Prevent scam and scum in this website

[Ken55]

I've just start hosting for a few days and I have found some problem.

Some members with level one verification only, the asked me to deal outside this website and paid directly at my place. They told me that their verification level is too low to book directly but only can send out message.

They told me they didn't know how to get higher verification.

They asked me a lot of private question. I refused to answer them. They use SMS to bombar me by using Airbnb.

Is it possible to block level one verification member to ask question?

[Carmen23]

Yes you can prevent being bombarded with texts by DECLINING their enquiries.  In this way no further sms will be sent to you.

[Robert78]

@Carmen23 Sorry, that's not strictly correct: a declined guest can still send messages via the Airbnb platform.

@Ken55 I suggest you ignore the person in question, and flag them for harrassment if they continue to submit messages. You may want to consider deactivating the SMS notification option on your profile in the interim.

Members have varying levels of verification and use Airbnb, but I would hesitate to decribe them as "scum."

Perhaps you arent suited to the platform, or hosting. It's not an easy route and isn't suited to everyone... 

[Joachim10]

I have a query as a host. I have a guest coming on 17th Nov that has made a booking for 4 adults. My apartment capacity is for 4 people only. The guest has now advised they wish to bring a 5th person..even though the booking is for 4 and the apartment onl...

[Lizzie]

Hello @Ken55,

Welcome to the Community Center.

Just to add to this conversation, in reference to @Robert78 point about flagging you can do this by clicking on the little flag icon on the person's listing or in a message thread. Here is an image to show you what it looks like:

Also, here is a useful Help Center article which gives more details on what to do if you are asked to pay outside.

I hope this helps and best of luck welcoming your first guests shortly.

Lizzie