Athens Bedbug Hoax Targets Tourists in Short-Term Rental Flats

Hoaxers in Athens have been posting fake notices claiming there is a bedbug crisis in an attempt to scare foreign tourists out of their short-term rental flats.

The health ministry of Greece is seeking assistance from the police to combat hoaxers attempting to scare foreign tourists out of short-term rental apartments in Athens by fabricating a bedbug infestation.

Misleading Posters

According to a statement released by the ministry on Tuesday, posters with fake logos of the ministry and the Athens municipality were discovered outside apartment buildings in the city center. The posters, which were addressed to "dear visitors" in English with incorrect spelling, falsely claimed that health authorities had ordered the evacuation of local "private guesthouses" to safeguard the health of permanent Greek tenants.

The fraudulent posters threatened visitors with a 500-euro fine ($540) for failing to leave their flats and wished them a pleasant stay in Greece while citing a nonexistent bedbug infestation.

Impact of Short-Term Rental Flats

In addition to dealing with a cost-of-living problem, Athens and other parts of Greece are facing housing issues caused primarily by the increase in short-term rental flats, which are mostly utilized by foreign visitors. This has significantly contributed to the rise in long-term rental costs for Greeks, many of whom can no longer afford to live in central Athens' residential areas. Due in part to a "golden visa" program that grants residency to foreign property investors, property values are also increasing quickly.

Tourism's Role in Greece

With tourism accounting for a fifth of yearly output, Greece's economy depends heavily on it. With a record number of visitors anticipated for 2023, it is anticipated to be a banner year for tourism.

Response from the Health Ministry

The health ministry declared on Tuesday that it had informed the police to take the necessary steps in response to the scam. It emphasized that no one is permitted to spread false information or terrorize the public on matters of public health.

Greece has not experienced any serious issues with bedbugs, in contrast to France, where the blood-sucking insects recently caused alarm.