“I Googled It And My Jaw Dropped”: Airbnb Guest Receives Creepy Texts From Host

What’s the worst host you’ve ever had when renting a listing? Though traveling is one of the best things you can do in life, you can’t let your guard down. You’ve got to prioritize your safety, especially as a woman. You’d think that the people who rent out their homes on trusted platforms would be folks you can relax around. Unfortunately, some of these hosts are complete nightmares to deal with. For them, their guests are potential dates.

A young woman from England (u/jst4notherthrowaway), who traveled abroad with her friends, decided to stay at an Airbnb run by a man in his mid-30s. That turned out to be a massive mistake. The woman shared screenshots of the creepy comments he kept making, as he tried ‘flirting’ with her. Finally, having had enough, she decided to take drastic measures. However, she and her pals weren’t on the same page.

Scroll down for the full story and the internet’s advice. Bored Panda has reached out to the author for comment, and we’ll update the article as soon as we hear back from her.

The sad reality is that not all hosts who rent out their homes are trustworthy. Some behave in disgusting ways

Group of young people outdoors looking worried while checking map, illustrating woman worried creepy Airbnb host texts concept.

Image credits: Gustavo Fring / Pexels (not the actual photo)

A young woman shared the nightmare host she recently had to deal with. He crossed all boundaries

Woman worried about creepy Airbnb host texts, feeling uneasy after receiving unwanted messages from the older host.

Woman worried about creepy Airbnb host texts asking if they are doing alright two days into stay.

Text message conversation showing a woman worried about creepy Airbnb host texts with unwanted compliments.

Text conversation showing a woman worried about creepy Airbnb host texts asking personal questions about ethnicity.

Text message conversation showing creepy Airbnb host sending inappropriate and worried woman receiving unwanted texts.

Image credits: jst4notherthrowaway

Woman worried after creepy Airbnb host texts, feeling uneasy and searching for an alternative hotel to stay during her trip.

Text message screenshot showing a woman worried about creepy Airbnb host texts and her friends' mixed reactions.

Woman worried and distressed, covering her mouth, reflecting anxiety about creepy Airbnb host texts.

Image credits: MART PRODUCTION / Pexels (not the actual photo)

Text message showing a woman worried about creepy Airbnb host texts and feeling uncomfortable with the situation.

Woman worried about creepy Airbnb host texts, describing staying at a hotel nearby after uncomfortable messages.

Image credits: jst4notherthrowaway

Woman worried reading creepy Airbnb host texts on her phone, sitting indoors with a concerned expression.

Image credits: Polina Tankilevitch / Pexels (not the actual photo)

This sort of behavior is inexcusable. Guests deserve to be treated with respect, not as playthings

There is absolutely no excuse for creepy behavior and harassment. Everyone should know better than to do this. Especially hosts, whose livelihood depends in great part on providing quality accommodation.

If you keep behaving inappropriately toward your guests, you’ll eventually get delisted from the platform. That is a massive hit to your financial stability. So not only is this sort of behavior unethical and morally icky, but it’s also an asinine business ‘strategy.’

The sad reality is that some individuals don’t have the self-awareness to realize that what they’re doing is wrong. Seeing the consequences of their actions (losing customers, getting in trouble with law enforcement, etc.) might be the only way to get them to rethink their lives.

Unfortunately, even if you’re careful, you can’t immediately tell whether or not your host will be trustworthy before you arrive at the accommodation. It’s difficult to know a person’s character before interacting with them for a longer time, especially in person, and in different settings.

Your instinct might be to automatically trust them because they’ve been vetted by the platform. However, you should do your due diligence and do some preliminary research. Check the lowest reviews on the platform to see whether there are any repeating issues with the host of the accommodation. If someone’s constantly creepy toward their guests, there’s a chance that someone has reported this behavior before.

It’s also important that you trust your gut. If your instincts are ringing the alarm bells, telling you that something is wrong, it probably is. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Airbnb listings on laptop screen with various vacation rentals displayed, woman worried about creepy host texts.

Image credits: Oberon Copeland / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

If you’re in danger, immediately reach out to law enforcement. Meanwhile, for other safety issues, contact Airbnb directly

Airbnb urges guests to stay aware of local travel alerts and warnings before their trip. “Whether you’re traveling with Airbnb or not, it’s wise to research your destination ahead of time, and check with your local embassy for any travel warnings or special requirements.”

If there’s an emergency in progress or you feel your safety is threatened, you should immediately contact local emergency services or law enforcement. And, for other safety issues, Airbnb states that the company is available 24 hours a day.

Meanwhile, spend some time reading through the potential host’s profile and listing description so that you find a space that suits your needs.

“We always recommend reading feedback from other guests as a great way of finding the right fit. You’ll find ratings on subcategories like cleanliness and accuracy, as well as detailed reviews from fellow travelers. Guests can only leave a review after their trip, so you can feel confident that the feedback in a review is from someone who actually stayed there,” Airbnb suggests.

If you happen to have any questions for the host before you book a listing, you can reach out to them via Airbnb’s secure messaging tool. “After booking, you can also message them to coordinate check-in, ask additional questions, and keep in touch throughout your trip.”

Furthermore, Airbnb urges guests to keep themselves, their payments, and their personal info safe by staying on their platform throughout the entire process. “You should never be asked to wire money, provide credit card information, or otherwise pay a Host directly. If this happens, please report it to us immediately.”

Metal cabinet doors secured with a chain and padlock symbolizing security concerns about creepy Airbnb host texts.

Image credits: S. Ruvalcaba / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

If you’re particularly worried about your safety, bring locks and trackers, and check the listing for hidden cameras

In the meantime, if you’re worried about potential safety issues in Airbnb listings, Cnet has a few suggestions.

For example, you can check common spy camera hiding spots like vents and smoke detectors.

Meanwhile, if there’s a lack of locks in the accommodation, you can bring your own lock for the door and a padlock for your cabinets or luggage.

“Ahead of your trip, message your host or their customer service contact and ask about the locks at your rental. Short-term rentals and small hostels don’t always adhere to the same strict lock policies that hotels have. Any rental should at least have a deadbolt in place on the door, preferably a smart lock version with codes or digital passes you can use. Upscale places may have card readers, but that isn’t guaranteed,” Cnet explains.

Furthermore, consider placing a tracker on your luggage or even in your clothes. That way, your family and friends will always be able to find you.

Have you ever run into suspicious hosts while renting property locally or abroad, Pandas? Who was the most nightmarish, creepy host you’ve ever had the displeasure of meeting?

What do you do to protect yourself while traveling? Share your stories and advice with everyone in the comments.

People were horrified by what they read. Here’s how they reacted to the awful situation the young woman found herself in

Comments discussing protecting a woman from a creepy Airbnb host, with advice to report and take self-defense classes.

Reddit conversation showing a woman worried about creepy Airbnb host texts and advice to report inappropriate behavior.

Reddit user warning about creepy Airbnb host and encouraging reporting to protect others from similar experiences.

Screenshot of a Reddit conversation about a woman worried about creepy Airbnb host texts and advice on handling the situation.

As the story went viral, more internet users shared their thoughts about the creepy host

Text from user worried about creepy Airbnb host texting, sharing concerns about safety and uncomfortable experiences.

Text post describing a woman worried about creepy behavior from an Airbnb host, sharing a personal safety experience.

Woman worried about creepy Airbnb host texts, reading and reflecting on safety and mental well-being advice in a message.

Comment discussing dangers and safety concerns related to creepy Airbnb host texts and worried women guests.

Text message thread showing a woman worried about creepy Airbnb host texts and warnings about personal safety.

Text message conversation about a woman worried about creepy Airbnb host behavior and safety concerns.

Comment warning about ignoring creepy Airbnb host texts and advice for a worried woman dealing with inappropriate messages.

Comment discussing a woman worried about creepy Airbnb host texts, advising to leave and report the behavior for safety.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing the overuse of the word creepy in context of a woman worried about creepy Airbnb host texts.

Comment on a forum suggesting Airbnb users show creepy Airbnb host texts to get a refund and a safe place to stay.

Comment expressing concern about unpredictable men and danger related to creepy Airbnb host texts to a worried woman.

Comment on a forum post about a woman worried about creepy Airbnb host texts and safety concerns in a rental property.

Text conversation highlighting a woman worried about creepy Airbnb host texts and setting boundaries for her safety.

Comment expressing horror about creepy Airbnb host texts mentioning tying up and concern for a worried woman.

Woman worried reading creepy Airbnb host texts on smartphone in dimly lit room showing concern and unease.

Woman worried about creepy Airbnb host texts, reading messages on her phone in a dimly lit room.

Text post discussing Airbnb host behavior and advice on reporting creepy Airbnb host texts for safety and refunds.

Text message conversation screenshot with a woman worried about creepy Airbnb host texts and feeling uncomfortable.

Comment warning to check for hidden cameras, relating to woman worried about creepy Airbnb host texts.

Comment discussing a woman worried about creepy Airbnb host texts and advising to use the official messaging app.

User expressing discomfort about creepy Airbnb host texts and concerns of hidden cameras after receiving worried messages.

Comment warning about creepy men and advice for women dealing with a worried creepy Airbnb host texts situation.

Reddit user discussing a woman worried about creepy Airbnb host texts and non-consensual behavior issues.

Commenter expressing frustration over someone responding to creepy Airbnb host texts instead of reporting immediately.

Comment advising to stop playing along with creepy Airbnb host texts and to set boundaries firmly and clearly.

Screenshot of a comment describing creepy and worrying Airbnb host texts giving unsettling and creepy vibes to a woman.

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