As much as AI-generated images are being sold as a boon to the general public, we’re starting to see examples of the opposite popping up. In a recent case of what sounds like potential fraud, an Airbnb host was accused of using AI-generated images in a false damage claim.
According to The Guardian, the story starts with a London-based woman who booked a one-bedroom apartment in Manhattan, New York. The booking was for two-and-a-half months, but she decided to leave early after feeling unsafe in the area. Shortly after she left, the host told Airbnb that she had caused over GBP12,000 (~RM67,355) in damages.
This involves an apparently cracked coffee table, which the host provided supposed photographic evidence for. The host also alleges that the guest stained a mattress with urine, as well as damaged a robot vacuum cleaner, a sofa, a microwave, a TV and an air conditioner.
Airbnb was initially on the side of the host, claiming the decision was reached “after careful review of the photos”. But the two images showing the cracked coffee table appear to show differences in the damage. This led to the guest suspecting that the images were either doctored or AI-generated.
Initially, Airbnb told the guest that she had to reimburse the host a total of GBP5,314 (~RM29,816). Eventually, the company credited GBP500 (~RM2,805) into her account instead. Further negotiations saw the guest got the full cost of her stay (GBP4,269, ~RM23,952) refunded.
The guest suspects that the host filed for the fake damages as retaliation for her ending her tenancy early. Said host is also listed by Airbnb as a “superhost”, or one that’s highly rated. Despite the use of doctored images, Airbnb merely gave the host a warning for violating its terms. While it’s a chilling end to the story, it’s also an example of AI tools being abused.
(Source: The Guardian)
