@Carol5120 Airbnb tries to force hosts to use Instant Book by placing IB listings higher in search rankings, yes, that is true. But getting more bookings won't help you at all if they are bookings from guests who make you uncomfortable or abuse your hospitality.
Many, many hosts do not use Instant Book and they still get bookings. I have never used instant book. Some hosts have used it and then turned it off because they were getting bad guests through it and want more control over who they accept. Dn't ever let Airbnb pressure you to do something you're not comfortable with. They aren't concerned with whether you get bookings, they are only concerned about their profits.
You will get a boost for awhile in search rankings simply because you have a new listing.
Look at the large pinned post on the first page of this hosting forum "Contact Airbnb" scroll down until you find the phone numbers. I would advise you to contact Airbnb and tell them you feel uncomfortable with this reservation, as the guest has no valid phone number, and wish to cancel it without any penalties. Did this guest even bother to send you any message? If not, I would for sure cancel, doesn't sound like a good risk.
You don't ever see a guest's real email address, nor does the guest see yours. Email addresses are coded on Airbnb, that's why it looks weird. But if you email to taht coded email address, it will show up on the guest's regular email Inbox.
And turn off Instant Book until you become a more experienced host. You can always turn it back on later if you want.
