Greek Police Investigate Bedbug Hoax Targeting Tourists

False warnings of a bedbug infestation in Athens' short-term rentals aimed at foreign visitors have been denounced by the Greek health ministry.

Greek health officials have sought police assistance to combat a hoax that falsely claimed a bedbug infestation in Athens, specifically targeting foreign tourists staying in short-term rental apartments.
The hoax involved posters adorned with fake logos of the health ministry and Athens municipality, warning of a non-existent bedbug crisis and threatening a €500 fine for failure to vacate the premises.
The Greek health ministry has emphasized that the claims are 'absolutely false' and that Greece has not experienced any significant issues with bedbugs.
The hoax comes at a time when Athens and other parts of Greece are grappling with housing issues, largely due to the proliferation of short-term rental apartments for foreign visitors, which has led to increased long-term rental costs for locals.
Tourism, a key driver of Greece's economy, is expected to have a record year in 2023, despite the hoax.