Avoiding fraud, scams, and abuse

We take steps to protect Airbnb's platform's integrity and mitigate the risks and losses associated with fraud, scams and abuse by taking action against violators.

What we do allow

• Select off-site payments: Certain off-site payments are permitted only when permission has been granted in advance by Airbnb and guests are made aware prior to booking. This includes but is not limited to: collections of local tax or occupancy tax, “all-inclusive” fees at timeshares or resorts, security deposits or incidental fees such as pet fees, valet parking, wifi charge, gym fee, breakfast fee, etc.

What we don’t allow

• Extortion: Hosts and guests must not use direct or indirect threats to coerce an intended outcome (e.g. a payment, review, etc.) from an individual or group.
• Off-platform activity: Hosts and guests must not communicate, share personal contact information, pay or request payment for a reservation or experience outside of Airbnb’s platform.
• Gift card abuse: Hosts and guests must not attempt to misuse Airbnb’s gift cards. Airbnb hosts must not ask guests to pay for a booking with an Airbnb gift card and must not ask guests to send gift card details either within or outside of the Airbnb website or app.
• Coupon and referral abuse: Hosts and guests must not attempt to misuse Airbnb’s coupon and referral programme.
• Non-fraud chargebacks: Hosts and guests must not attempt to misuse or make false chargeback claims to obtain a refund.

Learn more about our policy for collecting fees in person. 

We’re here to help

If you witness or experience behaviour that goes against our policies, please let us know.