Renter Scam - Foreclosed House was sold at auction 2 days before my rental

[Anne15897]

I need help!  I rented a house via Airbnb.  When we arrived, we were told by neighbors that it had been foreclosed and sold at auction 2 days before.  Apparently, it had been padlocked by the sheriff.  When entering the house, we found the kitchen window broken into and we were unable to close it fully and get the locks to engage.  We alerted Airbnb and requested a cancelation and refund so we could rent somewhere else.  We are a small group of women and did not feel safe.  The house was also filthy, with mud, leaves, hair, it was gross - like they had not been maintaining it, which makes sense considering the circumstances. 

While on the phone with Airbnb, we sent them photos of everything, including the broken window jam.  Then we looked and found public record of the foreclosure and auction sale.  I've also submitted that SEVERAL times to Airbnb.

We were told by Airbnb later that the homeowner admitted to breaking into the kitchen window because the front door lock was "broken".  More like, he had to unscrew the door handle from inside to remove the padlock.  SMH

Bottom line:  the owner did not own the house.  It had been foreclosed on Feb 11 and sold on March 4th, 2025.  Yet, he rented it to us, and took our money anyway, and refuses to give us a refund.  Airbnb also refuses to give us a refund even though I've been calling and messaging every day, trying to get this resolved.  It's $2800.

the fact that Airbnb has this information (screenshots of public record court documents), and still won't refund our money means they are complicit in a crime of fraud which makes them also guilty of fraud.  They haven't refunded us, and the house is still listed for rent:  https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1316930545261606712?source_impression_id=p3_1741790717_P3ramXHy1gIFrEDR 

What can I do to resolve this, get our money back, and make sure this host is unable to scam more people in the future?

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Anne15897 

This is so unfortunate, have you contacted the sheriff - as you said, they are   already acquainted with the house?  Perhaps an attorney for legal assistance around dealing with the former owner? 

How awful to have your getaway plans ruined, and be left holding the bag! 

Do let us all know what transpires. 

[Helen3]

This is truly awful post about this across their social media and take them to small claims court @Anne15897 

[Joan2709]

@Anne15897 

Appalling....

Did Airbnb provide you with alternate accomodations? How were you able to gain entry to the home?

Moderators, could you please forward this to the appropriate Team at Airbnb for followup?

@Bhumika , @Rebecca 

[Frances3408]

@Anne15897.  Sorry to hear this. I'm just a little confused . You said "he rented it to us, and took our money anyway, and refuses to give us a refund". What were Airbnb's reasons for refusing a refund?

From the link you sent the listing shows a female host name- Melissa, who apparently was the same host at the time of previous January review, but you mention a previous male owner so is this a sub letting gone wrong? What did the host say when you contacted them on first arrival and was it a man or woman? When you are sure of who the host responsible was, you can report them to Airbnb.

In meantime have you tried getting the payment reversed by your bank/credit card company?

If that doesnt work, in order to resolve this I think you need to send a legal letter of demand, signed by a lawyer. You are also entitled to take Airbnb to claims court.