False Identity - What should I do?

[Royal-Loft0]

I have some one registered as "Joshua"  make a instant booking, but arrived a "Mohamed" with a different picture, different name and well completely not matching the profile.

I suppose the steriotypes make this a lot worse than it is, the man seems frightened, says he forgot his passport, travels without luggage, registered this month, has no reviews, instead of asking about restaurants and attractions, he asks about other guests and safety... and in general stands out like a sore thumb between the normal tourists I get here in Venice. It was a last minute booking, and the reason I write here is because I have never seen my mother so Alarmed before in my life after she met him. 

I am no racist and hold no prejudice, but due to recent world events I must admit being worried and concerend by the strange man I will be sharing my roof with today.

My question is: Should I do anything? report this in any way, or "friends making reservations for other friends" is a normal thing, and I am over-reacting.

Mind you, by Law of Venice, I have to register each person with the Poliece Department. (which I have naturally done already).

But still, looking forward to your advice. 

looking forward to your advice.

[Momi0]

@Royal-Loft0   PLS CONTACT AIRBNB IMMEDIATELY!!!  Not only would I not be allowing anyone in my home that did not match the profile and required ID necessary to book my home. I would be calling Airbnb on the spot with the person in front of me without even giving them access to my home.  This sounds extremely unsafe, and not to mention AGAINST the terms and conditions of Airbnb policy.  Airbnb has a 24 hour phone support, you need to call NOW!  If you don't know the number, just google it for your area.  Good luck and let me know how it goes.  And make sure you place is set up that all guests are required to upload their government ID directly to Airbnb before they can instant book.  They looked for you as an INSTANT booking knowing its difficult for you to cancel without monetary penalty ,but in this case, they cannot stay in your home if they are not the confirmed profile booking.  Call NOW.  Take my advice very seriously.  

Quick question:  Why dont' you set up your INSTANT BOOKING to only receive bookings from guests who have 5 star reviews?  that's what I do.   they are the only ones that can use that feature on my listing.   Aloha, Momi, Superhost in Hawaii

[J-T0]

Sounds like you have a refugee on your hands. He shouldn't be using Airbnb this way, but perhaps he is desperate. Maybe you can contact Catholic Charities. How's his language skills? Can you talk to him about what he needs, what his plans are?

This is a difficult position to be put in unexpectedly. I hope you are able to help him and remain safe yourself.

[Chas2]

Airbnb is supposed to accept only verified people. Cheating that system is a violation of the rules and you can cancel penalty free. You should ring the Airbnb helpline as this sounds serious if there is someone in your house who scares you. They should help you. You pay them. They should.

[Maya17]

When and if you call Airbnb, make sure you have at least one other person with you, preferably a man. For your own safety.

[Sandra126]

''friends making reservations for other friends'' is not a normal thing, you have no obligation to host this guest at all. Let us know how it all got resolved please and all the best to you!

[Melanie58]

Apart from any other factors you are saying a guest booked under one name/identity and showed up as a completely different person.  That is not according to standard of Airbnb.  That alone is the problem here.  

[Cj7]

I had a guest book once and she said she was arriving the following day but her friend who she said was staying with her would pick up the keys and stay over night before she arrived. 

I called Airbnb imediately because I was not sure if the insurance that they supply would cover anything that this person did.

Also, this Girl 2 was not named or varified.

I was not happy about this small glitch and wanted to make sure my butt was covered.

Call Airbnb.

[Jill-Ann0]

Hi all!  Thanks for your responses.  I have a similar situation.  "Bob" reserved my carriage house but "Micah" is the one who is here (a week reservation for a convention in town...it appears that Bob reserved for an employee but did not tell me.)  I have searched and searched and can not find a way to contact AirBnb as suggested.  Does anyone have a phone number or a link?

Best,

Jill-ann

[Helen3]

I am suprised it didn't come up when you used the search function. It is the mostly commonly asked and answered question here  - in fact it has been answered over 500 times 🙂 😞 

Try 2nd post under Community Help

[JohnAndDiana0]

You would think these geniuses would put this under contact ABB

[Cj7]

It doesn't matter where he is from or his race, the point of ID on line is to protect you. You need to take a copy of his passport for the police , correct? If it's not him then it's false. 

Also, if anything happens in the flat would this guest be covered under the Airbnb insurance if he isn't the registered guest? Rules are there for a reason and if this guy can't come up with the proper ID then he has to go.

Your mama comes first, if she's uncomfortable then you need to sort it out. 

All the best o

[R0]

I would not allow anyone with false identity to share my house. If you have reasons not to call the police then politely refuse the accomodation.  Better to be safe than sorry.
If the person does not even have a passport how can you safegaurd yourself.
Hence I dont recommend instant booking option, ask questions to the person booking the accomodation only when you are satisfied you pre-approve his booking.  
Use your instincts to ensure person is safe or not, dont be greedy for income, safety is primary and most important. You can earn in future  if you are alive.
Airbnb provide no protection you need to protect yourself.
Never allow a person into your home if he cannot provide a photo identity.  You are entitled to reject the booking if it does not match the name on the booking. 

Anyone who cannot share his true name, identity is not to be trusted. He could be a spy , terrorist, he could put you into trouble so better you call the police rather than risk him in your home.  I think if he is so concerned to hide his identity he will run away moment you call the police. Be safe go out of the house into public are where he cannot harm you when you call the police or take help from neighbours so you are not alone.