False Claim For Bed Bugs From Guest

[Heidi639]

1st off not sure if many of you are aware of several videos on TikTok and Instagram teaching guests how to scam a host, hotels, car rental companies, cruise lines, and even airlines.
These people are telling vacationers to buy live bed bugs online, in which you can, place them in the bedding, bed, couches on the last day of your vacation, take photos, videos and claim bed bugs. You will get a full refund and free vacation!
Vacationers ARE doing this!!!
As we all know, this is a catastrophic and very serious issue for any host, an owner and a resort/hotell!!

But I have a MAJOR issue with Airbnb and the support members.
We have proof from a licensed professional exterminating company that spent over an hour combing through the entire efficiency condo and ZERO evidence was found.

The guest even wrote in her 1 star review that everything was ok for 2 nights, and then all of sudden on the 3rd night, ONLY her fiance had bite marks on his hand which looks like a rash, and not a bite mark.  Actually, it looks like a pre-existing eczema case.

ALL lies!  No bed bug comes out whenever they feel like it and pick and choose who to bite.
They come out immediately when they feel the warmth of a body.
Bed bugs will leave black droppings and blood speckles in which NONE was discovered anywhere in the condo.

Airbnb claims that the guest sent them additional photos and a video but will not release them for us to see.
They said that they need permission from the guest in order to forward it to us.
4 days and no response from Airbnb or the guest providing that video and the other photos.
Suspicious?  VERY suspicious.  What are they hiding?
This is totally illegal in a court of law. 

As a host, owner, property manager we have the right to see what this guest sent because Airbnb does not own this property or manage it.

Airbnb refuses to remove this false, defamation of character,  and lies that this guest said.
Even though this property "was" a Guest Favorite with awesome 5 star reviews before hers, it has now damaged not only the listing, but the property manager, the owner and the resort's reputation. 

What more can we do? 
Hire a lawyer?

[Alice1720]

It’s frustrating and concerning to hear about these scams circulating on social media, as they can severely damage the reputation of hosts and property managers. In your case, it’s alarming that Airbnb isn’t providing the necessary evidence or support, especially when you have proof from a licensed exterminator that no bed bugs were present. If Airbnb continues to be uncooperative, consulting a lawyer might be a good step to protect your property’s reputation and seek legal recourse for the false claims and defamation. Transparency from platforms like Airbnb is crucial in maintaining trust between hosts and guests.

[Heidi639]

I agree 100% with you.
I just cannot believe Airbnb is taking this so lightly even though we sent them all the proof that the condo has zero findings.  

How did bed bugs mysteriously disappear if she had taken photos, a video in which we still haven't seen. 

They don't just disappear. 

They burro down into the corner of mattresses which by the way, all of the properties that we manage, all the pillows and mattresses have encasements. 
All the properties are treated once a month for pests, inspected after a guest leaves and before a guest arrives, TO AVOID this.

They even read in her review, stating, "Everything was good for 2 nights".
Right there tells you that this is a false claim.
IF it was true, both of them would have been bitten and on the lower extremities.  Not just a hand.
She probably has vinegar as blood and they didn't want to be bothered with her, lol!

We have a plan and it won't turn out well for this guest.
She will be sorry that she did this.