The host is attempting to scam me.

[Yassin134]

A host in Brazil is attempting to deceive me. A few hours after my check-out, I received a message via WhatsApp stating that there was a cigarette burn on the sofa. Since I was in a hurry and had a layover in Paris, I messaged him back, expressing shock at his message and saying that we would resolve the matter. I have never touched a cigarette in my life, and my partner is the one who smokes, which is why I mentioned that we would handle it. When I confronted my partner about the situation and shared the host's messages, he insisted that this couldn't be true because he never smoked indoors, and he said, "You're being scammed." We've been using Airbnb for years and have never encountered such situations before. The host has filed a claim for over 700 euros and is threatening me to make the payment, citing WhatsApp as evidence. The sofa isn't even new, and he's trying to take advantage of me now. I'm desperate and feel taken advantage of.

Every host can easily make a claim, and we as renters are the ones who suffer from it. I really hope that Airbnb takes action against such hosts because they are quite crafty in this regard. I'll keep you updated.

[Till-and-Jutta0 · Accepted solution]

I would stop communicating on WhatsApp with the host but use the official Airbnb chat exclusively. 

[Bhumika]

Hi @Yassin134, Did you report this instance to the Airbnb Customer Support team? I also wanted to share an article that shares the same tip as Till suggested above and details the importance of  Paying and communicating through Airbnb. Do keep us posted if you have any updates on this incident with the Host!