It's becoming very clear why the company has resisted going public for years. Increased scrutiny and visibility is going to show everyone exactly how shady their business is. You can almost guarantee a FTC investigation within a year of going public.
Also, why don't people issue charge backs with their credit card companies? Airbnb customer service might suck, but credit card companies almost always side with their customers if there's a modicum of proof showing something henky.
Self reply since I can't edit, but the FBI has recently contacted the article's author. First, FBI investigation for criminal activity. Then FTC case for ongoing consumer deception and fraud due by failing to police their platform and turning a blind eye to obvious criminal activity.
Also, why don't people issue charge backs with their credit card companies? Airbnb customer service might suck, but credit card companies almost always side with their customers if there's a modicum of proof showing something henky.