Online scams are lurking, mainly for young people who search or book holidays through social media platforms. This warning was issued by Airbnb.
According to a survey by the platform, in collaboration with Get Safe Online, over 40% of people under 30 search or book holidays through Social Media platforms.
More than a third of the same age group said they would consider making a large purchase if promoted by an influencer or celebrity.
Airbnb issued the warning as bookings for Easter getaways fall within peak periods. Therefore, it shared the survey findings along with a series of safety tips to help users avoid scams.
The survey revealed that credit card fraud, phishing, and holiday scams are the most common types of fraud in the UK. It also found that those who have been scammed lost an average of £1,937 to scammers, an amount that has been steadily increasing in recent years.
This increase is partly due to unsafe booking practices, such as bookings through social media, as well as the rise of scammers using artificial intelligence. Two-thirds of respondents said they would find it difficult to recognize AI-generated property images.
Airbnb’s tips
In its message, Airbnb urged its platform users to avoid unexpected links, report suspicious activity, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true or require high deposits.
Additionally, the short-term rental company advised customers to avoid paying for holidays via direct bank transfer, to only use trusted platforms for bookings and payments, and to secure their online accounts with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
Amanda Cupples, General Manager of Airbnb for the UK and Northern Europe, addressing travelers, said:
“As the world tries to plan their Easter getaway, holidaymakers should remain vigilant when browsing for trips. New technologies are emerging rapidly, and using trusted platforms for booking, payment, and communication is the best way to defeat potential scammers. We have safeguards in place to protect stays booked on Airbnb, including secure payment processes and support measures like AirCover.”
The CEO of Get Safe Online, Tony Neate, added:
“As you search for deals for your hard-earned Easter break, as the survey shows, this year it is more important than ever to remain vigilant when booking holidays. When it comes to payment, always pay on a trusted platform, which will provide better protection than transferring your money to someone you don’t know. And trust your instincts – if a deal seems too good to be true, then it probably isn’t.”
