How to Book Accommodation in Bali Without Getting Scammed (2026)

How the scam works

Someone posts a beautiful villa or room in a Facebook group, on Instagram, or in a WhatsApp community for travellers or long-stayers. The price is attractive, the photos are lovely, and the "owner" replies quickly. To secure it, you're asked for a deposit — or the full amount — by bank transfer or an informal payment app. Then one of two things happens: the villa doesn't exist (the photos were taken from a real listing elsewhere), or it does exist but has been "rented" to several people at once. When you arrive, nobody knows who you are, and the money is gone.

Warning signs

• The price is noticeably lower than similar places on established booking platforms.
• You're asked to pay in advance by bank transfer, crypto or a payment app, rather than through a platform.
• Pressure to decide quickly: "several people are interested", "I can only hold it until tonight".
• The "owner" won't do a live video call from the property, or keeps postponing it.
• The bank account name doesn't match the person or business you're dealing with.
• The same photos appear in other listings under different names (a reverse image search will show this).
• A new or almost empty social media profile.

Safe ways to book

• Established booking platforms. Payments go through the platform, listings have review histories, and there is a dispute process.
• Pay in person on arrival. For informal or local places, see the room first and pay at check-in.
• Book directly with a property that has its own website and verifiable reviews, ideally paying by card for some protection.

Monthly and long-term rentals

Long stays are where informal arrangements are most common, and where losses are largest. Book the first few nights somewhere safe, then look for a long-term place in person: visit the property, meet the owner or manager, check what's included (cleaning, electricity, internet, water), and get a written agreement before paying. Pay monthly rather than for several months up front if you can.

If you've already paid

• Contact your bank or payment provider immediately; some transfers can be recalled if you act fast.
• Keep screenshots of the conversation, listing and payment.
• Report the profile to the platform and warn the group where it was posted.

Choosing where to stay? Our where to stay in Ubud guide compares the main areas.