Suspicious new host

[Ailín1]

Hi all, 

I found a great place but it seems a scam. 

2 different new hosts advertise with exact same images, althpugh one of them claims they are in different floors. 

They have no reviews as they are new hosts and one of them only phone verification. 

The property seems great but I am concerned it might an scam. 

Should I report them?

Best, 

A.- 

[Sarah977]

@Ailín1  What would you be reporting them for? Just because a listing is new and has no reviews yet doesn't mean it's a scam- all listings start out that way. 2 different hosts with exact same photos, but on different floors does sound a bit weird, though.

Can you please post the URLs to these listings here-that's the ony way anyone here could check them out and advise you.

[Ailín1]

Thanks for your reply @Sarah977 . 

My concern arised because it seem suspicious that they have the same exact description and pictures but different prizes. Also one of them only has verified as a host her phone number, not email and ID like the rest of hosts I have stayed with. I might be paranoid and they are just starting their business. If the latter I would be happy to be their first guest and enjoy their wonderful property.

I would appreciate your thoughts. 

Here the links:

1) https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/33858981?adults=1&check_in=2019-06-30&check_out=2019-08-21&guests=1&s...

2) https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/33858985?location=Caltech%2C%20Pasadena%2C%20CA&check_in=2019-06-30&c...

[Ana1136]

@Ailín1 @Sarah977 I have 4 apartments, 2 on each floor and 2x2 are literally exact replicas and I do use the same pictures so it is now weird in my opinion. But If you are not sure you can always choose any other Airbnb, it's better not to have to rethink your decision whether you booked with a leigitimate host time and time over until check in day 🙂 

[Emiel1]

@Ailín1 

It seems the appartment has recently changed owner or tennant (it was taken of the market 16 may)

Maybe the old and new host still have  listing on Airbnb. Price difference: 1 listing says 3 guest, the other says 2 guest maximum (no sofabed). Full addres can be seen on photo nr 20 in Masseys listing. Then google it and find lot if information.

Hope this helps,

Emiel

[Ailín1]

Dear all, 

Many thanks for yor replies, you all have been of great help!

Best wishes, 

Ailin.- 

[Sarah977]

@Ailín1  I always suggest to guests that they message the host before booking. So many guests these days just instant book and don't even think to communicate with the host beforehand. If you messaged her, you could simply ask why the lisitings are in 2 different names. I don't use IB myself- guests have to send an Inquiry or Request to Book. If I see that the guest has been a member for a long time, but has no reviews, I'll ask them to clarify why that is (it could be a red flag- guest was a terrible guest but hosts dclined to leave a bad review)- it's always been something innocent, like they joined but never actually used it, or they had a couple of stays but the hosts didn't review them, and they turned out to be great guests.

Also, hosts appreciate it when guests send a nice introductory message and clarify anything they are unsure of, so there won't be any misunderstandings afterwards. Both hosts and guests can get a pretty good feel for each other by exchanging a few messages.