How to protect yourself from fake offers on accommodation platforms? Booking increases security measures
Online accommodation booking platforms are very popular, but their security measures are often seriously flawed. According to a recent analysis, one of the largest platforms in the travel industry has faced repeated problems with fraudulent offers and inadequate customer protection.
One of the main problems is the communication system between hosts and guests, which allows fraudsters easy access to unauthorised practices. The lack of verification of hosts’ identity leads to fictitious accommodation offers appearing on websites. This can lead to situations where customers book and pay for a stay in a property that does not actually exist.
A recent survey revealed a number of user complaints about cases where, on arrival, the accommodation booked turned out not to be as advertised or not to exist at all. Dozens of users described their experiences of fake rentals where they found, for example, an office or a completely different property instead of the expected hotel room or apartment.
One case was that of a British couple who booked accommodation in Normandy for their cycling holiday. On arrival, they found that instead of the promised apartment, they found themselves in a building more akin to a medical facility. When they tried to resolve the situation, they encountered long delays and the platform’s unwillingness to refund their money. It was only after several urgings that they managed to recover the amount paid.
Another serious weakness is the lack of review control. Customers often raise suspicious offers through negative reviews, but their suggestions remain without adequate response. Some fake offers remain active even after dozens of users warn about the scam. In one case, a fraudulent rental was available for many months, despite 36 one-star reviews warning of fraudulent behavior. The offer was only removed after intervention by external parties.
While the platform claims to actively combat fraud, the effectiveness of its measures remains questionable. For example, it temporarily restricts new hosts from accepting upfront payments until they receive positive reviews, but this strategy has proven insufficient. Fraudsters often create several fake bookings that they rate themselves, bypassing the verification system.
Experts agree that one of the key measures would be to tighten the verification process for host registration. The introduction of mandatory identity verification, for example through identity documents or video verification, could significantly reduce the number of fake offers. Another recommendation is two-factor authentication for all users, which would help prevent unauthorised access and fraudulent activities.
Last but not least, it would be desirable for the platform to proactively monitor and evaluate offers with a suspiciously high number of negative reviews. If there are repeated complaints about non-existent or closed accommodation, such offers should be automatically removed and the operator should be scrutinised.
Although the platform declares its commitment to protect users from fraud, the reality shows that the system still contains serious loopholes. Until more effective measures are implemented, the risk of fraud and disappointed customers will persist.
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