Potential Guest Wants a Video?

[Mark4658]

I had someone contact me about a month-long stay (which obviously we would love to have) and they are asking for a video of the property due to "previous issues with renting a property where the photos didn't match the listing".  They appear to be Canadian, but have a brand new profile on this platform, so no info on them.  Sounds a little sketchy.  Advice?

[Joan2709]

@Mark4658 

It is "sketchy"

This is known scam. Do not send a video. Airbnb does not allow you to share a video with a guest who is just inquiring about a stay, but hasn't booked yet. This is an attempt to get your phone number (the guest would have to give you their phone number) which is not allowed by Airbnb on an inquiry.

Communicating off Platform

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/209

Scams - Asking for Video

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Help-with-your-business/SCAM-ALERT-Host-s-Beware-Common-Scam-Tar...

As long as your photos are accurate, you can reassure them of that in a message. After they actually book a stay, then Airbnb will allow you to send a video to a guest, but remember that video contains sensitive information including location data. We only send photos and videos with a check-in message 1 day prior to check-in and only of things like how to use the lock and where to park.

You also should not allow guests to visit the property before booking a stay and we don't allow them to come on property until their check-in time. 

Asking to Visit Before Booking

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/127

[Helen3]

This is a common scam from guests who want to persuade you to book off platform. @Mark4658 

so brand new to the platform but previous experience of being scammed by a previous host ? 

I would report to Airbnb and move on.

[Joan2709]

@Helen3 

Good catch @Helen3 !

Kinda hard to have been scammed by another Host on Airbnb when you just created your guest profile? 😳😏

[Alex]

Hi @Mark4658,

Thank you for sharing your experience with the Community. You received three responses with good advice. Did you have time to check them? Let us know what you decided in the end! 🤗

Best, 

Alex