Be careful! It might be a scam!
A guide to recognising and avoiding holiday accommodation scams, with advice on how to proceed when you have been scammed.
Accommodation scams increase every year, especially during the December holiday rush.
Fake listings, cloned websites and fraudulent agents take advantage of travellers who are eager to secure last-minute bookings. Understanding how these scams work helps you travel with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
The most common scam involves social media listings that advertise impressive properties at impossibly low prices. Scammers often use stolen photos from legitimate guesthouses and present them as their own. They request full payment up front and disappear once the money is transferred.
Any deal that appears too good to be true usually deserves a closer look.
Another red flag is the lack of verifiable information. Genuine establishments have contact numbers, websites, reviews and public records. Always search the property name online, check mapping services and read through multiple review platforms. If you cannot verify the existence of the property, do not proceed.
Secure payment methods are essential. Reputable accommodation providers accept traceable payment solutions. Be cautious of sellers who insist on immediate payment using untraceable methods. Ask for a booking confirmation that includes the property’s physical address, check-in details and cancellation policy.
Communication style matters. Professional establishments respond promptly and clearly. Scammers often avoid direct calls, offer vague answers and create pressure by claiming limited availability. If you feel rushed or uncomfortable, step away from the deal.
For peace of mind, consider booking through reliable platforms or directly from the property’s official website. When in doubt, call the establishment to confirm availability and pricing. Many travellers also find value in using well-known travel agents who validate listings and protect their bookings.
Awareness remains the strongest defence. With careful checks, travellers can enjoy secure bookings and focus on the holiday ahead instead of losing money to fraud.
What to do if you suspect an accommodation scam
• Stop all communication with the suspected scammer and avoid sending any further payments or personal information.
• Gather all evidence, including screenshots of messages, payment confirmations, bank details, phone numbers, email addresses, and the original advert.
• Contact the platform where the accommodation was advertised and report the listing so that it can be removed.
• Contact your bank immediately and explain the situation, requesting a reversal or fraud investigation if payment has already been made.
• If you paid via EFT, ask your bank to flag the recipient account and lodge a fraud case number.
• If you paid via card through a secure gateway, initiate a chargeback request as soon as possible.
• Verify the property independently by searching for it on other reputable booking platforms or calling local tourism offices in the area.
• Search the address on Google Maps to check whether the accommodation actually exists or has mismatched details.
• Look up the phone number and name online to see whether other travellers have reported similar behaviour or warnings.
• Contact the local police station and open a fraud case, providing all the evidence you have collected.
• Inform family or friends so they know you may need assistance or support during the process.
• Warn others by posting factual, non-defamatory details in traveller groups to prevent further scams.
• For future bookings, stick to recognised accommodation platforms or verified hosts to reduce risk.
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Mariana Balt
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