verifying a booker

[Chris24859]

I have a request for my home, Dec 1 - 21.

there is no info on him and feeling a bit leary 

what would you suggest?

[Joan2709]

@Chris24859 

I would at least get some information...

Any previous reviews?

New to the platform?

Why are they coming to the area? Work? Vacation?

How many guests? 

If they are slow to answer, evasive, terse, or don't answer the questions at all, then politely decline and move on. Many Hosts don't accept guests new to the platform and/or with trips but no reviews. These days it's not worth the risk; especially with longer bookings. 

[Chris24859]

thx !  i will see how long it takes to answer.

[Chris24859]

I agree, can't be too careful

[Rebecca]

Hi @Chris24859 

I'm tagging @Joan2709 here so they receive a notification of your message. If you type "@" and then the username, this will tag the member that you're replying to. 😊

[Chris24859]

thank you!  I feel like go with my instincts too.  I got another inquiry, this guy actually responded but when asked where they were from, i got longatude and latitude....omg....the message also mentioned sending a video to 'easily cooperate'   hmmm... bad news i think

[Joan2709]

@Chris24859 

Yup...known scam.

Communicating off platform (like sending a video) before they have booked a stay is against Airbnb policies. You would need to get their phone number to do that and they will also get your phone number when you send the video - 

Paying and Communicating on Airbnb

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

See this thread about scams like this:

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

[Chris24859]

it judt got stranger and stranger!

thanks so much again!

[ManiKu0]

My lovely friend Chris, verifying a guest before booking is a tricky thing — actual digital verification isn’t something Airbnb allows hosts to do. You can, however, ask a few simple questions, and if the guest responds honestly, you can go ahead with the booking.

Airbnb’s Customer Service team is always available to help you. Also, it’s great to see your December calendar already filling up two months in advance — that’s good news!

I follow a simple rule — take the risk, whisper positivity, and there’s a 99% chance that a 5-star guest will choose to stay.

[Joan2709]

@ManiKu0 

This guest was asking the Host to send a video which is against Airbnb's policies. 

I applaud your optimism, but sorry...Airbnb CS is not always available to help (sadly).

There is no reason to "take a risk" unnecessarily. Preventing a bad guest from staying is better than dealing with it after they book. If the guest is already violating Airbnb policies and trying to get the Host to communicate off platform - that is a big NO for me and many other Hosts.