Proptech HostHero Makes Unheroic Launch with Fake Testimonials

"It’s hard to find good people you can trust..." Yes, you're right, HostHero.

It’s not a launch that will conquer the nation as London-based HostHero has unveiled its property management platform with fake testimonials.

HostHero offers an app and digital platform for Airbnb hosts and rental property managers to manage their interests.

The proptech comments: “It’s hard to find good people you can trust to help you get the most out of your vacation rental business. We want you to be in charge of your business by making it easier to market your property.”

Unfortunately, irony is on the menu as the tech startup has become the villain and made the same mistake as payments startup PENG and its fraudulent launch.

In a scoop in March, eWeek UK revealed that London-based fintech company PENG had used two false images. One of them was from an article in the Daily Mirror.

On the HostHero website, and in a similar sordid tale, two of the testimonials are not real.

The first, “Jane, London”, is in fact a stock image from Twenty20. The second one, “Edward, Brighton”, is a stock image from Envato.

HostHero fake testimonial

 

HostHero fake testimonial

Both these people praise HostHero to the high heavens. Not a problem if they were genuine customers, but they are not and the deception makes HostHero a role model that is not to be copied.

HostHero is the creation of Jörg Olbing, who is based in Hamburg.

Olbing is also the founder of debtify. This firm was founded in 2019 and provides an open ecosystem concerning non-performing-loans.

Antony Peyton
Antony Peyton
Antony Peyton is the Editor of eWeek UK. He has 18 years' journalism and writing experience. His career has taken him to China, Japan and the UK - covering tech, fintech and business. Follow on Twitter @TonyFintech.
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