Host want to use WhatsApp instead?

[Ada3564]

I am trying to book a stay that has no previous reviews. The listing looks real. I reserved and the host sent me “Hello Ada, First of all i want to apologize for my late answer for you but is hard for me to see all the time my messages in airbnb account. The second, i am glad that you are interested to rent my beautiful apartment. But until to accept your reservation here in airbnb, i will need to discuss with you some details, and that details i cannot discuss here because the words will be hidden, in this case in my next message will be a picture, write me there your name and the dates you want to book so i can remember you and to discuss about your reservation. Thank you!” with an attached WhatsApp account number. 

this sounds concerning. 

[Lorna170]

@Ada3564   If you are concerned, keep looking for another rental.  While there may not be a problem with this host wanting to communicate via Whatsapp (as AirBnB does redact a lot of information from conversations until you have paid for a booking) it is IMO better that you stay on the platform.

If you do communicate via Whatsapp and the host requests that you pay off the AirBnB platform, find a different rental.  Then report the host.

[Sudsrung0]

@Ada3564 

I think it's pretty obvious what the host is trying to do, I dont do business off the platform I have all the protection I need from airbnb once the host goes off airbnb and takes a direct booking she has no protection.

If the host is asking for money upfront then neither do you,

[Gillian166]

@Ada3564  this is not advisable. there is no way they can't use the ABB app but somehow use whatsapp? if it smells fishy, it's fishy.  

[Gwen386]

@Ada3564 Stop responding to this host. Do you really want to stay anywhere in which the host does’t even follow airbnb TOS?

Run, don’t walk, away from this listing!

[Steve4660]

This is very likely a scam and violates Airbnb’s policies. Here's why:

• The host is trying to move the conversation off Airbnb, which is a major red flag. Scammers do this to avoid detection and remove any protection Airbnb offers.

• They mention that some words will be hidden, which is false. Airbnb only hides contact info to keep everything secure.

• They're asking you to contact them on WhatsApp via an image — another common scam tactic to bypass Airbnb's filters.

What You Should Do:

1. Do not message or send any personal info via WhatsApp or outside Airbnb.

2. Report the listing and the host through Airbnb immediately.

3. Cancel the reservation if you're still within the cancellation window or haven’t been charged.

4. Book with listings that have verified reviews and active hosts.

Even if the listing looks real, this kind of behavior is a big red flag. Stay safe and only communicate and pay through Airbn

[Steve4660]

same issue