Top Airbnb Guest Scams in 2025 (And How to Protect Your Rental)

Managing a short-term rental on Airbnb can be a great source of income, but it's not without risk. One of the biggest threats facing hosts today is falling victim to Airbnb scams—often by guests who appear trustworthy at first. From fake identities to refund manipulation, these scams can lead to lost revenue, property damage, or even account issues.

If you’re an Airbnb host, learning how to spot red flags early can protect your property and ensure a smooth, profitable hosting experience.

Are Airbnb Hosts at Risk of Being Scammed?

Yes. While Airbnb does offer protection for hosts, it’s not foolproof. Scammers are constantly finding new ways to bypass platform safeguards. In fact, guest-related scams are now more common than those involving fake listings by hosts.

The good news is that most scams follow recognizable patterns. With the right precautions and systems in place—like professional turnovers and consistent guest screening—you can significantly reduce your risk.

8 Common Airbnb Guest Scams to Watch Out For

1. Post-Stay Refund Requests

A guest stays without raising any complaints but then reports a minor issue after checkout and asks for a refund. Often, the complaint is exaggerated or fabricated. This tactic is commonly used to receive a discount after the fact.

Solution: Keep detailed documentation of your property’s condition with each cleaning. Consider using Soyhome to automate your cleaning tasks and generate a photo-based cleaning history.

2. Negative Review Blackmail

Some guests threaten to leave a bad review unless they receive compensation or a refund. This manipulation tactic exploits your need to maintain a high rating.

3. Third-Party or Stolen Payment

A booking made with someone else’s credit card or under a different name is often used to mask the real identity of the guest. This scam may lead to chargebacks or account violations.

Always verify guest identity and never accept off-platform payments.

4. Asking to Communicate Off Airbnb

If a guest wants to switch to email, text, or messaging apps, it's a clear red flag. Taking conversations off Airbnb removes accountability and limits your ability to report suspicious activity.

5. The Overpayment Scam

The guest claims to have overpaid and requests that you refund the extra amount through an external payment method. This scam is designed to trick you into sending money before realizing the payment never cleared.

6. Damage Claims Against You

In this variation, the guest claims that items were missing or damaged when they arrived, and they use it as a reason to demand money back. In some cases, they may have caused or staged the damage themselves.

Keep records of the condition before and after every stay by hiring trusted Airbnb cleaners who can provide photos and turnover reports.

7. Hidden Party Bookings

Some guests book one-night stays under false pretenses, often for the purpose of throwing a party. These bookings typically occur on weekends or holidays and may come from local users.

Implement tools like noise monitors and set minimum stay requirements to deter unauthorized parties.

8. “I Can’t Check In” Scam

A guest may claim that they couldn't enter the unit and request a full refund. In many cases, they’ve already entered the property and are trying to get a free stay through confusion.

How to Identify Suspicious Airbnb Guest Profiles

Scams often start before check-in. Here are a few red flags to look out for:

• Fake or joke names like “Jane Doe” or “Elon Musk”

• Emails with strange formatting or mismatched names

• Unusual or overly polished profile photos

• Messages with vague or broken English (especially if copy-pasted)

• Refusal to use Airbnb’s secure payment system

Stay cautious when receiving last-minute booking requests without a strong explanation, especially for one-night weekend stays.

How to Protect Your Airbnb from Scammers

In addition to guest screening, these practices will help reduce your exposure to fraudulent behavior:

Use a Signed Rental Agreement

Have guests agree to your house rules and terms before check-in. This protects you legally in the event of disputes or damage.

Collect a Security Deposit

Airbnb allows hosts to request a deposit. This can deter careless behavior and provide financial backup for repairs.

Automate Your Turnover Process

Using Soyhome’s cleaning automation platform ensures your property is turned over professionally after each stay. This protects your reputation, provides records, and supports faster issue resolution.

Keep All Communication On-Platform

Avoid making any arrangements through text or email. Airbnb’s message center provides a verifiable record of every exchange, which is useful in disputes.

Avoid Manual Extensions or Cash Payments

If a guest wants to extend their stay after arrival, process the request through Airbnb. Accepting cash or external payments can result in lost coverage or account penalties.

Bonus Tips: Account and Listing Protection

Some scams don’t target your physical property—they target your Airbnb profile itself.

• Log out of your Airbnb host account on shared or public devices

• Take periodic screenshots of your listing to guard against impersonation

• Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication

  
  

Protect Your Airbnb Property and Streamline Hosting

Scammers are always finding new angles, but as a host, you can stay ahead by adopting proactive systems and habits. With proper guest vetting, clear documentation, and professional turnover service, you can reduce risk and maintain control.

Soyhome helps Airbnb hosts find reliable cleaners and automate turnover schedules in cities like Los Angeles. Whether you manage one unit or a portfolio of properties, Soyhome ensures every check-in starts with a professionally cleaned, guest-ready home.

Start protecting your Airbnb today — book a trusted cleaner with Soyhome and simplify your hosting workflow.