I have the property in the pic above for rent in Kambuzuma. You can stay for a whole month for just $200. Just send it through to my EcoCash and I’ll set you up.
Airbnb has issued a warning about AI-generated scams affecting holidaymakers, with an average loss of over $2,000 reported by victims.
See, that’s the thing about AI—it’s a tool, and scammers can use it too, to great effect. Now they are ‘catfishing’ people with AI-spruced, non-existent properties. You book a futuristic-looking spot and walk into a shack. That’s the game.
Research indicates that nearly two-thirds of respondents cannot identify AI-generated images of holiday homes, despite 68% feeling confident in spotting fake advertisements.
I am one of those who thought I could spot a fake but found myself getting just over 50% right on multiple tests. I would definitely fall for these property rental scammers’ tricks.
Staying Safe from AI Scams
In those other countries, young adults are particularly at risk, with over 40% of individuals under 30 searching for holiday bookings on social media. That’s making them vulnerable to influencer-driven scams. These influencers, man.
Airbnb and Get Safe Online recommend users avoid clicking on unexpected links, report suspected scams, and use trusted platforms for bookings to enhance security.
Ah, so that’s Airbnb’s reason for issuing this warning—they want to direct users to book properties via Airbnb. That said, they’re not wrong, though. You’re better off sticking to popular platforms, not some random Facebook user posting some heavenly property.
I’ve had an experience adjacent to this property scam. I booked a rental on Booking.com in Dar es Salaam once, and when I got to the place, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It was definitely the right place, but those guys were professional Photoshop users who made the place look WAY better than it actually was.
It wasn’t catfishing, but it was like those makeup transformations where you can’t recognize the person without it. It’s technically the same person, but you can’t help but feel swindled.
The art of sprucing up properties on listings is not a new phenomenon, but with AI, everyone will be able to do it too—just like my former Dar es Salaam hosts.
The AI era is going to be fun.
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