Evacuations after fire

[Pamela-And-Jack0]

There is a guest who wants to stay in my home for free for 18 nights. He was evacuated from the fires 3 hours from here, but didn't lose his home and will be working in my county for an extended period of time, making money. I kept my home available for anyone who lost their home after the wildfires here in Sonoma County last year. but haven't offered that in the recent fires.

I don't feel comfortable having someone here for free who is making money.

He has no profile picture or profile. This is in my home.

I'm not comfortable with him staying in my home for that long. Besides, he hasn't lost his home, just evacuated. He's looking for a freebie.

Any suggestions?

[Sarah977 · Accepted solution]

@Pamela-And-Jack0  Yes, it sounds like this guy is just scamming. Quite reprehensible, really, taking advantage of a tragic situation like that. I'm sure all guests would like to stay in someone's home for free for 18 days. That was good of you to host victims of the Sonoma fire. I'd decline this one. And also maybe report him to Airbnb, stating you feel that someone who obviously already had a job in your county and whose home hasn't been destroyed shouldn't be trying to paint himself as a needy victim so as to be able to get a free Airbnb booking.

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

I agree with @Sarah977 as always 🙂

[Sarah977]

@Branka-and-Silvia0 I'll have to try to come up with a post someday that no one agrees with 🙂

[Branka-and-Silvia0]

@Sarah977

I agree :)))

[Pamela-And-Jack0]

Thank you , Sarah. 

We have a friend who lives in your town! 

Msybe we’ll come visit!

[Sarah977]

@Pamela-And-Jack0 Cool! PM me if you like- I'd be curious who your friends are. There's a lot of people here I don't know, but a lot that I do. I do upholstery, so have been called out to many homes here.

[Pamela-And-Jack0]

Sarah,

I wanted to thank you for your excellent advice.

I just found out that the Highway this prospective guest claimed was closed, was NEVER closed! I phoned a hotel in that small town and confirmed that the highway never closed!

So, I phoned Airbnb and notified them telling them this may be a scam artist. He was very appreciative. He is looking into it. And he completely trusts me, especially looking at my profile and reviews!

So, dear Sarah, thank you. We just may have caught a scammer in the act. Loser!

[Sarah977]

@Pamela-And-Jack0  Yeah, good thing your spidey sense went up- hopefully they ban him from the platform. Sound like the kind of "guest" who stays somewhere, makes stuff up to get a refund after the fact, and then leaves a terrible review full of lies.

[Pamela-And-Jack0]

He is new to airbnb. No reviews. But I hope they nail him!

[Sarah977]

@Pamela-And-Jack0 He no doubt tried the same thing with other hosts after you turned him down, or hopefully Airbnb cut him off at the pass after you reported it. It's just mind blowing to me how many people will lie with impunity to get what they want. From the top on down..

[Jackie148]

Get him out tell him he is not displaced dont argue the point just pack his bags just my thoughts on what I would do

[Pamela-And-Jack0]

He’s not here. He was supposed to arrive today. I explained to him that I was an Open Home Host for the fire victims in the wildfires in Sonoma County ladt year and need to keep it open for those who’ve lost their homes.  

[Krissy1]

Can you write somewhere in your listing that you are offering accommodation to those genuinely in need and expand that if you have lost your home and are destitute.  This person is obviously taking advantage of a situation.  By offering him a room then the genuine ones are missing out.  It's a nice thing you are doing.  There are always people like that who look to take advantage.