Here are the most common 'bait and switch' Airbnb scams, and how to avoid them

Monica HumphriesMay 2, 2023, 16:42 IST

Airbnb guests say hosts have ruined their stays by switching properties or addresses at the last minute. Here are ways to avoid becoming a victim.hikesterson/Getty, Image Source/Getty, Tyler Le/Insider

In a "bait and switch" Airbnb scam, a host changes addresses or units at the last minute.
Scammed guests have ended up in properties that are of worse quality or not what they paid for.

Anticipating a busy summer in Orange County, California, Jack Bouroudjian booked a two-bedroom condo on Airbnb months in advance. But when the day of the trip arrived, the host informed Bouroudjian that the condo was no longer available — the air conditioning was broken.

A road in Orange County, California.Stephanie Starr/EyeEm/Getty Images

Anticipating a busy summer in Orange County, California, Jack Bouroudjian booked a two-bedroom condo on Airbnb months in advance. But when the day of the trip arrived, the host informed Bouroudjian that the condo was no longer available — the air conditioning was broken.

Bouroudjian and his family appeared caught in a "bait and switch."

Airbnb on a phone.RightFramePhotoVideo/Shutterstock

Scammers will tell guests last minute that a property has been trashed or that they've "double-booked."

Jill and Isaac Parkinson faced issues in Montenegro in 2019.Jill and Isaac Parkinson

The Parkinsons were initially thrilled to hear that an Airbnb host had another — bigger — property available. Then they saw it.

The entrance to the Parkinsons' Airbnb in Montenegro.Jill and Isaac Parkinson

Hosts will sometimes advertise a desirable address, then switch last minute to a less-desirable one.

Conversations between Jasmine Alvarez and her Airbnb host.Airbnb screenshots courtesy of Jasmine Alvarez

Brian Thomas experienced an address switch in 2020 when he traveled from Tennessee to Houston to ring in the new year with his significant other.

A sign on a wall points to an Airbnb accommodation. (Brian Thomas' Airbnb not pictured.)David Bokuchava/Shutterstock

Bait and switches "are one of the common scams I receive," said Michelle Couch-Friedman, a consumer advocate and the founder of Consumer Rescue, a group that mediates problems between consumers and companies.

Reviews mentioning an inaccurate location on an Airbnb listing.Airbnb

Bait and switches "are one of the common scams I receive," said Michelle Couch-Friedman, a consumer advocate and the founder of Consumer Rescue, a group that mediates problems between consumers and companies.

Even with those precautions, a bait and switch can still happen.

Two travelers leave a vacation rental.Hero Images Inc/Getty Images

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Here are the most common 'bait and switch' Airbnb scams, and how to avoid them

Anticipating a busy summer in Orange County, California, Jack Bouroudjian booked a two-bedroom condo on Airbnb months in advance. But when the day of the trip arrived, the host informed Bouroudjian that the condo was no longer available — the air conditioning was broken.

Bouroudjian and his family appeared caught in a "bait and switch."

Scammers will tell guests last minute that a property has been trashed or that they've "double-booked."

The Parkinsons were initially thrilled to hear that an Airbnb host had another — bigger — property available. Then they saw it.

Hosts will sometimes advertise a desirable address, then switch last minute to a less-desirable one.

Brian Thomas experienced an address switch in 2020 when he traveled from Tennessee to Houston to ring in the new year with his significant other.

Bait and switches "are one of the common scams I receive," said Michelle Couch-Friedman, a consumer advocate and the founder of Consumer Rescue, a group that mediates problems between consumers and companies.

Even with those precautions, a bait and switch can still happen.