Couple accidentally books fake pool listing; Glendale police arrive with guns drawn

GLENDALE, Arizona. – A couple from Phoenix were shocked to find that the pool they booked via an app was unfair listing.

The couple found out about it when Glendale police arrived at the scene with guns drawn and told them they were trespassing.

The couple tried to escape the heat by looking after their eight-month-old dog, but that all changed when the owners saw a video of strangers in their yard.

“This would be our seventh rental. Swimming. As usual, we went on the app to see what pools were available. We rented from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m., Vanessa Lighty said.

After fifteen to twenty minutes of staying, Glendale Police arrived at the scene and handcuffed Lighty and her wife.

“They came with flashlights, of course it was 8 p.m., it was dark. So they came with flashlights up and guns drawn and told us to put our hands up,” she said.

Vanessa’s wife recorded the moment they tried to explain to the police that they had booked the pool using the Swimply app.

“They actually went through my phone and generated a reservation, confirmed that this is the address, you paid. The homeowners are saying, I think they talked to them, that they didn’t list the listing,” Lightly said.

What was supposed to be a fun and relaxing night spent by the pool quickly turned into a terrifying experience.

“I felt really hopeless. I didn’t think they would listen to us,” she said.

Glendale police said the homeowners were notified that someone was in their yard. The couple had paid to use the pool through an app, but the ad was fake.

“Honestly, it was really, really scary and I’m really shocked by it. I really wish Swimply would just stand up and do something about it.”

Swimply told FOX 10 that when a fraudulent listing is flagged, it takes immediate action. Actions can include providing affected guests with support, including refunds.

“After further contact with Swimply, we have received no assistance. They are unwilling to refund our money, let alone talk to us about what kind of account verification they are doing to make sure these are real posts,” Lightly said.

On August 5, Swimply provided an update, saying, “Swimply has contacted the tenants of the fraudulent listing and they have been refunded the full amount.”

The homeowner, who was away from home at the time, stated he did not intend to press any charges.

“People were paying to use the pool through the app, but it was a scam because it was not authorized by the actual homeowners. The people using the pool were free to leave and not incur any fees,” Glendale police said.