Question 1

What is the "Bruges B&B Damage Deposit Withholding" scam in Bruges?

Accepted Answer

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. Always pay deposits by credit card to retain chargeback rights. Photograph every room thoroughly on arrival — walls, furniture, linens — and email the photos to yourself immediately to establish a timestamp. Read reviews specifically mentioning deposit returns before booking.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Bruges Accommodation Review Scam" scam in Bruges?

Accepted Answer

A small number of Bruges B&Bs and guesthouses solicit five-star reviews in exchange for discounts or upgrades, sometimes pressuring guests before checkout. More problematically, fake listings for non-existent Bruges accommodations have appeared on third-party booking sites, collecting full prepayments with no property at the address provided. Book accommodations through established platforms with verifiable addresses and read recent negative reviews carefully. On arrival, verify the property exists at the listed address before paying any cash balances.

Accommodation Scams in Bruges

Bruges B&B Damage Deposit Withholding

Fake Bruges Accommodation Review Scam

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