Australian holidaymakers are being warned about a surge in sophisticated accommodation scams on social media platforms, where fraudsters create fake rental listings using stolen photos and pressure victims into paying deposits for properties that do not exist.
How the Scams Work
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), reports of accommodation scams have increased by 30% in the past year, with losses totalling over $2.5 million in 2025 alone. Scammers typically target popular holiday destinations such as the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, and the Whitsundays, posting alluring photos of beachfront villas or luxury apartments at unbelievably low prices.
"These scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using real photos from legitimate listings and creating fake profiles to appear trustworthy," said ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard. "They often claim there is high demand and urge the victim to pay a deposit immediately to secure the booking."
Red Flags to Watch For
The ACCC advises travellers to be wary of listings that require payment via bank transfer or cryptocurrency, as these methods offer little recourse for victims. Other red flags include poor grammar in messages, a sense of urgency, and the owner being unavailable for a phone call or video tour.
"If the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is," Rickard added. "Always book through reputable platforms that offer secure payment methods and buyer protection."
Impact on Travellers
Victims often only discover the scam upon arrival at the address, which is either vacant land or an unrelated property. Many are left stranded without accommodation during peak holiday periods, facing additional costs for last-minute bookings.
Social media companies have faced criticism for not doing enough to verify advertisers. Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, stated it uses automated systems to detect fraudulent listings but acknowledged that scammers constantly adapt their tactics.
Protecting Yourself
To avoid falling victim, the ACCC recommends using established booking sites, reading reviews from multiple sources, and never paying outside of the platform's payment system. Travellers should also verify the property's existence through Google Maps or by contacting local tourism offices.
If you suspect a scam, report it to the ACCC via Scamwatch and contact your bank immediately to attempt a transaction reversal.
