Accommodation Scams in London, UK
Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud. Below are the accommodation scams scams reported in London — 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
12
Total in London
How it works
Fraudsters advertise short-stay flats and holiday lets on Gumtree, SpareRoom, and social media at prices well below market rate for central London. The "landlord" requests a deposit and first month upfront via bank transfer, sometimes conducting viewings of a property they do not own (often an actual Airbnb listing). UK Action Fraud received 5,000 rental fraud reports in 2024 totalling nearly £9 million, with tourists and international visitors among the most common victims.
See all scams in London
12 total warnings across all categories