Worldwide: Airbnb has warned that young people are particularly at risk of online fraud, in a message to customers booking holidays through its website.
New research by Airbnb, in partnership with Get Safe Online, found that over 40 percent of people under 30 search for 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 it were promoted by an influencer or celebrity.
To coincide with what its data identifies as the peak period for booking Easter getaways, Airbnb has shared these findings alongside a set of safety tips to help users avoid scams. The research 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 fraudsters, a figure that has been steadily rising in recent years.
This increase is partly due to unsafe booking practices, such as booking through social media, as well as the rise of fraudsters using AI. Two-thirds of respondents said they would struggle to identify AI-generated images of properties. In its message, Airbnb urged customers to avoid unexpected links, report suspicious activity, and be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true or require high deposits.
Additionally, the short-term rentals company advised customers to avoid paying for holidays via direct bank transfer, use only trusted platforms for booking and payments, and secure their online accounts with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
Amanda Cupples, Airbnb’s general manager for the UK and Northern Europe said: “As people look to plan their Easter break, holidaymakers should remain vigilant when browsing for trips. New technologies are fast emerging, and using trusted platforms to book, pay, and communicate is the best way to beat potential fraudsters. We have safeguards in place to protect stays booked on Airbnb, including secure payment processes and support measures like AirCover.”
Get Safe Online CEO Tony Neate added: “As you seek out deals when securing your hard-earned break, as the research shows, this year it’s more important than ever to stay alert when booking a holiday. When it comes to payment, always pay on a trusted platform, which will provide better protection than parting with your money to someone you don’t know. And trust your instincts—if a deal looks too good to be true, then it probably is.”
