Airbnb Hopping: How Exposed Hackers evade the Chase

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The rental service has become a network of safe houses.

In the cryptocurrency world, an exciting cat-and-mouse game is unfolding between hackers and their pursuers. According to an investigation by 404 Media, uncovered hackers whose identities have been exposed are resorting to a new tactic called "Airbnb hopping" to avoid being abducted and attacked by rival criminal gangs.

The "Airbnb hopping" scheme is simple but effective: hackers rent housing through Airbnb, using false documents, and regularly move from place to place. This constant movement tactic allows them to evade prosecution, whether by the police or by competing criminal groups.

The situation for exposed cybercriminals is becoming increasingly tense. Attacks on their homes, including throwing bricks and shooting, have been reported. Some criminals even tried to kidnap their former "colleagues".

An investigation by 404 Media revealed that hackers are actively looking for opportunities to acquire existing Airbnb accounts with a good reputation. This approach allows attackers to implement their plans more effectively, without arousing suspicion among the owners of housing and services. Using time-tested profiles, criminals successfully disguise themselves as ordinary users, which significantly complicates their detection.

The intensity of the criminal world is reflected in the threatening messages exchanged between rival groups. One of these messages reads: "Keep jumping on Airbnb before I get to you."

The investigation of the publication also revealed that at least one member of the group specializing in SIM swapping and allegedly involved in the theft of bitcoins, actively uses the tactics of "Airbnb hopping" to hide their identity and location.

Airbnb has become the focus of attention of crypto criminals not only because of its ability to hide. Recently, it became known about cases of exploitation of rented housing for mining cryptocurrencies, which led to astronomical electricity bills for property owners. Because of this, many owners were forced to introduce a "ban on cryptocurrency mining" rule for their properties.

In response to a request from 404 Media, Airbnb representatives stated that the company requires verification from both guests and homeowners. "Anyone who violates our policies, including by attempting to use fake documents, can be removed from the platform," the company said in a statement.

At the same time, Airbnb recognizes that no identification process is absolutely reliable. However, the company emphasizes the importance of identity verification as a key step in ensuring users confidence in the authenticity of guests and hosts on the platform.

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