Airbnb Review Extortion: A Host's Guide to Fighting Back

Of all the negative reviews a host can receive, the most infuriating is the one that feels like blackmail. A guest who dangles the threat of a 1-star review in exchange for a refund, a discount, or other freebies isn't just giving feedback—they are engaging in extortion.

The good news is that this is one of the most serious violations of Airbnb's Review Policy, and it's one they act on decisively. Unlike subjective complaints about your decor or the firmness of your mattress, extortion is a black-and-white issue. If you can prove it happened, you can almost certainly get the review removed and the guest penalized.

This guide will teach you how to identify extortion, gather the irrefutable proof you need, and report it in a way that gets immediate results.

What Is Airbnb Review Extortion?

At its core, review extortion is the use of a review (or the threat of one) to force a host into providing something of value they aren't entitled to. It is a clear abuse of the trust-based review system and a direct violation of Airbnb's Review Policy.

The Two Faces of Extortion:

1. The Stick (Threats): The guest threatens to use a negative review as a weapon to punish a host who doesn't meet their demands.
   • "If you don't refund my cleaning fee, I'm going to leave a review that will destroy your business."
   • "I had a lot of problems with my stay. I'm willing to overlook them and not leave a review if you provide a 50% refund."
2. The Carrot (Bribery): The guest offers to use a positive review as a reward in exchange for something they want.
   • "I was going to leave 3 stars, but if you send me $100, I'll change it to a 5-star review."
   • "Just give me a free week-long stay next summer, and I'll make sure my review is glowing."

Both are serious violations. Whether it's a threat of punishment or a promise of reward, the guest is attempting to manipulate the system for personal gain.

Step 1: Identify the Threat (In Writing)

The single most important factor in an extortion case is having written proof. Extortion almost always happens within the Airbnb messaging app, which is your best source of evidence.

Look for key phrases that create a clear "if you do this, I'll do that" link between a demand and a review.

• "If you don't..."
• "I will leave a bad review unless..."
• "To avoid a negative review, you should..."
• "I am willing to change my review if..."

What to Do Immediately:

1. Do Not Engage or Negotiate: Do not agree to their terms, argue with them, or even reply. Any response can complicate the situation. Your silence is powerful.
2. Take a Screenshot: Immediately screenshot the entire message thread. Don't just capture the threatening message; include the messages before and after to provide context. The timestamps are critical.

Extortion Response Checklist:

Here is a step-by-step checklist to follow the moment you suspect extortion:

• Stay Calm: Do not respond emotionally. Stick to the facts.
• Preserve Evidence: Screenshot the entire conversation in the Airbnb app, including timestamps.
• Cease Communication: Do not engage further with the guest about their demands.
• Verify the Violation: Confirm their message is a clear "if-then" threat (e.g., "If you don't refund me, I will leave a 1-star review").
• Contact Airbnb Support: Open a case immediately. Do not wait.
• Use "Extortion" in Your Report: Start your message with "I am reporting a violation of the Extortion Policy."
• Submit Proof: Attach your screenshots directly to the support ticket.
• Do Not Pay: Never give in to the guest's demands.

Step 2: Understand Why It's a Top-Priority Violation

Airbnb's entire platform is built on the trust generated by authentic reviews. Extortion directly attacks that foundation. When you report it, you are not just a host complaining; you are an ally helping Airbnb protect the integrity of its system. This is why these cases are often handled with more urgency and severity than other complaints.

For a broader look at what makes a review removable, see our post on the 5 reasons Airbnb deletes guest reviews. For a more proactive approach, learn how to prevent bad reviews on Airbnb in the first place.

Step 3: Report with a Focus on "Extortion Policy"

Once you have your screenshot, it's time to report it. Use the official "Report" function on the review itself or contact Airbnb support directly. When you write your report, be direct and professional.

• Lead with the Violation: Start your message with: "I am reporting this guest for violating Airbnb's Extortion Policy."
• Provide the Proof: Attach the screenshot of the message and quote the key phrase in your report.
• Keep it Simple: You don't need to write a long, emotional story. The evidence speaks for itself.

Example Report: "I am reporting this guest for a violation of the Extortion Policy. In our message thread on January 8th, the guest wrote, 'If you don't refund my entire stay, I'll tell everyone how awful this place is.' This is a direct threat to use a negative review to obtain a refund they are not entitled to. I have attached a screenshot of this message. Please remove the review and take appropriate action against the guest's account."

Step 4: What to Expect After Reporting

Because extortion is a serious violation, the process is often swift.

• Review Removal: The review itself is typically removed within 24-48 hours.
• Guest Penalties: Airbnb takes action against the guest's account, which can range from a formal warning to a permanent ban from the platform. They will not tell you the specific action taken, but it is a powerful deterrent.
• Peace of Mind: You can move forward knowing you did not give in to a threat and helped maintain the integrity of the platform for all hosts.

FAQ: Common Questions About Review Extortion

1. What if the extortion happens in person or over the phone?

This is much harder to prove. If you are in a jurisdiction where it is legal, you can inform the guest that you are recording the call for security reasons. However, the strongest cases are always based on written evidence within the Airbnb platform. If you only have a verbal threat, you should still report it, noting the time and date of the conversation, but be prepared for Airbnb to say they cannot act without proof.

2. The guest already left the bad review. Can I still report the extortion?

Yes. It is often after the guest leaves a scathing review that they will message you with an offer to change it for money. This is still extortion. Report it with the screenshots of the messages, and Airbnb will remove the existing review.

3. I already paid the guest to avoid the bad review. Can I do anything now?

Unfortunately, once you have paid, your options are limited. By paying, you have essentially participated in the transaction. You can still report the guest's behavior, but Airbnb is unlikely to get involved in the financial dispute. This is why the most important step is to never pay and to report the threat immediately.

4. How can I prevent extortion from happening in the first place?

While you can't control a guest's behavior, professional and proactive hosts are less likely to be targeted. Maintain clear and friendly communication, address small issues before they become large ones, and have a well-documented check-in and check-out process. Guests are less likely to attempt extortion on a host who is clearly organized and professional.

5. What is the difference between negative feedback and extortion?

Negative feedback is a guest's subjective opinion, even if it's harsh (e.g., "The beds were uncomfortable, and I wouldn't stay here again."). Extortion is a transactional threat where the guest links that feedback to a demand (e.g., "The beds were uncomfortable. Refund me $100, or I'll leave a 1-star review about it."). The key is the "if you don't do X, I will do Y" condition.

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The Bottom Line: Don't Negotiate with Review Terrorists

Extortion is a cowardly tactic used by guests to abuse the system. Do not be intimidated. Do not engage. And most importantly, never pay.

Your power comes from knowing the rules. The moment a guest links a review to a demand, they have broken Airbnb's Extortion Policy. By calmly documenting the evidence and reporting it professionally, you are not only protecting your own business but also helping Airbnb remove bad actors from the entire community.