Accommodation Scams in Boston, USA
Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud. Below are the accommodation scams scams reported in Boston — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Las Vegas, Miami, and Tulum.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
1
Accommodation Scams Scams
11
Total in Boston
How it works
Fake or misrepresented short-term rental listings targeting visitors to Boston during high-demand periods such as Red Sox season, college move-in weekends, and marathon weekend in April. Scammers post listings on Airbnb, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace using stolen photos of real properties in neighborhoods like the South End, Back Bay, and Beacon Hill, then request payment via wire transfer or Zelle before disappearing. In some cases, victims arrive to find the property does not exist, is already occupied by legitimate tenants, or looks nothing like the photos.
See all scams in Boston
11 total warnings across all categories