Airbnb warns Chiefs fans of potential Arizona vacation booking scams

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Airbnb has warned Chiefs fans of potential scams and provided ways to stay safe if they plan to book a staycation to watch the Super Bowl in Arizona.

On Monday, January 30, Airbnb says he has released a safety and guest booking guide for Chiefs fans who will be traveling to the Greater Phoenix area for the Big Game in February. While area hotels were reportedly full for months long before Kansas City got in the game, fans can still find affordable options with Airbnb hosts.

For example, the service noted that ads currently available in Maricopa Co. cost $500 or less. As such, he anticipates a significant increase in bookings over the next few days in the Philadelphia and Kansas City areas.

With most fans booking on short notice without weeks of preparation, Airbnb said it prioritized support and safety tips for Phoenix travelers to promote a positive experience. This includes a dedicated community support team that will exclusively attend to customer needs in the Phoenix area for the next few weeks.

First and foremost, the website warned against third-party scams. At these types of events, he said malicious actors often try to take advantage of bargain hunters and exploit the brands of trusted platforms like Airbnb.

The service said the increasingly common type of scam includes those that attempt to trick travelers into booking on third-party websites unrelated to Airbnb. They can pretend the accommodation is managed by Airbnb and fake what appears to be an Airbnb webpage or send a fake receipt to legitimize the scam.

In reality, Airbnb said these too-good-to-be-true deals are fake and the listing doesn’t exist, however, by the time the guest realizes this, their money is gone. These types of scams are even more common during major events when customers are looking for affordable deals.

Airbnb said customers can avoid falling prey by communicating and paying through trusted platforms. Chiefs fans can protect their information and stay safe on the Airbnb platform throughout the process, from communication to booking and payment. It will never ask customers to pay for a stay anywhere other than on its own platform.

When searching for listings, Airbnb said travelers should start directly on its page or app.

If anyone thinks they’ve come across a webpage purporting to look like Airbnb, the service said they can be reported. HERE.

Airbnb noted that it withholds payment for a reservation from the host for up to 24 hours after guest check-in, giving the guest time to make sure everything is as it should be and to report problems. It also reminds guests to stay on Airbnb to communicate, book and pay for a stay – never leave the platform.

In the rare event that a customer encounters a listing of concern, it may be reported. Likewise, if a guest suspects that a host is trying to scam them, they should immediately report the incident. HERE.

Airbnb has also offered the following guidelines to keep guests safe and secure during their stay:

• Search and book with confidence. Customers can get exactly what they want with search filters such as price, home type, and amenities. They should be sure to read the host profile and listing description carefully, paying particular attention to amenities, house rules or travel conditions, and cancellation policies.
• Read ratings and reviews. Customers can check out feedback from past customers to help find a good fit. Ratings on several dimensions of quality are given, such as cleanliness and accuracy, along with detailed reviews with genuine comments about the experience. Travelers can only leave a review after they’ve stayed with a specific host so they know the review is based on a real experience.
• Guest questions are answered. Airbnb’s secure messaging tool is a great way to ask the potential host about their home experience before booking. After booking, guests can coordinate and stay in touch with the host throughout the trip.
• Do a security check. Once guests arrive home, they should ensure they know where all relevant emergency equipment and safety information is located. If it’s unclear where to find something like a first aid kit, fire extinguisher or smoke detector, travelers should feel free to ask the host – it’s always best to be prepared.
• Respect the neighbors. Customers who book through Airbnb aren’t just entering a home, they’re joining a community. Whether vacationing in a single-family home or condo, guests will be surrounded by neighbors with normal work hours and may have young children. It is important to pay attention to noise and respect the space.
• If something is wrong, contact us. If guests arrive at a home and something is wrong, they should contact the support team HERE.

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