Fake Airbnb Host Deposit Scams on Booking Sites
How scammers impersonate Airbnb or other short-let platform hosts to collect security deposits outside the platform's payment system, then disappear.
Part of: Fake Airbnb Host Deposit Scam
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026
Short-let platforms like Airbnb process all payments through their own systems specifically to protect both guests and hosts. Scammers who list properties — or hijack real listings — attempt to move payment conversations outside the platform by requesting a security deposit, a damage waiver, or a final balance payment by bank transfer or card through an external link.
Because security deposits are a normal feature of short-let stays, guests do not immediately question the request. Once payment is made outside the platform, the scammer has funds that Airbnb's dispute resolution cannot retrieve, and the property may not be available on arrival.
How this scam works on booking sites
A guest books a property through Airbnb or a similar platform. Shortly after booking, a message arrives — appearing to come from the host — asking the guest to pay a security deposit or cleaning fee outside the platform due to a stated processing issue, a lower-fee alternative, or a request for the guest's direct contact details to 'discuss the booking'.
The message may be sent through the platform's own messaging system if the host's account has been compromised, lending it apparent legitimacy. Payment is made by bank transfer or through a payment link. On arrival, the property is unavailable or the host has no knowledge of the external payment.
Common red flags
- Host requests any payment outside the booking platform after a confirmed reservation
- Message cites a platform processing error as reason to pay directly
- Host asks for your email or phone number to continue the booking discussion outside the app
- A payment link in a platform message leads to an external website
- Deposit amount requested is higher than typical for the property size and location
How to protect yourself
- Never pay a deposit, cleaning fee, or any booking-related amount outside the official platform
- Report any request to pay outside the platform to the platform's trust and safety team immediately
- Communicate with hosts exclusively through the booking platform's messaging system
- If the property is presented as requiring external payment, choose a different listing
- Use the platform's official help if a booking goes wrong — external payments cannot be covered by platform guarantees
How to report it
- Report the host and the communication to Airbnb or the relevant platform's trust and safety team
- Report to Action Fraud (UK) or the FTC (US) at reportfraud.ftc.gov
- Contact your bank if an external payment was made to attempt a recall
Frequently asked questions
Does Airbnb ever ask guests to pay outside their app?
No. All legitimate Airbnb transactions — including security deposits and cleaning fees — are processed through Airbnb's payment system. Any request to pay outside the platform, regardless of the stated reason, is a sign of fraud.