03/01/2024
DOUBLE-BOOKING-BAIT-AND-SWITCH SCHEME 🔪🩸
Shray Goel, accused of running an Airbnb scam in which he allegedly double-booked properties and refused refunds, has been arrested and charged with wire fraud and aggravated identity theft. According to a 20-page indictment, Goel's scheme involved using fake profiles to make over 10,000 reservations on Airbnb, resulting in $7 million in payouts.
His modus operandi was a "double-booking-bait-and-switch scheme," where he would book multiple guests for the same property on the same dates, allowing the highest-paying renter to stay while making excuses to cancel on others. Goel and his associates would then contact the lower-paying renters at the last minute, offering them alternative properties, often of lower quality.
This left renters in a difficult situation, as they had to make quick decisions in unfamiliar places. Goel profited by running secret bidding wars for his properties and often refused refunds to entitled guests. He also used pseudonyms and others' identities to list properties he controlled.
These allegations largely match what was uncovered in a Vice investigation, which led to policy changes at Airbnb. Goel also operated a similar scheme on Vrbo before being banned from the platform in 2015. Airbnb supported the investigation and thanked law enforcement for their work. Goel has not publicly commented on his arrest.
Source: https://www.thedailybeast.com/airbnb-grifter-shray-goel-busted-for-dollar75-million-bait-and-switch-scam-feds-say?ref=home
Share your AIRBNB HORROR STORY to be featured 🔪
🩸
🩸
🩸
🩸
🩸