Stolen Money! please help

Keila15
Level 1
Washington, NJ

Stolen Money! please help

About a month ago, I bought a house for $456.27. About a day or two after buying, the host contacted me saying that it will be an extra $75 per person (because of the dates) along with an extra $75 per person for security deposit. Since this was not said before purchasing, I was obviously worried and was not sure if that is what she meant. So, I wanted to communicate with her further to make sure and work out terms. She said she would contact me soon and I asked if  I would still be able to cancel with a refund and she said yes. For the next month, she continuously said that she would call, but never did. She never even tried to explain through Airbnb messages and would ignore my messages. The people that are going with me started to get angry saying that they wanted their money back if the host obviously is not cooperating. This is my first time on the Airbnb site, so I reviewed the cancellation policy that states "Full refund if check-in is at least 14 days away". When I went to cancel, It said I have $430 eligible refund. I was fine with that amount, I just wanted my money back and for this nightmare to be over- so I canceled.  When I went to check my email, It told me that I would be receiving $0. At this point, my whole stomach turned because that means I just paid this host $456 that was not all mine to do absolutely nothing.  I am now on Airbnb resolution center to request a refund, but it says I can only get $355 back. Someone please help because none of this is okay and there has to be a solution. 

3 Replies 3
Emiel1
Level 10
Leeuwarden, The Netherlands

@Keila15

Firsts i think the host is not OK. She should not change the price after reservation is confirmed. At that point you could have contacted Airbnb, also the host did not communicate and left you in a vacuum. You should not have cancelled the reservation, but first had to contact Airbnb about the situation. They probably could have cancelled it for you with full refund. If all the communication is in the Airbnb message system, i would suggest to contact Airbnb asap and explain total situation:

Contact Airbnb - A Community Help Guide [UPDATED]

 

Also the host can be reported to Airbnb via the "flag" link on the profile. This host should not earn your money and if story is correct, IMO Airbnb should remove her from the platform.

best regards,

Emiel

Helen3
Top Contributor
Bristol, United Kingdom

This is appalling for the host to treat you in this way. call airbnb straight away they will see the messages the host sent saying you had to pay more post booking.

 

You shouldn't have cancelled.

 

I am sure once Airbnb see all your messages they will give you your money back.

 

Call them @Keila15

 

Good luck.

Quincy
Community Manager
Community Manager
London, United Kingdom

Hello @Keila15,

 

Welcome to the Community Center!

 

I am sorry to hear about this. I was wondering if you've been in touch with Airbnb to discuss this with them? I found a guide on how to contact Airbnb which you can view by clicking >here<.

 

Please let me know how everything goes. 

 

Quincy 

-----

 

Please follow the Community Guidelines // Volg de communityrichtlijnen