Airbnb and Rental Scams in Singapore: How to Verify Listings Before Paying

Introduction

Singapore’s property market is fast-paced and competitive. Whether you are looking for a short-term Airbnb for a staycation, a serviced apartment for visiting family, or a longer-term rental, online listings make the process convenient. However, they also provide opportunities for fraud. Rental and Airbnb scams are rising globally, and Singapore is no exception. Scammers copy legitimate listings, lure renters with low prices, and pressure victims to pay deposits or transfer funds before inspection. One wrong click or rushed payment can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

This guide explains how rental and Airbnb scams operate in Singapore, highlights the red flags to watch for, and offers a step-by-step verification checklist before you pay. It also explains what to do if you suspect a scam and where to report it locally. Following these steps will help you reduce risk, book with confidence, and keep your money and identity safe.

Why Rental Scams Succeed in Singapore

• High demand and low supply: Popular and reasonably priced rentals are snapped up quickly, creating urgency that scammers exploit.

• Professional-looking listings: Scammers can copy photos, descriptions, and prices from legitimate adverts and repost them on classified sites or social platforms.

• Pressure tactics: Fake hosts often push for immediate payments via bank transfer, PayNow, e-wallets, or even cryptocurrency.

• Limited on-site inspections: Short-term renters often never visit the property before paying, removing an important layer of protection.

• Cross-border complexity: Scammers outside Singapore may pose as local hosts, making follow-up and recovery more difficult.

Common Types of Airbnb and Rental Scams

• Fake listing copy: Scammers replicate real listings, repost with a lower price, and encourage off-platform communication.

• Phantom property scam: The property does not exist or is not for rent.

• Hijacked booking: A genuine host’s account is compromised, and a scammer reroutes bookings and payments.

• Upfront deposit fraud: Scammers demand deposits before you see the property.

• Fake subletting: A tenant sublets without permission, or a non-tenant poses as the owner.

• Overpayment/refund trick: The scammer overpays and asks for a refund, while the original payment fails.

• Identity phishing: Scammers request personal documents and use them for identity theft.

Red Flags to Spot Immediately

• Prices significantly lower than similar listings.

• Requests for off-platform payments such as bank transfer, PayNow, e-wallet, cash, or cryptocurrency.

• Hosts with no reviews, new accounts, or limited platform history.

• Vague or inconsistent listing details.

• Pressure for immediate payment or refusal to allow viewing.

• Requests for sensitive documents too early.

Step-by-Step Verification Checklist for Rental Scam

1. Stay on the platform

• Use trusted platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, PropertyGuru, 99.co, and keep communications and payments there. Off-platform requests are a red flag.

2. Verify listing photos

• Use reverse image search with Google Images or TinEye. Duplicate photos across multiple listings can indicate fraud.

3. Confirm the address and ownership

• Request the unit address and check nearby landmarks. HDB flats require proof of subletting permission. For private condos, ask for proof of ownership or management authority.

4. Verify the host’s identity

• Check profile reviews and identity verification status.

• Request a live video call or walkthrough.

• Confirm local contact details with a phone call.

5. Cross-check the listing

• Search the address and photos across multiple platforms. Inconsistent details may indicate a hijacked or copied listing.

6. Read reviews critically

• Genuine reviews provide specifics. Generic reviews with similar language may be fake.

7. Insist on official documentation

• For long-term rentals, request a tenancy agreement. For short stays, get official booking confirmation.

8. Use secure payments

• Prefer platform payments. If using bank transfer, confirm the recipient’s details match the host ID and keep receipts.

9. Arrange a video walkthrough or inspection

• Request a live video tour showing unique features, building number, and surroundings.

10. Check supporting paperwork

• Ask for redacted utility bills or proof of ownership/tenancy.

11. Verify agents

• Check CEA registration and confirm credentials.

12. Meet in public for key collection

• For initial handovers, meet at the property or a public location.

Special Considerations for HDB Units

• HDB subletting is strictly regulated. Short-term rentals are generally prohibited unless approved. Always verify legitimacy and approvals.

What to Do if You Suspect a Scam

1. Stop communication and do not pay.

2. Collect all evidence, including screenshots, messages, receipts, and listing URLs.

3. Report to the platform for resolution and possible refunds.

4. File a police report online or at the nearest Neighbourhood Police Centre.

5. Contact your bank to request a recall or block further transfers.

6. Report to CASE and CEA if applicable.

Prevention Quick Checklist

• Keep communications on-platform.

• Reverse image search photos.

• Request live walkthroughs.

• Verify host identity and agent licences.

• Secure payment methods only.

• Avoid sharing NRIC, bank logins, or OTPs.

• Report suspicious listings and file a police and help report.

  • Singapore Police Force: www.police.gov.sg

  • Airbnb Help Centre: www.airbnb.com/help

   

Conclusion

Airbnb and rental scams are preventable with vigilance. Keep communications on-platform, check photos and host identities, request walkthroughs, and pay through secure channels. If you suspect fraud, gather evidence, report it, and contact your bank. Staying informed and cautious allows you to enjoy Singapore’s rental options without falling victim.

Follow Scam.SG to access up-to-date scam alerts and resources tailored to Singapore. Stay safe and verify before you pay.