Business
MBA Professionals Share Alleged Fraud in Airbnb Arbitrage Business, Promising Higher Returns than Stock Market
Last Updated on February 12, 2024 by Robert C. Hoopes
Title: Lawsuit Uncovers Alleged Scam Involving Airbnb by Hands-Free Automation
Subheading: Investors Demand Compensation for Lost Investments Amid Controversy
In an unexpected turn of events, a group of investors has filed a lawsuit against Hands-Free Automation (HFA) and its founder, Anthony Agyeman, alleging a fraudulent scheme involving Airbnb arbitrage. The lawsuit, led by Daryn Carr and 11 other investors, claims that HFA falsely represented exclusive contracts with property owners, allowing them to relist properties on Airbnb at inflated prices. However, the popular vacation rental platform explicitly prohibits such practices, creating a significant challenge for monitoring and detecting scams.
Carr, who had initially invested in cryptocurrency and ventured into the ATM business, saw an opportunity with HFA’s promise of substantial returns. Investing $19,497 with the company, Carr claims that his money disappeared, leaving him in debt and forced to take on a customer service job to make ends meet. Similarly, other investors have faced the same fate, seeking restitution for their losses.
According to the lawsuit, HFA utilized various tactics to list properties on Airbnb, including misleading investors into listing their own homes and forging documents to verify ownership. The plaintiffs argue that HFA’s actions not only violated Airbnb’s terms of service but also harmed their chances of receiving the promised returns. The group is now seeking at least $624,000 in damages for their lost investments.
While HFA has admitted encountering challenges with Airbnb’s frequent changes to its terms and services, it continues to operate under a new company called Wealthway. Aiming to generate over $3.5 million in monthly sales, Agyeman, the driving force behind HFA, remains undeterred by the ongoing lawsuit. Agyeman has also ventured into a new private equity venture called OKU Capital, further adding to his business endeavors.
Airbnb, on the other hand, denies any business relationship with Agyeman and has taken steps to curtail his operations. The platform is implementing a more robust verification process to prevent similar incidents in the future. It has additionally raised concerns over the authenticity of a video allegedly showing Agyeman meeting with an Airbnb executive, dismissing any affiliation with Wealthway.
As the lawsuit against HFA remains unresolved, Carr and his fellow plaintiffs continue their fight for justice. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly shed light on the need for improved monitoring and regulation within the sharing economy, especially as it relates to fraudulent activities affecting both consumers and investors alike.