Scams from fake guests - does this look legit?

[Rachel3322]

Hi! 

I am new to hosting and want to ask about common scams from guests with fake profiles. 

I got a booking request that just feels 'off' and would love to get a vibe check. 

This user just created their profile this month, and they don't have a profile pic or any info on their profile. 

Then their booking request message just felt unusual (screenshot attached) - asking to see a video and photos of the property when I already have photos on the listing. 

They're trying to book a whole month. 

Thoughts? 

[Helen3]

Hi @Rachel3322 

The guest shouldn't need a video of your place when your listing should provide all the information they need to make a decision as to whether to book.

quite often scammers ask you to share your contact information before booking so they can try and get you to book directly .

just confirm to the guest that it's against Airbnbs T&C to swop contact information before booking and that all the information they need is on your listing .

have you asked them why they chose your place and what brings them to your area first a month? 

by the way you never see the guests photo before they book - only once the booking is confirmed @Rachel3322 

[Wendy-May0]

Well said Helen!

Rachel, That 'off' feeling is absolutely correct, and you should trust your gut. New, empty profiles combined with an unusual, demanding message (asking for external videos) is the classic start to a scam or a risky booking.

You need to put up clear security barriers immediately.

1. Ask for Verification: Politely reply and ask them to complete their profile (add a photo, bio, and verify their ID) before you consider accepting the request. This filters out 90% of the scammers, as they won't comply.

2. Stay On-Platform: Do not send them videos, extra photos, or your personal email. That's often a ploy to get you off the platform for a phishing attempt.

3. Manage Expectations: Since they asked for extra info, let them know that the extensive photos/details are already on the listing, and any booking is subject to strict adherence to house rules.

If they refuse to verify their profile and continue asking for external communication, decline the booking.

Protecting your property and your account is always worth losing one booking.

[Helen3]

Hi @Wendy-May0 

Great post except  you don't need to decline an inquiry as long as @Rachel3322  reaponds - which she has done within 24 hours that's fine .

[Rachel3322]

Great insight @Helen3  - love the idea of asking why they chose my place and what brings them to your area first a month. 

Was trying to think how to get more info without saying "tell me your full name so I can internet stalk you and see if you are a real person" 😛

[Joelle43]

Hi @Rachel3322 

New guests seem to be frequently targeted in this manner and if you use the search bar here you'll come across many posts on the subject.  Here is a link to one of them:

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Support-with-your-bookings/A-guest-wants-a-video-to-book-sounds-...

The fact that this came in as an enquiry rather than a request to book means that you only have to reply to this guest as quickly as possible to maintain your response time.  They haven't committed to anything by sending an enquiry. 

Like @Helen3 and @Wendy-May0 say, hosts are not permitted to send videos of our listings so you'll need to fall back on Airbnb's T&C's in your next reply.  One of two things will happen I think here, you'll either never hear from them again or they will ask you to go off platform by hidding their phone number in a text message.

[Wendy-May0]

Well said Joelle! I agree

[Rachel3322]

ahh, good to know videos are against T&C - that makes it easy. 

Appreciate your help wtih this @Joelle43 @Wendy-May0 

[Wendy-May0]

Anytime