Online scams related to travel bookings are emerging as one of the biggest threats facing consumers, with more than 4 in 10 Americans reporting that they have fallen victim to online fraud, losing nearly $2,000 on average.
According to a study conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Airbnb, 42% of respondents said they had been scammed online, while 5% lost more than $10,000. At the same time, 62% believe that content generated with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI) makes scams more convincing and harder to detect.
The study also shows that younger generations, despite being more familiar with technology, are not necessarily better prepared to deal with these threats. Respondents aged 18–24 were the group that struggled the most to identify AI-generated images.
Increased risk during the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Increased risk during the 2026 FIFA World CupParticular concern is being raised by the fact that many fans planning to travel for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is already underway, appear willing to take greater risks in order to save money. According to the study, they are more likely to use unfamiliar websites or less secure payment methods when booking accommodation.
Nearly half of Americans (46%) say that the risk of fraud is a major concern when booking accommodation online, while 66% are willing to pay more for additional guarantees and protection.
Airbnb’s anti-fraud measures
Airbnb says it has significantly strengthened its security systems to protect both travelers and hosts. Among other measures, the company applies user identity verification processes, encourages all transactions to be completed exclusively within the platform, and provides support for bookings and payments.
In addition, the company revealed that in 2025 it prevented approximately 265,000 listings deemed potentially suspicious from being published through its fraud detection systems, while also removing phishing websites attempting to impersonate the platform.
Airbnb is also working with the International Association of Financial Crimes Investigators to raise public awareness about travel scams and promote safer online booking practices.
