Doxxed crypto hackers ‘Airbnb hopping’ to avoid kidnappers and rivals, report

Doxxed crypto hackers are resorting to ‘Airbnb hopping’ — using fake identities to rent out Airbnb properties — as they look to stay one step ahead of kidnappers and rival criminals, reports 404 Media.

Criminals have reportedly thrown bricks, shot up homes, and attempted to kidnap the unmasked cybercriminals, while some have been hunted by rivals looking to rob them.

Messages seen by 404 Media appear to show hackers trying to purchase existing Airbnb accounts with positive reviews that will allow them to carry out the scheme. Other messages show threatening messages from rival criminals, with one reading, “Keep Airbnb hopping before I get to u.”

404 Media reports that at least one member of a SIM-swapping group that allegedly stole bitcoin also relies on Airbnb hopping.

Read more: Ireland grows its crypto stash with seized dark web bitcoin

Airbnb is currently a popular target for crypto criminals. Last week, Protos reported how crypto miners were exploiting properties for their electricity, forcing multiple hosts to implement a ‘no crypto mining’ rule to deter such activity and prevent sky-high energy bills.

In a statement to 404 Media, Airbnb detailed how it requires guests, primary hosts, and co-hosts to be verified. It said, “Anyone who violates our policies, including by attempting to use fraudulent identity documents, may be removed from the platform.

“While no identification process is foolproof, identity verification is an important step in helping users to feel confident that guests and hosts on Airbnb are genuine.”