Online Scams in Sarajevo

Fake Airbnb Host - Lockout and Re-rental Scam

Airbnb listings show apartments in central locations (Baščaršija or Kovači neighborhoods) at 40-50% below market rates. After payment, a code or key is provided that doesn't work, or the host becomes unresponsive immediately. Days later, tourists discover the same listing is posted again under a different host account or for a higher price, suggesting the unit is being rented twice for overlapping dates. Real Airbnb protection doesn't cover the guest if the host account is fraudulent from creation.