Airbnb Host Threatens to Send Private Investigator After Guest
There are so many great ways to use private investigators. This story isn’t one of them. According to news sources, an Airbnb guest said they received “threatening” messages from their host after leaving a four-star review.
Dr. Alex Moore, an assistant professor at the University of British Columbia, posted a screenshot of the messages on Twitter last week in the hopes that Airbnb would remove the host from its website.
Interestingly enough, Moore said they “really enjoyed” their stay at the host’s property—so much so that they gave the host a four-star review.
“Really enjoyed my time here and would certainly stay again if I found myself in Vancouver for a few short days,” read Moore’s review.
Though positive, the review ultimately brought the host’s overall rating down “from a 5 to a 4.95,” prompting the host to send threatening texts.
“I have your picture, your name and your number. You have 48 hours to remove your review or I’m hiring a private investigator to obtain your address and then the fun begins…You’re blocked from messaging me at this number,” the texts read, according to Moore’s screenshot.
In a plea to Airbnb, Moore tweeted: “Airbnb: Can you explain to me and everyone else why the host who sent me this message is still active on your platform? This person is clearly a threat and should not be allowed to host guests.” Moore spoke to local law enforcement, as well as Airbnb’s customer support and safety teams. After some back-and-forth, Moore announced that the host had officially been removed from Airbnb’s website.
“Thank you so much for bringing this to our attention and for your patience as we investigated,” read an email to Moore from Airbnb support. “We have concluded our investigation and can confirm for you that we have removed the host’s account and listing from Airbnb in accordance with our policies on bullying and harassment.”
Yes, a clear case of when NOT to use an investigator. But as we often see, investigations can lead to to big victories in the courtroom or more favorable settlements. And we know that success or failure in the courtroom or during the settlement process depends on having the very best, most detailed information about a case. That’s why great attorneys and law firms across the country work with the worldwide team of Santoni Investigations who will make sure you know everything to maximize the settlement process or win your case in court!
