Airbnb fraud scheme targets travelers in Germany

A new fraud scheme on the Airbnb platform is affecting travelers, particularly in Germany. Criminals are exploiting verified host accounts—accounts that already have positive reviews, identity verification, and a booking history—to list multiple fake holiday apartments. Victims often discover the fraud only upon arrival, when the listed accommodation does not exist and no key handover occurs.

The scheme has surged, with reported attempts increasing thirtyfold over the past three years and most of the rise occurring in the last twelve months. Fraudsters communicate through the Airbnb messaging system, mimic legitimate hosts, and sometimes demand payments via bank transfers or other external services. To protect themselves, travelers are advised to keep all communication and payments within the Airbnb platform, avoid external messaging apps, verify host details with reverse‑image searches, and be wary of listings that are unusually cheap for a popular area.

Authorities have warned that the use of verified host accounts makes the scams harder to detect, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance when booking short‑term rentals.