Fake Airbnb Member Lures Victims Into A Perfect Replica Of The Site

Airbnb Message Scam: How It Works

If you have an Airbnb account you probably know that every time another user sends you a message an email comes to your inbox as well (such as the one in the image) notifying you of the conversation. Well, if you receive a message today from someone called Sofia, do not log into your account.

Sofia apparently lives in Barcelona, Spain and joined the network in May 2016. The email from her – which also shows an attractive woman in the thumbnail image – looks exactly as it would come from the real Airbnb offices. It invites you to view the message by clicking on the button.

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Once clicked, you are taken to a page which is a perfect replica of the Airbnb login portal. Showing the typical type-in boxes for your email address and password, the page also offers the optional Facebook and Google login buttons.

However, when you click on them it only refreshes the page, leaving you only with the option of providing your email and password.

Doing that leads to giving away your Airbnb account. Since you have a lot of personal information listed in there, including your credit card and physical address, it is safe to say that the experience is not going to be a good one.

This phishing scam comes after another fraudulent practice using the Airbnb brand made its rounds earlier this year: the Airbnb Coupon First Booking Scam.

Airbnb Message Scam: How To Avoid

The only thing that gives away the fraud is your browser box on the login page. If you look up there, you should see the domain name of the booking brand (http://www.airbnb.com). In this particular scam, the domain name is indocertes.com.

Delete the email, go ahead with your day.

How To Report Scammers To Airbnb

Make your family and friends aware of this scam by sharing it on social media using the buttons provided. You can also officially report this scam to Airbnb using the link below:

Report Scammers To Ai Here

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Selma HrynchukSelma is a fraud prevention specialist renowned for her expertise in private eye investigations and a remarkable partnership with law enforcement agencies. Beyond her investigative triumphs, her public speaking engagements and written works have empowered countless individuals to protect themselves and stay ahead of deceptive schemes. Selma's legacy shines as a tenacious agent of change, unyielding in her commitment to battling fraud and ensuring a safer world for all.

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