Scammers try to sell Airbnb homes
By Greg Collier
Some say there are numerous problems with short-term rental services like Airbnb. For example, some critics say the homes could be put to better use as family homes than short-term rentals. Especially while the country is in a housing crisis. Others say that Airbnb renters can be disruptive and destructive to residential neighborhoods. There’s also the problem of Airbnb hosts who rent out properties that are either below living standards or are misrepresented in the listing. Now, Airbnb can add one more problem to the list.
According to a report out of Portland, Oregon, Airbnb hosts have come across a new scam that could put their rental property in jeopardy. Multiple hosts have reported renting their units out to renters who turn out to be scammers. The scammers then pose as real estate agents and hold showings or open houses of the rental property. The properties are being listed on a real estate website that only deals with sales by the homeowners. Scammers are listing the homes at ridiculously low prices and are offering to sell them for cash in hand to only first-time homebuyers.
One Airbnb host was able to record a scammer showing the property to first-time buyers through a security camera. Where the camera was installed in the Airbnb is unknown.
If you’re an Airbnb host, it’s recommended you routinely check to make sure the property isn’t being listed for sale on sites like Zillow, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace.
If you’re a first-time homebuyer, try to avoid listings that are well below market value. Also, do plenty of research on the property first before making any payments. While paying for a home in full is the dream of every homeowner, finding a cheap home in good condition is more the exception than the rule. And the odds that you found the exception are very low.
Leave a Reply