Hoaxers Spreading False Claims of Bedbug Infestation in Athens

Greece’s health ministry has asked for police assistance in apprehending hoaxers attempting to scare foreign visitors out of short-term rental apartments in Athens by falsely claiming a bedbug infestation.

The misleading posters were discovered outside apartment buildings in the city’s core and included the logos of the ministry and the Athens municipality. The ministry referred to them as “completely untrue.”

The posters, which were written in English with incorrect spelling, were sent to “dear visitors” and falsely claimed that health authorities had ordered the evacuation of nearby “private guesthouses” to safeguard the health of permanent Greek residents.

The pranksters threatened visitors with a $540 fine if they refused to leave their housing due to a fictitious bedbug infestation and wished them a nice stay in Greece.

The health ministry stated that it had alerted the police to take the required action in response to the scam. It emphasised that no one is permitted to spread false information or terrorise the public on public health-related subjects.

The incident comes amid a housing problem in Athens and other parts of Greece, which is mostly brought on by the growth of short-term rental flats mostly aimed at foreign visitors.

The “golden visa” programme, which grants residency to foreign property investors, has also contributed to rising property values.

The incident involving the bedbug hoax adds to the difficulties brought on by the housing problem and the cost-of-living problem, which has made it harder for many Greeks to afford housing in central Athens.

The good news is that Greece has not experienced any serious issues with bedbugs, unlike France, which has been dealing with a recent infestation.

The government is committed to upholding public health standards and safeguarding both residents and tourists from false information and pranks.