Airbnb Scams Exposed: New Book Investigates Criminal Activity On Major Tech Platforms

How Airbnb Scams Work—and Why Big Tech Platforms Are Vulnerable

Airbnb, the world’s largest home-sharing platform, connects property owners with travellers seeking alternatives to traditional hotels. While it’s marketed as trustworthy, a new book by South African media scholar Julie Reid reveals how scammers exploit the platform’s weaknesses to commit fraud—and sometimes, far worse.

One common scam is the phantom listing, where fraudsters post fake but appealing properties, take payment, and vanish—leaving guests stranded at addresses that don’t exist. Others involve the bait and switch: guests arrive only to be told the original property is “unavailable,” and are sent to a lower-quality or unsafe alternative. These scams often feature fake photos, AI-generated descriptions, and positive reviews created by scammer networks.

Worse, some guests are lured into dangerous environments. Once checked in, they’re isolated in properties to which criminal hosts still have access. Reid documents hundreds of cases worldwide where guests were robbed, assaulted, exploited, or even killed—many without signs of forced entry.

These crimes are facilitated by what Reid calls delusive speech—a form of disinformation designed not for politics or ideology, but for criminal profit. It blends seamlessly into platforms we trust, making fake listings indistinguishable from legitimate ones. Users, primed to make purchases in these trusted spaces, are easily misled.

Airbnb claims to have protections in place—like verification systems, rapid response teams, and fraud detection tools. But Reid’s analysis finds serious flaws: fake hosts bypass verification with forged documents and AI content, while honest reviews exposing scams are sometimes censored. Even when guests report fraudulent listings, they often remain active.

To better protect users, Reid argues that Airbnb must revamp its moderation systems and uphold guest review rights under human rights frameworks. Quick removal of proven scam listings is essential to prevent repeat victims.

Travellers can reduce their risk by booking accommodations recommended by trusted sources, verifying addresses via Google Maps, and avoiding off-platform payments. If in doubt, consider booking directly with established hotels or reputable serviced apartment providers. For instance, Corporate Keys offers professionally managed, fully furnished corporate apartments in Australia, providing a more secure and transparent alternative to peer-to-peer platforms.

But Reid warns this issue goes far beyond Airbnb. From ride-sharing and dating apps to travel and social media platforms, delusive scams are now embedded across the digital landscape. Her book urges increased awareness—and accountability from the tech giants that host these scams.