Host altered invoices and faked bank statements

[Pam2194]

Two weeks after leaving the Airbnb our host filed a claim for damages. We didn't damage the home nor did we do anything she is claiming.. We denied all damages with Airbnb. The host messaged me saying not worry about it, Airbnb host insurance would cover the "damages". Well Airbnb didn't and they are still trying to collect from us. Airbnb sided with the host based on her fake/altered invoices.  I took it upon myself to contact the vendors she claimed fixed the "damages" she said we caused, as there were no damages. One vendor said she altered his original invoice for her monthly pool cleaning for $95 to a statement that we damaged the pool and the amount was changed to $235. The host also presented a fake bank statement to Airbnb saying she paid the vendor $235, the vendor said he was never paid $235. Hopefully he pursues the host on his own as she is altering invoices in his name. The second vendor said he had never been to the property, nor had he ever done any work on the property. I sent him the invoice the host sent to Airbnb for reimbursement. He said the host used his letter head and made a fake invoice. The host still denies lying to Airbnb. Airbnb has yet to acknowledge my concerns over the fake and altered documents. Altering an invoice and presenting it for payment is financial fraud in Florida. With all the stress this has caused us along with the horrible review she left with all the fake damages, we honestly want to sue her for a full refund.  Would you pursue a lawsuit or just contact the authorities for financial fraud?

[Mahlet2]

Fraud is a crime!! Is there any truth to what she’s claiming? Pay what You can and move on. 

[Kia272]

@Mahlet2  Why would you suggest that the OP "pay what she can" and move on? She's saying they didn't do any damage, so why should she pay anything? 

It's the host that committed the fraud. Or maybe you didn't understand that? 

[Pam2194]

Right!  Why the heck should we pay what we can…geez. She lied!  I told Airbnb she was lying. I sent them video of how the home looked when we left, but they took her said based on fake invoices. 

[Pam2194]

I’m not paying her! We didn’t damage her home. Everything she is claiming is a lie and the invoices are fake. We are still debating suing her for fraud. 

[Kia272]

@Pam2194  Have you shown AirBnB the message where she told you not to worry about it because AirBnB host insurance would cover it? It sounds like she's trying to get AirBnB to pay for general damage at her place that wasn't caused by you, but she needed to use a guest to get the process started. That message could be very helpful to you if AirBnB will pay attention to it. 

I'd be upset too, about what you've uncovered. it will take patience and persistence, but keep trying to get this host penalized for the false accusation of damage, as well as the fraudulent  invoices. AirBnB customer service agents are very poorly trained, so it may take multiple calls and messages until you find someone who understands and wants to help you. I wish you luck. Kia

[Pam2194]

Hello @Kia272, I have sent Airbnb all the evidence of the altered invoices and they are not acknowledged it. The host has now offered to reimburse us what Airbnb is requesting we pay. I have advised her that will not work. She needs to contact Airbnb and let them know we did not damage her house and remove her review saying we damaged her home.