AI, ChatGPT, Deepfake Dangers, and Other Airbnb Scams Targeting Spring Breakers, Guests, and Home Buyers
March 2023- Spring break, summer travel, and home-buying season are quickly approaching. Travelers, renters, buyers, and homeowners are being targeted in Airbnb frauds and scams. Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT are a part of some criminals' arsenals.
An Airbnb fraud scheme recently struck Oregon, deceiving prospective home buyers into purchasing what they believed to be a legitimate property, only to realize later that it was a rental property listed on Airbnb.
As the popularity of Airbnb grows, the potential for fraudulent activities also increases. With more travelers choosing home rentals instead of hotels, scammers are devising new methods to exploit the platform. From fraudulent listings to compromised accounts, there are growing risks of becoming a victim of an Airbnb scam.
This article will delve into the latest developments concerning Airbnb fraud and provide tips to safeguard oneself.
- Fake Listings - Scammers can use AI, like Midjourney, Lexica, Canva, or any number of text-to-image tools to create deepfake and fake listings with realistic photos and descriptions of properties that don’t exist.
Or, criminals can hijack actual Airbnb listings and fraudulently present them as properties for sale. They have access by legitimately booking a stay, which allows them to show the properties pretending to be the owner. Property owners should install exterior cameras to monitor traffic to and from their property.
Using ChatGPT, cybercriminals can create well-written and grammatically correct descriptions accompanying the photos. That’s a game-changer because it flies in the face of poorly written emails and fraudulent messages that were clues to scams in the past.
Deepfakes are images created by AI that don’t exist in real life. They can be video or photographic images. The images can be anything, including people, animals, property, or objects. Cybercriminals can create desirable and gorgeous property photos to lure innocent victims.
There are new technology tools designed to detect AI-generated content, as well as images. However, that technology isn’t completely accurate yet. So, you must be vigilant in your research and verification practices.
2. Scammers may also list properties already occupied by someone else and have no intention of renting out. They can choose any property and market it in a manner that doesn’t allow in-person showings. They can use any number of excuses to convince the potential guest that it is available for rent but not for showings. Fraudsters often use a sense of urgency to get renters to act without allowing for regular procedures.
To avoid fake listings, check the host’s profile and reviews. Look for hosts with multiple listings, as they are more likely to be legitimate. Reach out to ask a question and ask about the property or the area. Fact-check the response and determine if the answer rings true. Do a Google search and use Google Maps to verify the property’s location, and review the “Street View” feature to see the property. Perhaps, ask the owner a question about the neighborhood or neighboring properties you can see, but a scammer may not know. Always communicate with the host through Airbnb’s messaging system to confirm details.
2. Payment Scams - Scammers may ask you to pay outside of Airbnb's payment system, which is against the company's policies. They may also ask you to wire money or pay with a gift card, which makes it harder to trace and recover the funds if you are scammed.
Only make payments through Airbnb's platform, which offers protection against fraud. Be wary of hosts who ask for payment outside the platform, and never wire money or pay with a gift card. If you are asked to pay outside of Airbnb, report the host to Airbnb immediately.
3. Phishing Scams - Scammers may send you a fake email or text message that looks like it's from Airbnb, asking you to click on a link and enter your login credentials or payment information. This can result in identity theft or fraud.
In the past, grammar-filled emails were a warning. As stated above, ChatGPT and other AI writing tools allow criminals to thwart that test and create persuasive, dynamic, and professionally written content.
Be cautious of any unsolicited emails or text messages that claim to be from Airbnb. Always double-check the email address or phone number to ensure it's legitimate, and never click links or download attachments from suspicious emails or texts. Go directly to your Airbnb account and check for message notifications there.
4. Host Cancellation Scams - Some hosts may cancel a reservation at the last minute and then offer to re-book you at a higher price outside Airbnb's platform.
If a host cancels your reservation at the last minute, contact Airbnb immediately. Airbnb's policies require hosts to provide a legitimate reason for canceling a reservation, and they may be penalized for canceling without a valid reason. Be sure to read the cancellation policy before booking a property.
5. Security Deposit Scams - Scammer hosts may claim that you caused damage to the property and demand a large sum of money for repairs, even if you didn't cause any damage. In addition, they may threaten to withhold your security deposit or leave a negative review if you don't pay.
Take photos and video of the property when you arrive and leave to document any damage already present. A quick walk-thru video from the front door and through each room and space is sufficient. Be sure to scan the room slowly to capture everything. When leaving, videotape in the same order and manner for easy comparison.
Proactively inform your host that you are doing so to protect both parties.
If a host claims that you caused damage to the property, dispute the claim with Airbnb and provide evidence of the property’s condition when you arrived. Read the listing’s rules and understand the host’s expectations before booking.
AIRBNB SAFETY TIP SHEET (Print and share)
In conclusion, while Airbnb and other home rental platforms offer travelers a unique and convenient way to experience new destinations, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to avoid scams and fraudulent activity. By researching the property and host, checking reviews, reporting any suspicious activity, and being aware of how AI and deepfake scams can be used, you can help prevent scams and protect yourself from potential fraud.
Remember, if a deal seems too good to be true or if you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts and look for alternative options.
Ultimately, staying informed and taking precautions can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable travel experience. So, be proactive and take the necessary steps to protect yourself when booking through home rental platforms like Airbnb.
Request a sharable AirBnb safety tip sheet.
