundle: listing rules, message history, check-in/out times, photos and any device logs.
   
2. Keep your explanation short and factual.
   

4. Review your settings

1. Tighten ID requirements, minimum notice and trip length.
   
2. Add a quiet-hours note and highlight no-party rules.
   

5. Learn and move on

1. Update your pre-booking questions and house manual where the incident revealed a gap.
   
2. Consider professional management if this feels like too much admin.

Protect your property and have peace of mind with Hometime

Most short-term rental stays go according to plan, but the best hosts don’t leave safety to chance.

At Hometime, our Airbnb management in Australia protects homeowners on two fronts: strong guest vetting and smart revenue management. Our Local Hosts are on the ground for check-ins, professional Airbnb cleaning, maintenance, and quick resolutions, while our experienced revenue team uses live market data to curate dynamic pricing strategies that attract the right guests and maximises returns without inviting trouble.

If you want reliable earnings without the daily admin of worrying about scammers or replying to messages every night, contact Hometime. We’ll protect your property, maximise your income and handle every guest detail, so you don’t have to.