Gold Coast high-flyer charged with fraud over $250,000 Airbnb theft claim
A high-flying Gold Coast beauty entrepreneur and motivational speaker, who tried to sue Airbnb after claiming a guest at her Gold Coast beachfront unit stole around $250,000 in jewellery and luxury items, has been charged with attempted fraud.
Entrepreneur Cassandra Felicity House is facing fraud charges. (Photo: LinkedIn)
Queensland Police on Wednesday confirmed Cassandra Felicity House, 35, was issued with a Notice to Appear for attempted fraud.
House, who has attributed her upmarket lifestyle to her success with vegan skincare giant Arbonne, had filed a $253,212.65 lawsuit against Airbnb Ireland UC in the District Court in Southport on June 10.
In the suit, House alleged a guest she hosted at her Main Beach apartment in April 2018 robbed her and trashed her apartment.
Among the items House alleges were stolen were $25,000 worth of Tiffany and Co diamonds, a $27,000 diamond ring, $40,000 worth of designer clothes, 18 pairs of designer shoes from brands including Chanel and Gucci worth $37,000, and $50,000 worth of engagement presents.
House had also claimed the guest stole or damaged $10,000 worth of Swarovski jewellery. She included in the claim $279 for a bottle of Dom Perignon champagne, Prada sunglasses, and $619 worth of Country Road towels and sheets.
The cheapest item on the list of loot allegedly stolen or damaged by the Airbnb guest was a $50 “silver banana”.
House filed the claim after an attempt to recoup the losses from the alleged theft was refused under the Airbnb Host Guarantee scheme.
Airbnb’s Host Guarantee is a property damage protection program that provides up to US$1 million in property damage protection should a host’s place or belongings be damaged by a guest or their invitee during an Airbnb stay.
Airbnb declined to comment on the case.
House will appear on the attempted fraud charge at Southport Magistrates Court next month.
