> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://housing-base.journalismarena.eu/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://housing-base.journalismarena.eu/short-term-rentals/media-reports/2018/a-fake-profile-with-208-flats-the-business-behind-being-authentic-in-amsterdam-nrc-9-nov-2018.md). # A fake profile with 208 flats: the business behind being 'authentic' in Amsterdam (NRC, 9 Nov 2018) * **A fake profile with 208 apartments: the business behind being 'authentic'** * *Original headline in Dutch: Nepprofiel met 208 appartementen: de business achter de 'authentieke'* * Published in NRC on 9 November 2018 * * **Summary**: * NRC estimated that around 20% of Amsterdam rentals listed on Airbnb were managed by intermediary companies. * These use fake Airbnb user profiles to list hundreds of tourist rentals as if they were 'authentic' local travel experiences in line with Airbnb's original narrative. * Under one of such fake profiles (fake picture, fake bio, the person doesn't exist), these companies may advertise as many as 208 different apartments. * Some of these fake profiles give positive reviews to each other, which helps their listing appear earlier in searches. * Using fake profiles goes against the terms of use of Airbnb, and it contradicts Airbnb's stated philosophy. * **Keywords**: Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Airbnb, fake users 60Days, Bnbmanager, AwayKey, IamB\&B, L'Easeaway {% hint style="info" %} This story is also useful because it illustrates very well the effects of the platform economy brought about by Airbnb: "When Van der Putt \[co-owner of Bnbmanager] is asked to what extent the fake profiles are in line with Airbnb's philosophy, he says: “Airbnb is a multinational. Do you believe all the stories that multinationals send out to the world? Airbnb offers companies space to do business on the platform.” \[Translated from Dutch into English with Google Translate] It summarises Amsterdam municipality's efforts to regulate short-term rental platforms: "From 2015, the city council introduced rules. Individuals may rent out their home for a maximum of 60 nights a year, to no more than four people at a time. Since last year there is also a reporting obligation. Enforcement has become more professional and stricter, with fines of more than 20,000 euros for those who break the law. Next year \[2019] the rules of the municipality will become even stricter : in that case a house can only be rented out for 30 days a year." \[Translated from Dutch into English with Google Translate] It mentions strategies by intermediary companies to evade such regulations: "For example, by offering properties as 'bed and breakfast', which may be rented throughout the year. And by offering the same apartment through multiple, just as different advertisements - and thus bypassing the 60-day limit." \[Translated from Dutch into English with Google Translate] {% endhint %}