Airbnb Hosts Beware (Scam!)

If you're an Airbnb host or plan to be, be aware of this scam going around. After staying at your place for a few days, people may claim an issue with bedbugs and ask for a full refund. If they happen to reach out to Airbnb, your listing is removed immediately and you're required to show proof of an inspection and treatment before your listing is allowed back up. People using this scam are guilty of a misdemeanor, but it's hard to prove anything. So, be sure to bedbug proof your listing and be aware that New York has the worst bedbug issue in the states.

[svdesertdepartedjoe]

I am having this happen right now however I called them out on it and reported it to airbnb. Not getting away with it at my place, gotta fight back or it will grow out of controll

[snapstoit]

I recommend that you get the mattress covers that encapsulate the mattress and box spring.We have all our mattresses zipped into these and then put the mattress cover over that to give a layer between the sheets and the cover. This will keep bed bugs out and also protect the mattress from other liquid "spills". We also removed all carpets from our home to give even less opportunities for anything. Sorry you got scammed...people like this will get their Karma back.

[benlee]

This has happened to us similarly twice. The house is on a mountain with rabbits coyotes snakes lizards and the occasional rat. We had to refund a 10-day stay for a complaint after the end of the guest checked out. They found a few mouse droppings underneath the chair on the deck outside in the wilderness. A few days ago we had to refund a four-day stay because there was a spider in the house somewhere but the guest created a whole list of other things that were not true and I know they weren't true because I physically was there doing the cleaning myself. They said pool was dirty I personally cleaned it the morning of their check in. They threw a big party and all of the neighbors in the area complained about the loud yelling and shenanigans in the pool. It really seems to me that since we offer extra cleanings that it would be required that they make an attempt to contact us to notify us of any problem at the property and not just create a bunch of crap after they leave to cause problems for us as well as not pay. This is really upsetting. I wish for them 10x the pain that they cause others.

[genero]

You just put scammers on to a good idea by posting this video. You even said they could buy bed bugs online. Thanks

[ooakRAREGEM]

Did you leave them a negative review and expose their scam?

Thanks for sharing your experience.

[islandbirdw]

So if there are bedbugs, they have Dark red spots for bedbug poo on the box spring or mattress. A person could bring bedbugs with them. They can infest wallboard and of course anything upholstery and carpet.

[Spatial_Computer]

Why did you go to that effort without evidence? Dude, trust but verify. Treat Airbnb like investigators. Tell the guests to send all the evidence/pictures. They used a review for refund bribe too. That is way against Airbnb policy, but you already are going against terms of service by communicating outside Airbnb platform. I have seen actual bed bugs at a property I managed. Airbnb didn't shut the property down. Treatment was provided under Aircover between guests. Exterminators cost like $400 for treatment.

[pilq]

Could ask them take a video on the room and the exact location of the bed beg so you can check it out yourself if its legit

[nosliw]

Usually your skin will rash and will swell if bitten by a bed bug. You should have asked for the photos.

[SimonSaysLondon]

As much as it sucked it could have been worse! Important lesson learnt.

[jazz]

Bed bugs are nocturnal, if you want to see them during the day you look for signs such a blood stains or shed skin on the mattress. Not everyone has a reaction to bed bugs also. I wouldn't refund any guest for them because who's to say they didn't bring them. They need to understand that's what comes with traveling even the fanciest hotels have them

[lisbettchristensen]

Yes, tou got scammed! Did you even ask for photo proof of the bites??? You could also have gotten a professional pest inspection that would document NO BEDBUGS FOUND. What really stand out for me is that they were threatening a bad review unless you refunded. THAT is extortion right there and grounds for removal as a review.

[carolel]

Did u ask them for photos of their bites?

[tacophillings]

Doesn't sound like this guy was ever bit by bed bugs.

Here's a story though...

My wife and I needed a reservation in Pheonix (desert), there was slim availability so we wanted a clean nice place, we splurged and paid 700 for one night with a 400 cleaning fee. Photos of place were great, home was huge, pool and hot tub, etc. We walk in and the place smells like someone smoked cigarettes and raised cats for 20 years...mold was definitely in the hvac. Then I lay down on bed for 5 minutes...I proceed to feel crawling on my skin. I then get bit 4 times, extreme itching, then feeling nausea. I investigate, no signs of bed bugs. There were FLEAS and mites in the bed. Not visible. Not bed bugs. But bugs in a bed none the less. Aside from me scratching the bites, there wasn't photo worthy evidence of bites. There isn't always. I slept outside all night on a patio chair after paying 700 and a 400 cleaning fee. This is absurd.

Also, I have experienced bed bugs before and guess what dude, I WAS symptomatic right away. Some people are allergic severely and will have different reactions to bed bugs than another person. To assume they were lying just because of that is ignorant. Also, how do you know you didn't have fleas and they presumed it was bed bugs when it was fleas?

Here's another tip Americans...STOP WITH THE DISGUSTING CARPET!!! Idont book a place unless it's tile or wood floor. Carpet is a filth catch and fleas love it. Smells and filth get deep within the carpet and no cleaner is thoroughly cleaning that too. What is with all this carpet??? Is this 1970? Even in Latin America you see airbnbs they have nice tile floors, it's so much cleaner than carpet. Carpet is just asking for a bug problem. We are talking bugs so small you can't see! Fleas jump feet away! In seconds!

How's this for an idea, instead of just gaslighting guests as liars, maybe you want to take accountability? Guests PAY YOU, you provide lodging....hosts are on the hayday lately, rules, demands, constant messages. This society has forgotten what "accommodation and hospitality " means. You are in the hospitality business dude. How about ripping up the carpet, and getting rid of fleas instead of just assuming the person FUNDING YOUR ENTIRE BUSINESS IS THE ONE AT FAULT. What do we guest's on airbnb even get for what we are giving anymore??? A host messaging you complaining about every little thing. We pay a cleaning fee and are expected to clean! I'm talking about normal trash in trash bins, laundry, etc. Enough money in your pocket. Provide equivalent hospitality to what we are charged and act like you are in the business of BEING HOSPITABLE!!!