Accommodation Scams in Adelaide, Australia
Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud. Below are the accommodation scams scams reported in Adelaide — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Nadi, Melbourne, and Auckland.
Last updated: April 4, 2026
2
Accommodation Scams Scams
8
Total in Adelaide
How it works
Adelaide hosts the world's second-largest arts festival (Adelaide Festival) and the Adelaide Fringe annually in February–March. During this period, accommodation prices increase sharply and some short-term rental hosts list properties at rates five to ten times the standard nightly price. A subset of listings are fraudulent, created specifically for the Fringe period with no genuine property behind them.
How it works
Fake accommodation listings for Adelaide appear on unofficial booking websites and social media platforms, particularly during the Fringe, Festival, and Clipsal (motorsport) event periods. Fraudulent listings collect payment without a genuine booking being created. Some are sophisticated enough to use real property photos and fabricated host profiles.
See all scams in Adelaide
8 total warnings across all categories