In North Carolina, a group of Airbnb Guests reduced Cryptocurrency worth over $100,000 (approximately ₹84 lakh) during a three-week stay at a rental property, leaving host Ashley Class with a hefty electricity bill of $1,500 (approximately ₹1.25 lakh). The crypto mining operation came to light after guests left the property, with Class noticing that at least ten computers had been removed and a makeshift electric vehicle charging station had been dismantled. Although guests left the property in excellent condition and received a five-star review, the significant increase in electricity consumption raised alarms.

When Class discovered the unusually high electricity bill, she contacted Airbnb and provided evidence of the guests’ activities. Surprisingly, the guests admitted to using the property for crypto mining and acknowledged that they had made over $100,000 from it. This incident prompted Class to revise her rental rules and explicitly prohibit crypto mining and electric vehicle charging on her property.

Class’ experience is not an isolated incident; it highlights a growing trend of individuals using Airbnb properties for energy-intensive crypto mining activities. The incident sheds light on the broader problem of cryptocurrency miners seeking low-cost ways to power their activities by renting properties. As a precautionary measure, other Airbnb hosts have reported similar incidents and are taking steps to prevent such activities. Just 137 crypto miners are reportedly responsible for 2.3% of all electricity consumption in the United States, highlighting the significant energy demands of this practice.