Gen Z And Millennials Are The Top Targets For Travel Scams

New research from YouGov reveals that Gen Z and Millennials are the most likely to admit falling for scams, with victims losing an average of $2,267. Commissioned by Airbnb, the study also highlights that with the rising cost of living, nearly 30% of Australian travellers are willing to take more risks when booking a holiday if it saves a substantial amount of money.

Nearly 23% of people are willing to take risks to save money, even when they suspect a deal might be too good to be true. This highlights the critical importance of using trusted providers when making online purchases. As a platform built on trust, Airbnb has implemented extensive measures to protect its community, including dedicated teams and systems to prevent scams, industry-leading efforts to verify listings and secure on-platform messaging. Additionally, Airbnb offers guest payment protections, such as withholding payment 24 hours after check-in, to ensure everything is as expected.

With the rise of sophisticated online scams, often leveraging AI technology, fraudsters may try to exploit those searching for travel deals by creating fake websites, sending deceptive texts or emails, or using social media to impersonate legitimate companies. To combat this, Airbnb actively protects its brand and urges users to report suspicious websites or emails. Over the past year, Airbnb's dedicated team identified and neutralized nearly 2,500 third-party phishing domains worldwide.

Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb's Country Manager for Australia and New Zealand, emphasized the importance of safe booking practices, saying, "We want Aussies to know what to look for when booking travel and how to spot red flags. When using Airbnb, we urge guests to communicate, book, and pay only through our platform, where we have secure processes and protections like Aircover to guard against scams and ensure that issues are rare."

IAFC International's 1st Vice President Missy Coyne added, "Don't let scammers steal what you've worked hard for. If something seems off or too good to be true, talk to a trusted friend or family member before taking action."

To help travellers stay safe online, Airbnb and the IAFCI have shared tips for booking securely:

1. Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Be cautious of unexpected emails, texts, and social media posts. Don't engage with it or click links if you're unsure whether a message is legitimate. Airbnb guides recognise genuine links and emails.
2. Protect Your Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords for online accounts—12 characters or more make them harder to guess. Change your password immediately if you're notified of an unauthorized login attempt. Enable multi-factor authentication for added security.
3. Beware of Cheap Deals and Pressure Tactics: Searching outside of trusted sites can expose you to scams. Take your time to review details and compare options, especially if you feel rushed. Remember, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. This is crucial for younger travellers, as Gen Z is likelier to fall for scams than other generations.
4. Verify the URL Before You Pay: Always ensure you're on the legitimate travel provider's app or website before paying. When booking on Airbnb, type airbnb.com directly into your browser to start your search.
5. Use a Credit Card for Payments: Credit cards offer better consumer protection and make it easier to dispute charges if you fall for a scam. Be wary of payment requests via wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or gift cards—they're often signs of a scam.
6. Keep Communication and Payment on Airbnb: Requests to communicate or pay off-platform are red flags. Airbnb holds payments until 24 hours after check-in and offers Aircover protection for guests, so there's recourse if something goes wrong. You lose these protections if you book or pay outside the platform.
7. Check Listing Reviews: Read what previous guests have said about a host or listing before booking. Look at ratings and reviews, and thoroughly read the listing description. Listings marked as "Guest Favorites" or in the top percentage are more likely to offer a great experience. You can also message the host through Airbnb’s platform to ask questions.
8. Look for the “Verified Listing” Badge: A verified listing on Airbnb means that the space is real, has an accurate location, and the host has access to it. Over 2 million listings in Australia, the US, Canada, the UK, and France are verified and marked with badges.
9. Report Concerns Immediately: If you think you’ve fallen for a scam, contact your bank or financial institution immediately. On Airbnb, you can report suspicious messages within a thread or flag a listing using the "report this listing" option. If you’ve paid for an off-site booking, contact Airbnb’s customer support team immediately. Aircover protects guests' bookings on Airbnb, and 24/7 global customer support is available for assistance.

In addition to platforms like Airbnb, trusted accommodation providers such as Corporate Keys play a crucial role in ensuring safe and secure bookings. Corporate Keys offers fully furnished apartments tailored for short and long-term stays, providing a reliable alternative to traditional hotel accommodations. Travellers can minimize the risk of falling victim to online scams by choosing recognised providers like Corporate Keys, ensuring a more secure and hassle-free travel experience.