Imposter Airbnb

Victim Location 94605

Type of a scam Phishing

There is an account on AirBnB that has been scamming people. They have been sending unsuspecting people to our home when they book a rental. The people show up confused and this has happened twice this month. We have looked at the email the scammer sent and it is indeed our address. The scammer host phone number is disconnected but this is it: (510) 682-0126 We are not renting our home and never have. We live in the Oakland Hills of thr California Bay Area.

Victim Location 90815

Type of a scam Rental

He said his name was Jose Luis Salcedo.

When. He first texted me, he didn’t even know the locations address for where I was interested in. I played along but then it got more suspicious. He said his daughter used to live there and he’s the owner but it’s a single apartment in a maybe 5unit building. Just didn’t add up. The link he sent looks real and he says you can chat live with someone for help but I’m sure that’s just him. The website is fake and all the links on it lead back to the same page.

This is the email he sent me. He only ever got my name, email and number.

"Nice to hear back from you. All sounds good and i feel that we are ready to proceed. You should know that i want to use Airbnb services in order to book, inspect and sign the lease. They will be in charge of everything and the entire transaction will be done thru them, so we are both safe and secure. The reason why i am doing like this, is that we dont live in the US anymore and we really need to rent this property for long term. My daughter used to live there but now we are relocating in Spain and we no longer need it. Please send me your full name so i can contact Airbnb and initiate the transaction and they will get in touch with you with necessary steps and instructions you need to follow in order to check the property and sign the lease. Rent price is $1,000 with all utilities included.

I look forward to get your reply."

Victim Location 90023

Total money lost $1,250

Type of a scam Rental

I’ve been looking for a new rental home for the past month I got onto the app Zillow and Trulia to look for options I found a two bedroom two bath in Los Angeles California with the address of 1100 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles California for $1,250. I sent my my renters resume through the app Trulia and Zillow which is required in order to contact the one who’s in charge of the property. I finally received a email stating if I was still interested in the home I replied to a so-called call Lissa Collen. Through the email she notified me that I would be in contact with an agent from Airbnb and that all payments will go through Airbnb. I confirmed that I was interested in the home so she confirmed to Airbnb she explained that there would have to be a security down payment to make it official for the rental agreement once that would be done I would see the rental and if I was not satisfied my money would be refunded through my agent from Airbnb. Since I’ve heard of Airbnb and I know a few people that go through them I figured it was okay once the agent called and contacted me we spoke exchanged information and did a transaction once the transaction was made I couldn’t contact him no more I called the company and they claimed that it was all a scam that there is nothing in there files that says I have made such agreements with them I gave them a confirmation number I gave them the name of Lissa Collen and they denied such information on their database I asked them how is it possible do that their company and agents do such a thing I looked into the address more and it comes out in many websites zumper,Zillow ,Trulia and Airbnb stating there was a rental going through all four companys. I did a transaction as I was told I am literally at the end of my contract for the home I’m in right now and I am forced to move out as well as my partner now we paid 1250 u.s. dollars to receive a keys and a phone call from one of your agents and it backfired not only did we lose the money because it was a scam but now we’re on the streets homeless until we save up to get another spot I don’t understand how it is possible to use someone’s website or company name to scam others for their money and not do nothing about it. Contact information links to your website. When i called Airbnb to confirm my payment they finnally said it was a scam how is it ok to continue allowing this to happen to socal clients of airbnb or Trulia Zillow and Zumper. Families work hard to earn money and for it to be taken like that and end up in the streets isnt fair i am a victim and i need my money back to afford a home

Victim Location 07407

Total money lost $990

Type of a scam Fake Invoice/Supplier Bill

I was emailed by a scammer presenting himself as the host of an Airbnb property I expressed interest in renting. He emailed info and links to the rental listing, and created separate email posing as the Airbnb company. The scammer was in thorough email communications, sending info about the property and answering many questions. He sent fake reservation confirmations, invoices, payment instructions, and payment confirmations. He coerced me into creating an account to purchase and pay the security deposit via bitcoin. After paying the security deposit, I received Airbnb receipts and then was unable to contact the host or confirm the reservation with the actual Airbnb company.