Weird Inquiries

[Rich4910]

I am new to AirBnB (2 months) and I keep getting weird inquiries... like asking me if I can shoot a video of the inside of my rental (even though I have 27 pictures on the listing), and asking me to contact the renter via telephone (which I will never do... everything goes through AirBnB).  This has been the experience of my first five rental inquiries and I am losing my faith in AirBnB.  Is there something I can do? Should do? to reduce this from happening?

🏡 View on AirbnbCabin in Remer · ★New · 2 bedrooms · 3 beds · 1 bathroom

*[Link updated by Community Manager]

[Jamie600 · Accepted solution]

Hi Rich4910,

Hey just a heads up that link takes me to your listing and photos which I can move them around. Maybe edit it and just post the generic link to your place. 
luv the cabin. I luv the fish photos as well. I would change your cover photo - I like the string lights photo. 🥰

I’ve gotten weird requests like that. I just report them and move on. They are likely wanting to copy your listing.

I also occasionally check online to see if my house is listed where it shouldn’t be. 😝 I have found it listed on third party platforms- it gets redirected to airbnb or another large booking site. Creepy for sure. 

I can imagine your listing is doing well, especially in the summer months.  Mine is slower in the summer. Nobody seems to want to be in Arizona in the summer. 

kindest regards,

Jamie.  

[Rebecca]

Thanks for the heads up with the link @Jamie600. Just to let you know I have updated it for you @Rich4910 🤗

[Joelle43]

Hello @Rich4910 

A real pain I grant you and something all new hosts experience I'm afraid but there have been a LOT of posts this past year of hosts receiving requests for videos and hidden phone numbers within the message thread but 5 is a lot!!

Please use the flag icon or the three dots to flag these profiles to Airbnb in the message stream.  They are scammers!  Most of the time they come through as enquiries so you only need to remind them that this is against Airbnb policy and you have done your job.  Airbnb only take into account how long you took to answer that first enquiry and you can let the conversation just die out if you want.  No need to pre-approve, accept or refuse an enquiry even. Action IS needed if you receive a request to book however.  There's a guide on the subject if you need in the left hand column under Host guides

All the best
Joëlle