What is the "Fake Pittsburgh Airbnb Listings Near Market Square" scam in Pittsburgh?

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Fraudulent short-term rental listings targeting visitors to Pittsburgh downtown cultural district and Market Square area appear on Craigslist and informal booking sites at below-market rates. Scammers use photos stolen from legitimate listings in the Cultural District and Mexican War Streets neighborhood and collect deposits before disappearing. Pittsburgh rising profile as a tech and tourism destination has increased the frequency of this scheme. Book only through Airbnb, VRBO, or Booking.com with verified host profiles and payment protection. Never pay a deposit via Venmo, Zelle, or wire transfer to an unverified landlord. Confirm by video call that the host can access the property before transferring any funds.

Online Scams in Pittsburgh

Fake Pittsburgh Airbnb Listings Near Market Square

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