As Airbnb continues to grow in popularity, providing opportunities for hosts to earn extra income while offering travelers a home away from home, there are unfortunately some guests who exploit the system.Here is a list of Kenya airbnb guest scammers and cons.
Janice Adhiambo
Janice Adhiambo, who has been reported by multiple hosts in Nakuru for using deceptive tactics to extend her stay without paying for it.
The guest booked a short stay at an Airbnb property, claiming to have errands to run and promising a brief visit. As is often the case, hosts can be understanding, especially when guests show signs of being trustworthy. However, in Janice’s case, she took advantage of the situation.
She started extending her stay, explaining that she wasn’t done with her tasks and assuring the host that she would return soon after leaving her bag behind. The guest’s luggage was suspiciously light, which should have been a red flag, but as the host felt a sense of obligation to accommodate her, the stay continued.
On the fourth day, after having manipulated the situation to her benefit, Janice abruptly disappeared. She offered more empty promises, claiming she would return or communicate later, but no further contact was made, leaving the host stranded and vulnerable.
My fellow hosts please be aware of this lady.
+254 725 120130She occupies your airbnb saying its a short stay only to keep extending saying she hasn’t finished her errands and assures you she is coming back by leaving her bag and paying for like a 2days stay so one tends to be linient unfortunately, yet she is already on her 4th day stayHer luggage is very light so the day she decides to leave if the security is not fully alert might be fooled. once she leaves, she gives stories and promises later no communication.I am the second host in Nakuru to unfortunately fall victim, i hope no one else will fall victim.
Another Facebook user warned Airbnb hosts about a man who has been scamming property owners by posing as a UN employee, booking three studio apartments at Heartland, paying for only one night, and vanishing without clearing the remaining bill; the case has since been reported at Kilimani Police Station, and his contact number is 0111 457 363.
This message is a classic example of an Airbnb scam targeting hosts
I apologize for the late response. I have discuss with my wife and we both interested in your property. I will be coming with my wife and no pet for a vacation. My company will be taking care of the vacation and we will like to book directly from you so I can only make the payment by sending you a company or cashiers check for the payment, kindly get back to me with the mailing information and total quote for the night via direct email With the pdf attached for my information’s
Scammers often use overly formal language and mention a third-party payment method, such as a company or cashier’s check, to create a sense of legitimacy. The intention is to lure hosts into providing personal or financial details, which could lead to fraudulent activity. In this case, the scammer claims that their company will cover the costs, but the host is advised to bypass the platform and handle the booking directly, which is a red flag.
Have you been scammed or know someone who has been scammed? Have you ever been scammed by someone exploiting a short-term rental platform? We’d love to hear from you. Send an email to booking@tulia.co.ke or reach out to us on Signal at (254) 704 299799.
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