Accommodation Scams in Bruges, Belgium
Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud. Below are the accommodation scams scams reported in Bruges — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Mykonos, Barcelona, and Krakow.
Last updated: April 2, 2026
1
Accommodation Scams Scams
11
Total in Bruges
How it works
A handful of unlicensed or poorly rated B&Bs and private holiday lets in Bruges' historic centre collect large cash security deposits (€50–€200) at check-in for "breakages" and later refuse to return them, citing invented damage such as stained towels or a scratch on furniture that predated the stay. Because these are small cash transactions, guests have limited recourse and often cannot stay long enough to resolve the dispute in person.
See all scams in Bruges
11 total warnings across all categories