@May1178 @Nick1826 @Colleen253
It would be very, very quick and easy for Airbnb to abolish this type of shady "host" off the platform altogether, and wipe out all the associated problems and scams that come hand-in-hand with these bogus "professional" operators, in one fell swoop - simply refuse to list any property that the "host" fails to provide the appropriate locally-required permit/registration number for. No Licence Number - no listing. It would be that simple, and would instantly eradicate a huge percentage of rogue operators on the platform.
But they don't seem to want to do that, do they? They'd rather hide behind the "Oh, Arbnb is merely an internet services facilitator, and as such, we absolve ourselves of all responsibility for any scamming or illegal activity that takes place on our patch, and refuse to accept any responsibility whatsoever for the conduct of those who choose to ply their unscrupulous trade on our platform. Scamming, cheating, fraud, deception rampant on our site?? Nowt to do with us, Guv!!" charade.
How easy it would be to "weed out" these "bad actors", if Airbnb had any will to do so. But instead, they choose the "plausible deniability" route, hide behind the shield of outdated internet laws such as Section 230 of the CDA (Communications Decency Act), and pump hundreds of millions into fighting epic court battles worldwide, in their herculean - if disingenuous - efforts to continue being recognised as just a simple hands-off, online hook-up site for hosts and guests, so that they can wangle a Free Pass from having to comply with the many rules and regulation that rightly apply to every other operator in the property services sector. Thus, of course, allowing them to evade the responsibility and accountability that applies to all other companies in the real estate and property management fields.
Hosts and guests alike need to start raising serious questions of Airbnb, as to why all this unscrupulous activity is still being permitted to happen, apparently unchecked. It's hurting guests badly, and it's hurting the reputation on decent hosts badly. In fact, the only ones benefitting from all this dodgy Airbnb activity, are the scammers and rogues. And well... it does bring in a pretty penny for Airbnb coffers too, doesn't it...?