Airbnb isn’t just connecting travelers with cozy stays anymore—it’s also becoming a hotbed for scammers. A new book by South African media scholar Julie Reid digs into how digital crooks exploit big tech platforms like Airbnb, Uber, and others through what she calls delusive speech—a sneaky form of criminal disinformation designed to deceive and profit.Reid’s research draws from over 600 global cases involving victims scammed, endangered, or worse through Airbnb listings. Her findings? The trust-based model of the sharing economy is deeply flawed—and ripe for abuse.
How the Scams Work
Phantom listings are the classic con: scammers post fake rentals, accept bookings and payments, then vanish. Guests show up to find no property exists. Other tactics include:
- Bait-and-switch: The "host" cancels at the last minute and shuffles guests into worse, sometimes unsafe, accommodations.
- Fake reviews: Networks of scammers flood listings with bogus five-star reviews.
- Off-platform payments: Victims are lured away from Airbnb’s secure payment system to pay via shady links—and lose everything.
- Criminal intent: Beyond fraud, some guests have been physically harmed—robbed, assaulted, trafficked, or worse—once inside fake listings.
The Role of Disinformation
Delusive speech isn’t political propaganda—it’s criminal deception masquerading as truth. And it thrives on platforms built on trust. Fraudulent listings look just like real ones, right down to polished photos (often AI-generated) and glowing reviews.
Scammers exploit that trust and the fact that users are already in “buy mode” the moment they open the app.
Can Airbnb Fix It?
Airbnb claims to be cracking down with machine learning, safety teams, and travel insurance. But Reid’s research shows these measures fall short. Verification systems are easily bypassed. Negative reviews are censored. Fraudulent listings often remain live even after being reported.
Reid argues Airbnb must:
- Overhaul its review system to allow honest criticism.
- Adopt international human rights standards for content moderation.
- Immediately remove verified scam listings to protect future guests.
What Can You Do?
- Don’t trust—verify: Ask for personal recommendations. If that’s not an option, stick to hotels booked directly.
- Use Google Street View to confirm the address exists.
- Stay on-platform for payments.
- Have a backup plan in case your stay goes sideways.
- Always buy travel insurance.
A Bigger Problem
Reid’s book goes beyond Airbnb. Delusive speech infects everything: dating apps, ride-shares, travel sites, even social media. The takeaway? Big tech platforms aren’t just vulnerable—they’re enabling modern digital crime.
And until serious reforms are made, every booking, swipe, or click is a gamble.