Online scams never go on holiday, on the contrary, they go to the seaside with Italians. The reports of the last year from the Postal Police speak clearly: the victims of scams resulting in the theft of money and also those of phishing have increased. Surveys also say so: 1 in 5 Italians say they have suffered at least one scam while shopping online. Young people remain the most at risk, but they are also the most present on the web. For those who haven’t booked their holidays yet, here are the best tips in collaboration between the State Police and Airbnb to avoid being surprised by bad guys.
1. Check the website address. Whether you use a computer or a smartphone, it is best to verify that you are booking through the official platform. The solution is to use the Airbnb app or go directly to the website to make sure you are on the official site (www.airbnb.it).
2. Don’t click on unknown links. Relaxed use of social media can contribute to exposing users to the risk of scams. If you are not sure whether a message or post is from a recognized company, do not share or interact with it or click on any links therein. Airbnb provides guidelines on how to identify an authentic link or email from the platform.
3. Be wary of overly good deals or deposit requests. With the cost of living rising, many consumers are hunting for great deals; but if an offer or listing seems too good to be true, it could be a scam. In this case, it is advisable to take your time to examine the details of the listing and existing reviews, especially if there is a rush for payment.
4. Never pay by bank transfer. This is a payment instrument not permitted by Airbnb. Better to use a credit card, which offers more protection. If you receive a request to pay for a trip via bank transfer, cryptocurrency or gift cards, it is very likely a scam.
5. Book, pay and communicate only on the platform. Some users may be attracted by the proposal to negotiate privately outside the portal to save money. However, this does not allow you to take advantage of Airbnb guarantees, which does not recognize payments made by guests until 24 hours after check-in, while AirCover for guests provides protection for some possible eventualities.
6. Check reviews. Reading other guests’ opinions is useful to get a better idea before booking, by checking the ratings and reviews and carefully reading the listing description. You can also ask the host questions via messaging on the platform before blocking your dates.
7. Communicate with the host. Once you have booked, before you travel, it is best to contact the host to make arrangements for your arrival and to check for any particularly important needs. If you do not receive a response, contact customer service immediately.
8. How to report a concern the right way. On Airbnb, users can report controversial messages directly from the internal messaging, while suspicious cases can be reported via a flag on each listing. If you have made a payment off-site, you should immediately contact customer support, which is available 24/7.
