@ Tristan and Angela,
Thank you for this post. It's a common scam, and I apreciate the reminder. Did you know there is a website that helps people who've been treated unfairly in this end of the business? (include the words fair and bnb in your web search). You will find this to be a common theme.
I had a potential guest ask recently if I had bedbugs and I replied truthfully no and as she pressed on with her (written) concerns I replied with all of my safeguards. In her subsequent commentary, doubting my acumen I discerned this would still become an issue...much like yours if I approved her stay. I tactfully suggested that she might sleep more soundly at the local (insert large chain hotel beginnning with an M) which has to meet government mandates for this and also includes breakfast and waterfront views. Her reply was they were too expensive (just $10 more than my place...and I provide more).
I think you saved me and hopefully others from reliving your experience and this is another reason I do not instant book. One can discern much about a guest in a few exchanges...not to discriminate for racist reasons, but to put everyone at ease for a wonderful stay.
I'm sorry for the unjust way you were treated. This is an industry-wide scam, and I hope you will be able to find a work-around with ABB or the web resource I mentioned....and I see you were persistent and did, so congratulations and happy hosting with an added pool of wisdom to draw from!