AIRBNB STOLE MY MONEY! Over $725! Alteration request SCAM

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Michael2945
Level 1
St. Charles, IL

AIRBNB STOLE MY MONEY! Over $725! Alteration request SCAM

I had a guest staying from Feb. 2-April 28, 2019. 

He decided after 6 weeks(March 20) that the microwave was “dirty” and left. 

It was really* because he’s a traveling hospital consultant and got relocated. 

 

So.....

I had received 2 payouts for $635(2/4) and $700(3/4). He asked if I would accept HIS alteration request for a $300 payout from him, to me, for leaving early. This way we don’t have to go back and forth and fight over either me receiving $800(for his last 5 weeks stay he cancelled) or $0(if airbnb sides with guest how they ALWAYS seem to do now). 

 

My question is: I was CHARGED $425. airbnb took $425 out of my bank on April 4, instead of giving me the payout of $300. 

How can I get my money back??

im out $425 plus the expected $300 payout. The calls of AIRBNB CONFIRMING my $300 AND the payout date are ALL RECORDED. 

 

im thinking if they wanna play games and scam me, I work in real estate. I’ll just call my real estate attorney and have the calls subpoenad and then sue for all costs and the original $725, plus damages on top, whatever my bulldog attorney wants to go for. I know I’m going against a big company, but recorded calls are just that, evidence of a scam, theft and unethical business. 

 

 

Has anyone had a problem with an alteration request where you were promised a pyout for a guest leaving earky but then airbnb took money from you?? 

Thank you!

michael 

1 Best Answer
Jeff158
Level 10
Caernarfon, United Kingdom

Sorry @Michael2945 I think your guest has played you.

If you accepted an alteration request to reduce the length of stay this triggers a refund to the guest, in your case a $425 refund.

If at the same time the guest cancels the payment method, airbnb cannot collect the $725 last payment that would refund you the $425 you refunded, leaving you with the $300.

The nasty bit is that airbnb are not liable for non payment by guests, although they will still be chasing the money and it could sort itself out next month.

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5 Replies 5
Jeff158
Level 10
Caernarfon, United Kingdom

Sorry @Michael2945 I think your guest has played you.

If you accepted an alteration request to reduce the length of stay this triggers a refund to the guest, in your case a $425 refund.

If at the same time the guest cancels the payment method, airbnb cannot collect the $725 last payment that would refund you the $425 you refunded, leaving you with the $300.

The nasty bit is that airbnb are not liable for non payment by guests, although they will still be chasing the money and it could sort itself out next month.

@Jeff158 It doesn’t even make sense to me. I got my first 2 payouts with this guest and was due for my last one on April 4 for $700 and the airbnb rep said “instead of getting the $700 I would get a $300 payout for this stay. No refund, no cancellation fee”, AND the dates March 21(date I accepted alteration) until April 28 would be open and available for other bookings. 

I wanted to fight it because he cancelled mid trip for a 3 month stay because of a work circumstance but decided  I’d make more than the $500 I lost with a couple short stays and 2-3 week booking anyway.

 

I made up the $500, but I had to PAY BACK $425, instead of receiving $300 with this specific guest and booking. So it’s a $725 difference. And I’m getting literally $725 for a guest that booked my room April 1-28. And had 4 short stays from 3/21-4/1. Just seems really fishy if ya ask me... no $425 amount was due for that stay, mentioned as a credit or refund or ever an amount or number mentioned. Something else is goin on on their end, for sure. It’s on the phone call recordings they have that I would be paid $300 specifically for this stay and accepting the alteration... on April 3/4. 

 

 

Thank you SO MUCH for your insight and comment as well @Jeff158 i really appreciate it. Very stressed out right now. $725 is quite a bit of money... a full month’s stay for my unit specifically. 

Michael2945
Level 1
St. Charles, IL

You basically just are saying that this guy got relocated and then cancelled payment method and so I won’t get the $300... but tobe charged $425!? He paid for through March 28 and left on 21, accepted request the 22 at a rate of 20 a night that is 120 even refunding for nights he didn’t pay. Still doesn’t add up...

Jeff158
Level 10
Caernarfon, United Kingdom

@Michael2945 

 

The alteration request means you have sent the guest a refund of $425 because the booking was shortened, you sent this before they paid you.

basically you won't get the $300 and you've sent him $425

 

 

Doesn’t make sense. It said on the request id get a payout of $300. 425 was never mentioned or anything. And he paid for the two months he was here. The lady on phone confirmed I’d receive $300, not owe anything. I want the phone recordings, is there anyway I can have my real estate attorney subpoena them since I know they won’t give them up for free? 

Besides moving over to VRBO. 😉😊

been doing this 18 months. Airbnb is turning into PayPal where they blatantly lie and side with scammers with 0 ratings over people with 80+Reviews  and 18 months on the platform.