# Travel scams in Europe

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/travel-scams-in-europe
> Updated: 2026-08-02T06:56:58.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

In early July 2026, reports emerged of an Airbnb fraud scheme that targeted travelers in Germany, where listings were allegedly used to defraud visitors. By early August, the pattern had broadened, with investigations in Belgium uncovering a rental scam in which two individuals leased apartments long‑term, stopped paying the owners, and re‑listed the properties on Airbnb for short‑term rentals, causing significant losses and property damage. At the same time, a separate incident in Croatia highlighted payment difficulties for tourists when a seaside restaurant accepted only cash and no nearby ATM was available, leaving a visitor unable to settle a €54 bill. These developments show a widening of traveler‑focused scams across multiple European countries, encompassing both fraudulent accommodation listings and cash‑payment obstacles.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-02: Travelers Encounter Payment and Rental Scams Across Europe

Belgian fraudsters exploited Airbnb rentals, costing owners thousands, while a tourist in Croatia faced a cash‑only payment issue at a restaurant, underscoring travel‑related scams and payment hassles in Europe

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/travelers-encounter-payment-and-rental-scams-across-europe

### 2026-07-04: Airbnb fraud scheme targets travelers in Germany

Criminals in Germany are using verified Airbnb host accounts to run a fraud scheme that lists fake rentals, prompting warnings to keep communications and payments on the platform.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/airbnb-fraud-scheme-targets-travelers-in-germany

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Cite as: Travel scams in Europe. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/travel-scams-in-europe