A London-based academic won an apology and a £4,300 refund from Airbnb after a host falsely accused her of causing £12,000 in damages using allegedly doctored photos as evidence. Airbnb is now reviewing how the case was handled.

Editor’s Note: This story highlights the risks of relying on digital evidence in disputes between hosts and guests on rental platforms. It also raises questions about Airbnb's accountability and dispute resolution process, which could affect trust in the platform. If hosts can manipulate images to make false claims, guests need better protections—and companies like Airbnb must ensure fair investigations.