Tourism

Travel, police and Airbnb's 6 rules to avoid online scams (powered by AI)

Increase in online scams in 2024 (+14% compared to 2023). Victims not only the elderly but also 'digital natives'

by Rome Editorial Staff

8 July 2025

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Turismo Magazine - 5/7/2025

3' min read

Key points

1. Check the Url of the website you are visiting
2. Do not click on suspicious or unexpected links
3. Beware of overbidding or high down payments
4. Never make payments outside the platform.
5. Book, pay and communicate only via Airbnb
6. Read reviews

3' min read

In 2024, around 19,000 cases of online fraud were recorded (+14% compared to 2023) with sums stolen exceeding EUR 183 million (+31% over the previous year). It is not only the elderly who end up in the crosshairs, but also 'digital natives', deceived by phishing, fake ads or credit card fraud carried out on fake websites, through misleading emails but also via social networks and instant messaging apps. A phenomenon made even more insidious by the potential of AI and its distorted use. For this reason, the State Police and Airbnb have renewed their collaboration to help people book their holiday safely with an information campaign that identifies six rules to avoid scams. Here they are.

1. Check the Url of the website you are visiting

Whether you are using a computer or a smartphone, make sure you are on the official site. Use the Airbnb app or go directly to www.airbnb.it. If in doubt, type airbnb.com into your browser to start your search safely.

2. Do not click on suspicious or unexpected links

An overly casual attitude on social media can lead younger people in particular to fall victim to fraud. If you are not sure whether a message or post is from a legitimate company, do not click on links. Airbnb provides guidance on how to recognise an authentic link or email.

3. Beware of overbids or high down payments

If an offer seems too good to be true - especially if advertised on social media - it could be a scam. In such cases, it is best to stop all communication immediately. Take the time to compare the available options and do not let yourself be rushed into paying.

4. Never make payments outside the platform.

Airbnb protects its users by directly managing all communications and transactions on the platform. If someone asks you to pay or communicate outside the platform, it is most likely a scam. Reject any such proposal and report the incident immediately.

5. Book, pay and communicate only via Airbnb

To benefit from Airbnb's protections, all activity must take place on the platform. Every booking is covered by AirCover: If there's a serious problem and the host can't fix it, Airbnb will help you find an alternative or give you a refund. If someone asks you to leave the platform, report them.

6. Read the reviews

Check what other guests say to make a more informed decision. Check out ratings, reviews and descriptions of the listing. You can also write to your host via messaging on the platform before booking.

"Prevention is a fundamental tool to counter online scams, which in the summer period can also affect holiday home bookings. In this context, it is important to remember the consolidated collaboration with platforms such as Airbnb, which allows us to provide citizens with useful indications to recognise and avoid increasingly sophisticated scams, also due to the use of artificial intelligence by fraudsters," explained Luigi Bovio, Director of the Online Financial Crimes Division of the Postal Police.

"With the summer holidays approaching, we want to help travellers recognise the warning signs and know what to look out for," emphasises Matteo Sarzana, Country Manager of Airbnb Italy. "Attempts at fraud on Airbnb are extremely rare, thanks in part to our decision to manage payments directly and pay host fees only 24 hours after check-in. By booking, paying and communicating exclusively through Airbnb, guests are protected by our security systems and refund policies'.