Ask HN: How would you find an apt for six in nyc for a week?

Hope this isn't too OT. While traveling I met a couple Dutch friends; they are now asking me for help finding an apt in nyc for a week. Considering I lived in nyc when we met, they figured I would be a good resource for this. Truth be told, I don't know how to do this in a safe way. They are fearful of scammers on Craigslist who have tried to have money wired. What other sites can I point them to? I figure airbnb is one, anything else? Also, how should they expect the payment to work--meaning will they be forced to put money up front and for what percentage?