Could this be a scam?

[Karen2913]

Could this be a scam? - person with verified identity, but no reviews wants to book for the maximum allowed time on my listing - 14 days, saying he is travelling from Australia (where I am) to my town. Asking straight out how to get the key (booking request is for 18 days time) Just doesn't feel right - Am I being over cautious?  I can't see how this would work as a scam, but doesn't feel right.  Any suggestions?

Karen

[Elaine701]

@Karen2913 

I don't know if it's a "scam", but we never divulge exact details of entry until the day before arrival, specifically to avoid unauthorized entry. 

There's no need for the guest to know this 18 days in advance. Just tell them you'll inform them of the entry procedure the day before arrival. And don't leave the keys or give them entry codes until hours before their arrival. If you're a meet and greet host, then of course, they can get the keys from you on arrival. 

It's not exactly rocket science. Just keep it simple. 

And be sure to ask them to tell you a bit about themselves and the nature of their visit. The answers (or lack of them) can be revealing. 

Good luck... 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Karen2913 I don't see much wrong with asking how they get the key. We are often asked if we are self check in or whether we meet the guest to give them the key.

[Olivia-and-Olivier0]

Definitely listen to your intuition, the risks outweigh the benefits if the booking is a scam. Not worth remodeling and fighting insurances, airbnb etc to prove the damage.

[Sarah977]

@Karen2913  I don't see how simply asking how  to get the key is some kind of scam. If he has never booked an Airbnb before, he may just be trying to understand the procedure. 

But if his communication with you feels odd, certainly ask him some questions, like why he is coming to your area.

As a onsite host with a small studio listing, you don't have the concerns a lot of "entire home" off-site hosts do. It's not like guests can sneak in 20 extra people and throw a wild party, nor does it look like there are a bunch of expensive things to steal. 

Yours isn't the sort of place that scammers would target, it seems to me. I.e. someone planning to deal drugs wouldn't be booking a place where the hosts could see cars or people coming and going all day.

[Helen744]

Helen @744 Hi Karen I suspect this is a work group with members who do not speak much English . Two things you can do . Reject or accept . If you accept then ring the phone number provided and send a email with all of your house rules and try and get the info you need. There are a few of these groups moving around at the moment . I did not manage to find out about their work last time although they paid and stayed they marked their review very low . So be cautious and cancel later if it is not satisfactory H.