8 Common Airbnb Guest Scams and How to Protect Your Property

This day in age, it is even more prudent for hosts to be up on game regarding the potentials to be scammed by guests. If you have been hosting with Airbnb for a while, you already know what's up. Airbnb favors guests over hosts which makes them a guest centric platform. The bad acting guests know this and take advantage.

Don't think it can happen to you? It's just a matter of time if you have been in the business long enough. After all, in the great game of hospitality, being blindsided by a con artist guest can have us questioning is hosting something we should be doing.

The following is a list of common scams that can turn your hospitality into a headache faster than a clown at a funeral.

False Damage Claims: Guests might claim damage to the property that doesn't exist or exaggerate minor issues to extort money from the host. They may also take photos or videos of pre-existing damage and blame it on their stay.

Late Check-Out Scams: Some guests will request a late check-out, sometimes offering extra payment, but then refuse to leave at the agreed time. This can cause scheduling conflicts for the host and potential loss of income from future bookings.

Fake Reviews: Guests might threaten to write negative reviews unless the host agrees to certain demands or concessions. Conversely, they might offer to write positive reviews in exchange for money or discounts.

Identity Theft: Some guests may use fake identities or stolen credit cards to book a property. This can lead to financial losses and legal issues for the host.

Property Theft: Guests might steal items from the property, such as electronics, jewelry, or even everyday items like towels or kitchenware. They might also damage high-value items and leave without paying for repairs.

Noise Complaints: Vindictive guests may intentionally make excessive noise to cause disturbances in the neighborhood, leading to complaints from neighbors. This can result in fines or legal action against the host.

Fake Emergency Scams: Some guests might claim a medical emergency or other urgent situation to gain sympathy and avoid paying for their stay or to extend their booking without additional charges.

Pet Policy Violations: Guests might bring pets into the property despite a no-pet policy, causing damage or triggering allergies in future guests. They may also refuse to pay any pet fees or clean-up costs. To add insult to injury, some guest may claim they have a service animal, when they actually don't.

This list is no means exhaustive. As Airbnb policies shift, so will the tactics of those trying to scam us hosts.  Merely hoping that Airbnb's AirCover insurance policy will save us, is not a good idea. Hope is NOT a plan.