AirBnB scam

Delpel

Now then, I was hoping somebody may have experience of this and can offer some pearls of wisdom as to how I can resolve it.

I went on the site and found a property for rent in Barcelona next June. I emailed the owner regarding parking etc and he confirmed my request and suggested I contacted his brother-in-law who manages the property for further details. Eventually after several days, the parking arrangements were confirmed and I requested to book. I received an email saying I had been pre-approved and went ahead by clicking the "Confirm Booking" button on the email which took me to, what I thought was the AirBnB booking and payments page. When i tried to book it came up with an error saying the online card payment system was down due to security upgrades and prompted me to make an online transfer to a bank in Italy. At this time I was online chatting with a supposedly AirBnB customer support assistant who guided me through the process. I, duly received a confirmation email, again all very AirBnB looking to say my payment has been received, booking confirmed and the trip will appear on my profile in 2 working days. All of this was very convincing and very professionally presented. Needless to say nothing came off it. No booking, no trace and no help so far from Airbnb.
I have saved all the emails, chat transcript and bank payment details which I have forwarded to the trust and safety Team.
Am I whistling in the wind to recoup my money or does anybody have any advice or direction which I could use to expedite this matter.

AirBnB have been very slow in helping out. I get the impression they aren't interested so hopefully somebody on here may be able to help or point me in the right direction.
Cheers
Derek

ade1982

First port of call would be to contact the bank (particualrly if you booked via Credit Card)

NCC-1701

ade1982 wrote: »

First port of call would be to contact the bank (particualrly if you booked via Credit Card)

It was paid by bank transfer. Money will be long gone.

agrinnall

Yep, kiss your money goodbye I'm afraid, and if it wasn't a genuine Airbnb property you can surely understand why they're not interested in helping.

AndyPix

Delpel wrote: »

I went on the site and found a property for rent in Barcelona next June

I think the key to this will be inthis sentence ..


Did you go to the REAL airbnb site ? (initially i mean, obviously you didnt after clicking the link in the email)


Can you go to airbnb now, from a google search, and see the same property ?


If you did/can then i would suggest that it at least should be investigated by airbnb as their platform is being used as the springboard for a scam ..


If you went to a clone airbnb site in the first instance somehow, then you have been had and that's that


Although i loath these scam artists, one has to be impressed with the diversity of their cunning

Delpel

Cheers for the advice.
I did find the property via the official AirBnB site. It shows the conversation I had with their verified host. I'm hoping that gives me some leverage.

[Deleted User]

Do let us know how you get on..

missile

I do hope AirBnB have deleted that advert? Maybe you can add a warning comment as a review?

macman

No genuine provider will ask you to pay by bank transfer. And even if it had been genuine, that method gives you none of the protection you have with a debit or credit card.

Blackbeard_of_Perranporth

Delpel wrote: »

Now then, I was hoping somebody may have experience of this and can offer some pearls of wisdom as to how I can resolve it.

I went on the site and found a property for rent in Barcelona next June. I emailed the owner regarding parking etc and he confirmed my request and suggested I contacted his brother-in-law who manages the property for further details. Eventually after several days, the parking arrangements were confirmed and I requested to book. I received an email saying I had been pre-approved and went ahead by clicking the "Confirm Booking" button on the email which took me to, what I thought was the AirBnB booking and payments page. When i tried to book it came up with an error saying the online card payment system was down due to security upgrades and prompted me to make an online transfer to a bank in Italy. At this time I was online chatting with a supposedly AirBnB customer support assistant who guided me through the process. I, duly received a confirmation email, again all very AirBnB looking to say my payment has been received, booking confirmed and the trip will appear on my profile in 2 working days. All of this was very convincing and very professionally presented. Needless to say nothing came off it. No booking, no trace and no help so far from Airbnb.
I have saved all the emails, chat transcript and bank payment details which I have forwarded to the trust and safety Team.
Am I whistling in the wind to recoup my money or does anybody have any advice or direction which I could use to expedite this matter.

AirBnB have been very slow in helping out. I get the impression they aren't interested so hopefully somebody on here may be able to help or point me in the right direction.
Cheers
Derek

I'm afraid but you've been duped

DCFC79

I feel its lost OP, never ever pay by bank transfer to anyone unless you trust them eg family member or you could use a cheque for that.

There was alot of it in the news about people being duped and paying by bank transfer.

Its been in the news about being careful using airbnb and other holiday rental websites.

OP let us know what happens.