Concern about a possible fradulent reservation

[Brian259]

I had an instant book reservation about a month ago.

The party recently contacted me about specific security and access info "about a month prior to arrival."

I declined to give specific security info but gave other info such as directions and what to expect upon arrival.

The party then informed me that they would need an additional security pass to enter the community as they would be arriving with 2 vehicles...not so uncommon... and gave me the name of the other person driving.

This "other person" created an account with airbnb today and contacted me stating that the original person requesting the reservation could not attend and that i should change the reservation to her name...Obviously something that i am unable to do. This person also requested details for accessing the community and property.

my concern is that there is some sort of fraud taking place on the part of one, or even both parties contacting me.

Not sure how to handle this and I dont want to create a cancellation on my account.

Any thoughts out there would be greatly appreciated.

[Tim-and-Holly0]

@Brian259:

Fortunately the party booked using Instant Book. This allows you the opportunity to cancel the reservation without penalty IF you do it correctly. Follow this procedure:

1. Make sure all of the conversations are documented in Airbnb messaging as the first thing the customer service representative will do is read the message threads.

2. Call Airbnb (https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Help/Contact-Airbnb-A-Community-Help-Guide-UPDATED/m-p/413245) and tell the representative that you would like to cancel an instant book reservation because you are uncomfortable with the guest. (You MUST use this reason)

3. Explain that the guest who booked is requesting specific access information a month in advance and now, when you did not provide it for security reasons that far in advance the guest has reported that they are not even coming, but sending a third party in their place which violates Airbnb policy and those two issues have made you uncomfortable.

4. The representative may try to help you understand the situation better and make you more comfortable so as to try to save the booking, but most times will honor your request under this circumstance.

If you follow the above procedure the cancellation will not count against you and your calendar will not be blocked. FYI: here's the cancellation policy: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/990/i-m-a-host--what-penalties-apply-if-i-need-to-cancel-a-reser.... You will be most concerned with the section labeled "For Instant Book Hosts Only." 

Also FYI: Here's the third party booking policy: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/427/can-i-book-on-behalf-of-a-friend-or-family-member.