When Airbnb Bookings Go Wrong – Scams, and how They Happen

Read more about the CBC Marketplace Story that aired March 22nd: https://ift.tt/2HzbSqX

Attention fellow travelers to Newfoundland! If you're planning a trip to this magnificent destination, I've got some valuable advice for you. When it comes to finding the perfect accommodation, it's always wise to book directly with the hotels or small businesses. Let me tell you why.

Sure, Airbnb has revolutionized the short-term accommodations market, offering an array of choices for the discerning consumer. But let's face it, relying solely on platforms like Airbnb may not always guarantee a smooth experience. Take David Jackel's unfortunate Airbnb scam incident during his vacation to Mexico, for example. He had booked a condo six months in advance, only to have his stay canceled just days before his arrival. Talk about a last-minute disaster!

And David's story is not uncommon. Consumer reviews and independent research have consistently shown that last-minute host cancellations are one of the most common complaints from Airbnb guests. Picture this: you've just landed at St. John's International Airport, ready to kick off your Newfoundland adventure, but as you power up your phone, you discover that your Airbnb host has bailed on you. Suddenly, you find yourself scrambling to find alternative accommodation in a fully booked and sold-out market. Not exactly the way you want to begin your vacation, right?

Now, I'm not saying that all hosts on Airbnb are unreliable. Of course, there are legitimate reasons why hosts may cancel, such as unexpected natural disasters.

However, the higher prevalence of these last-minute cancellations can leave you feeling stranded and disappointed.

Travel blogger Asher Fergusson analyzed more than 1,000, and their risks

How Common are Last Minute Airbnb Host Cancelations?

Consumer review analysis by market watchdog AirDNA and independent research conducted by travel blogger Asher Fergusson show the most common complaint by Airbnb guests is last minute cancellation by the host, leaving the guest scrambling to find alternative accommodation.

Imagine landing at St. John's International Airport on the first day of your Newfoundland vacation only to power up your mobile phone at the baggage carousel and find out your host has cancelled your stay at the last minute, leaving you stuck and often times scrambling to find an alternative place to stay when almost all places are already booked and sold out. It's not the way anyone want's to spend the first day of their Newfoundland vacation.

Why Are Last Moment Cancelations By Hosts So Common On Platforms Like Airbnb?

As in any marketplace, there are legitimate reasons why a short term accommodation host may cancel on a guest at the last minute, like natural disaster or flooding for example, but this doesn't account for the higher prevalence of last-minute host cancelations on Airbnb.

It turns out, there is another motivation by unscrupulous hosts, and that motivation is monetary. What some hosts will do is advertise their accommodations on multiple platforms like VRBO, Home Away, Booking.com, and Airbnb at varying prices. Then, at the last moment, the host will honor the booking that will pay them the most money, and simply cancel the other bookings at the last minute, leaving the guest stuck in a foreign city with no place to stay.

How Do I Avoid An Airbnb Scam?

Home sharing and short term vacation rental services are here to stay, and they're a great resource when it comes to finding a short term rental in Newfoundland or anywhere else in the world. The key is to do your homework and choose hosts that are reputable. Online platforms like Airbnb have online host reviews that go a long way in helping you select the best vacation rental.

"If you're not reading host reviews before you book on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Home Away, you're playing a game of Russian roulette," says Jarrod Penton at Whale House Guest House.

"You need to do your homework and choose a host with 5-star reviews or super host status. If dozens of other guests have rated their experience as five star, your experience will most likely be great. If, however, other guests have left bad reviews about their stay, you should think twice and look at alternatives before making your final decision".

Should I Book Direct In Newfoundland?

That's why I encourage you to consider booking directly with hotels and small businesses. By doing so, you can enjoy peace of mind knowing that your reservation is secure. Plus, you'll have direct communication and support from the staff, ensuring a smoother and more personalized experience.

So, fellow travelers, remember this important lesson when planning your trip to Newfoundland: steer clear of any potential Airbnb mishaps by booking direct with the hotels and small businesses. Your adventure deserves the best, and direct booking is the way to make it happen. Safe travels!