Accommodation Scams in New York, USA
Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud. Below are the accommodation scams scams reported in New York — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Tijuana, Cozumel, and Mexico City.
Last updated: April 7, 2026
2
Accommodation Scams Scams
19
Total in New York
How it works
Scammers post convincing but fraudulent short-term rental listings on Craigslist and occasionally infiltrate Airbnb with fake properties in Manhattan and Brooklyn. After the deposit is paid — often requested via wire transfer, Zelle, or PayPal Friends & Family — the host becomes unresponsive and the address either does not exist or is an occupied building with no knowledge of the booking. The NY Attorney General has issued formal consumer alerts about this scam. NYC's 2023 short-term rental law (Local Law 18) severely restricted legal Airbnb listings, which scammers exploit by claiming special permits.
How it works
Many Midtown Manhattan hotels advertise low nightly rates online but add a mandatory "destination fee," "urban fee," or "curation fee" of $20–$50 per night at check-in. These fees are disclosed in fine print but rarely shown in the headline price on booking aggregators. Tourists comparing rates on Google Hotels or Expedia frequently discover the true cost only when they arrive. New York City passed regulations in 2026 requiring upfront disclosure, but enforcement is still catching up.
See all scams in New York
19 total warnings across all categories
More about New York