Airbnb has issued a warning to anyone booking a holiday through its website ahead of the busy Easter period.

       The popular holiday rental company is warning holidaymakers to be vigilant of scams as they book trips away, as customers have lost almost ￡2,000 to fraud.

       New research from Airbnb and Get Safe Online has found that nearly two thirds of customers struggle to spot AI-generated images of properties and have fallen victim to scams, losing thousands of pounds.

       According to the research, the average amount lost to fraud is now ￡1,937 - a figure that has been steadily rising in recent years, with scams related to booking holidays among the most common types of fraud in the UK, just behind credit card fraud and phishing scams.

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       The company said AI and social media were causing additional problems for customers, with people being faced with fake images of holiday properties and scam deals online.

       Airbnb warns that young people especially were leaving themselves potentially exposed to scams on social media, after the study found more than 40% of those under 30 would search or book a holiday via social media platforms, and more than a third of the same age range said they would be willing to make a large purchase if it was advertised by an influencer or celebrity.

       Airbnb said it was sharing the findings to coincide with what its data says is now the busiest window for booking Easter breaks, and has issued a range of safety tips alongside Get Safe Online to help people avoid being scammed.

       Customers are urged to never click on unexpected links, always report suspected scams and to be wary of unusually cheap deals or high deposits.

       Additionally, customers are also encouraged to avoid paying for holidays by direct bank transfer and to stick to trusted platforms to book and pay. It’s also vital to ensure online accounts are secure with a strong password and multifactor authentication.

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       Amanda Cupples, general manager of UK and Northern Europe for Airbnb, said: “As people look to plan their Easter break, holidaymakers should remain vigilant when browsing for their trips.

       “New technologies are fast emerging and using trusted platforms to book, pay and communicate is the best way to beat potential fraudsters.

       “We have safeguards in place to protect stays booked on Airbnb, including secure payment processes and support measures like AirCover.”

       Get Safe Online chief executive, Tony Neate, adds: “When it comes to payment, always pay on a trusted platform, which will provide better protection than parting with your money to someone you don’t know. And trust your instincts – if a deal looks too good to be true, then it probably is.”