THE Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is warning holiday makers to be on the look out for scams on popular accommodation sites such as Airbnb.
The warning comes after more than 150 scams listed on sharing economy websites were reported to the commission's Scamwatch, with $80,000 reportedly lost.
"Watch out for scammers advertising accommodation deals in great locations at cheap prices," said the commission's deputy chair Delia Rickard.
"When you go to book a break, scammers direct you away from the site and ask you to pay them directly using money orders or wire transfer services such as Western Union and MoneyGram."
Some scammers have created convincing fake versions of the booking sites to collect personal details and banking information.
Scamwatch has also received reports about victims receiving official looking confirmation emails using logos and email addresses.
"Never click on links in these emails and don't reply to them," Ms Rickard said.
"Double check that the URL, website or email address is correct and be aware that links may redirect you towards a fake address that looks similar to the original site."
Ms Rickard said most legitimate websites and peer-to-peer platforms set up secure payment systems where the operator acts as an intermediary between the traveller and property owner.
This ensures both owners and customers have safeguards such as refunds, cancellation policies and dispute resolution.
"Any request for payment to be made via a method other than through the approved payment methods on the actual site should be ignored," Ms Rickard said.
"If you are directed to pay for accommodation using a payment method outside the on-site payment, check advice on the official site and report the post to that site."
