Spam or not spam?

[Brian3625]

Hello, I would like to know if Airbnb is connected with the area code 205, I'm new here and most of the messages i have received from potential clients are from area code 205 Alabama. As of right now i assume they are spam, Right or wrong?  Looking for advice of protocol when receiving inquiry on our property. I have been told a lot of calls coming from Alabama maybe  smishing.

[Elegant-Homes-Retreat0]

@Brian3625 Great question, and it’s smart of you to be cautious — welcome to hosting!

📍Area code 205 is indeed from Alabama, but Airbnb does not route inquiries based on specific area codes. If you're consistently getting inquiries from that area without confirmed bookings or the messages seem off (asking to pay off-platform, share personal info, etc.), it’s wise to be cautious.

Here’s a quick protocol to follow:
✅ Always reply through the Airbnb messaging system only
✅ Never share personal contact info (email, phone, etc.) outside the platform
✅ If a message feels off, click “Report” or “Flag” it directly in the message thread
✅ If someone asks to pay in cash or move the conversation off-platform, it's likely a scam

Airbnb uses hidden phone numbers until booking is confirmed, so you shouldn’t be getting direct calls unless something unusual is happening.

If in doubt, contact Airbnb directly for support:
🔗 https://www.airbnb.com/help/contact_us

Stay safe and keep everything on-platform — that’s your best protection. 🙌

[Brian3625]

Unfortunately, my question is still not answered,  let me try again . does Airbnb uses phone # 205 851-4558 or 56 when sending an inquiry to a host? When i receive an inquiry from Airbnb, it will usually comes in an email, message on the platform and also a text showing the phone number listed above. So far all my inquiries have all had 205 area  codes. Is this normal, do Airbnb  uses these numbers to protect the Customers number from the host? If you try calling these numbers the Verizon response will be "the call can't be competed as dial  please check the number again". None of the request as yet try to communicate outside of the platform . Can i response back to the text? will they receive the text? EX. Airbnb: NAME request to stay Feb 7-21 for $1116.86 ai.... What is the standard protocol when receiving a new inquiry via text , email and on the platform? Thank You

[Shelley159 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Brian3625 

You don't get calls from Airbnb - enquiries come through as messages on the app.

It's likely that the calls you have been getting are not related to Airbnb, as your number is not given to prospective guests who do not already have a confirmed booking.

When you do get Airbnb messages, you should only respond to messages inside the mobile app or on the Airbnb website. New hosts are unfortunately a target for scammers, so keep everything inside the app as far as possible (and do not agree to go off platform to send videos or accept payments).

[Tanja476]

@Shelley159 And what happens if you click on the link in the text regarding a reservation that isn't booked yet? Should I be worried about some type of phishing?

[Shelley159]

Hi @Tanja476 

If you're concerned at all, ignore the link and open the Airbnb website or the app manually.

Go to the Messages tab: there you'll see all the messages received through the Airbnb sytem (although hosts should still not comply with requests for videos or meetings).

Let us know if this doesn't answer your question or if something still bothers you about a message or booking.

Your profile shows as a guest, so I'm not sure about the type of message you received.

[Emilie]

Thanks @Shelley159 for the advice!

@Tanja476 Did this help you understand how to proceed better? I wanted to add a handy Airbnb article as well regarding security: How to check if an Airbnb email or website is authentic 🙂