Host disappeared 1 month before the reservation start and the the post was deleted

[Michael937]

My friend wanted to rent a flat at late August in UK, after she paid through Airbnb the host just disappeared and deleted the post. What should she do now?

[Linda108]

I am surprised that this occurred, @Michael937.  As a host you cannot delete or deactivate a listing if there are future reservations.  Probably Air BNB deactivated the listing for some reason.  Even then, your friend should have been contacted by Air BNB to find another listing.   Here is a guide for contacting Air BNB.  Have your friend call really early in the morning when the call volume is lower.

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Help/Contact-Airbnb-A-Community-Help-Guide/m-p/16165#M728

Hope this helps

[Michael937]

Sorry, I just got the receipt, looks like things I said weren't the entire story.

The host told her the flat was booked and he had another flat and would like my friend to purchase the flat on post for 1 night.

However the host let my friend purchase the night for June 21-22. And once the date was passed, the host deleted the post.

It is definitely fraud, I'm wondering how would Airbnb handle this.

[Annette33]

@Michael937 , there are plenty of hosts here who really are trying to help, like @Linda108 above, but it is hard to say anything substantive when the story changes and it all doesn't make much sense anymore. If your friend booked the Airbnb accommodation you now describe as fraud, changing from a supposed booking in August to a passed booking in June, why is he/she not posting about it, hut you?  In any case, what do you expect us hosts here  to contribute to this sketchy story?

[Linda108]

Hosts on this forum would like to be helpful, but as @Annette33 has pointed out, we really need the complete story and it seems you were not completely informed.  Good of you to seek help, though.  Still it would be better if the friend handled this as she is more informed about the situation.  Give her the contact guide I posted, okay?

[Annette33]

@Linda108 , you are soooo nice!