Large technology companies associated with the sharing economy platforms such as Airbnb and Uber are promoted as reliable options; however, a new book A media scholar from South Africa contends that individuals are particularly susceptible to fraudsters who disseminate misleading rhetoric (a type of misinformation crafted with deceptive intentions).
Julie Reid relies on firsthand narratives and more than 600 incidents globally where individuals were deceived into fraudulent situations or faced real dangers due to deceptive Airbnb reviews and postings. She offers an insightful analysis through these examples. We posed five queries to her regarding her book.
What is the mechanism behind these scams?
Airbnb stands as the globe’s premier lodging-sharing platform. It bridges homeowners seeking to lease their properties with tourists preferring options beyond conventional hotels. Recently, the firm has expanded Its offerings now include facilitation for booking various services such as personal trainers or caterers alongside rental accommodations.
Airbnb scams happen in several ways The clearest example is the phantom listing scam. In this scheme, scammers create an enticing yet fictitious listing on Airbnb and collect payments from naive guests. Only upon arriving at the location do the victims realize that the property does not actually exist. Additionally, scammers have become adept at circumventing Airbnb’s review process. They generate bogus positive feedback to deceive potential renters. scam host networks , causing them to seem genuine.
Bait and switch scams are also common Here’s how the scam unfolds: On check-in day, the host reaches out to claim that the booked property has become unexpectedly unavailable. In response, they propose an alternate lodging option. However, upon arrival, guests realize this substitute isn’t up to par with what they originally paid for—often because the initial listing was fictitious. As a result, individuals end up paying top dollar only to find themselves stuck in accommodations that could be hazardous, unkempt, or lacking essential facilities.
Scam hosts use misleading , plagiarised, or AI-generated Property photos and fabricated details paired with false individual bios and pseudonyms.
Misleading strategies also divert visitors from the safe Airbnb payment system to different payment options. The fraudster then vanishes with the funds.
However, the threat extends beyond financial crimes. The company’s operational approach relies on individuals being in someone else's private space, potentially jeopardizing the safety of visitors.
Criminals hosting these events can entice victims into hazardous settings. After arrival, participants become secluded from public sight, being kept within premises accessible only to their captors.
I have evaluated numerous instances where Airbnb guests were assaulted , robbed without any indications of forced entry, raped , murdered , made victims of sexploitation , extortion or human trafficking , or held hostage.
What is the mechanism behind disinformation?
I view deceptive communication as a form of misinformation since it disseminates deliberately false information widely. However, this type of speech varies from general misinformation in terms of motivation. The aim is not to advance a specific agenda or achieve an ideological, military, or political edge. Instead, deceptive communication stems solely from unlawful purposes or malicious monetary benefits.
Read more: The sharing economy may put you at risk for various liabilities—here’s what you can do to safeguard yourself.
Misleading statements operate by blending into the background on platforms we consider reliable, such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Uber, among others. Typically, these deceptive messages are nearly impossible to differentiate from truthful and sincere information. As individuals explore vacation rental choices on Airbnb, they encounter various possibilities. An impostor property listing appears just as authentic and credible as a real one.
This happens on a platform that has built its brand narrative around the concept of trust Scammers take advantage of these digital environments where trust has already been established. Once users sign in to well-known e-commerce or sharing economy sites, they are prepared to make purchases. This makes it simpler for fraudsters to deceive victims into handing over their funds.
How might Airbnb address this issue?
Airbnb already incorporates multiple trust and safety measures. These encompass rapid response teams , an expert Trust and Safety Guidance Council and travel insurance for guests. The company claims attempting to prevent fake listings using machine learning technology .
Unfortunately, none of these systems function flawlessly. Even though Airbnb is included, promises To confirm property and host authenticity, my examination reveals weaknesses within these systems. Fraudsters readily circumvent verification levels using pseudonyms, fake paperwork, and AI-created content. Airbnb faces this issue as well. admitted It must tackle the shortcomings of its verification procedures.
Read more: Ways to remain secure online: 5 key articles to read
My analysis uncovered how scammed guests are routinely denied the opportunity to post reviews of problematic rentals. Opaque terms of service and content policies allow Airbnb customer service agents and executives To rationalize suppressing unfavorable yet truthful customer feedback.
This indicates that hazardous and deceptive activities remain undisclosed and unchecked in public view, putting subsequent visitors at risk. I contend that Airbnb’s review moderation processes ought to be updated based on globally accepted standards. human rights frameworks These measures would safeguard free expression, enabling truthful depictions of visitor encounters and fostering a more secure digital space.
One of the frequent issues I came across was that Airbnb fails to eliminate problematic listings from their site, despite receiving proof from victims who have been deceived by fraudulent hosts. It is crucial for Airbnb to establish a prompt procedure for quickly taking down such listings once they're identified, ensuring that subsequent guests are safeguarded against encountering similar scams.
How can users safeguard themselves?
Visitors can safeguard themselves by exercising additional caution. Inquire locally. Obtain referrals from individuals you trust and who can confirm that the accommodation you're reserving truly exists and that the host is reliable.
If that isn't possible, opt for an established hotel instead, but make sure to book directly through the hotel rather than using third-party websites such as Booking.com, where listings may be fake. Check Google Street View To confirm that the property is located where it says it is.
In either scenario, make sure to have a backup plan just in case something goes awry. Before embarking on your journey, determine your course of action should you encounter an unsafe environment. As usual, never forget to purchase travel insurance.
Could this be part of a larger issue?
In this book, I examined various types of scams that originate from digital sources. Although my primary case study was centered around Airbnb, deceptive communication online is not exclusive to this particular platform. Deceptive communications now permeate through every significant technology platform that plays an essential role in our daily lives.
Read more: How Airbnb Is Redefining Our Urban Landscapes
In the book, I also shed light on how fraudsters operate across all segments of the web, including dating apps like Grindr , Tinder and Hinge ; ride-sharing services like Uber , Lyft and Bolt ; travel sites like Booking.com along with Hotels.com; and social networking platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and YouTube , among others.
I trust that these illustrations will increase understanding about the dangers associated with utilizing such applications and websites.
Julie Reid , Professor at the University of South Africa
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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