Overview
- Polizia Postale and Airbnb have issued a joint seven-point vademecum for travelers that packages clear, short advice to prevent common online booking scams ahead of the summer season.
- Authorities say the most common schemes include ‘ghost’ listings that use stolen photos, hosts who disappear after taking a deposit, bait prices and pressure tactics to force quick payments.
- The guide tells users to verify website URLs, avoid unexpected links, keep booking, payment and messages inside the platform, refuse direct bank transfers and report any anomalies.
- Airbnb highlighted its technical defenses — including holding host payouts until check-in and global anti-phishing takedowns — and said platform-only communication preserves access to refunds and support.
- Separate research shows the scale of the problem in Italy, with millions affected and large financial losses, and officials warn sustained fraud could erode consumer trust and damage businesses that rely on online bookings.