Trying to find out if Host is legitimate?

[Shannon371]

We are looking to rent an apartment & host is out of the country in Greece and saying they are using Air BnB for their 3rd Party rental payment?  How do we find out if this Host is legitimate as they are asking for money upfront via e-transfer and then we will receive the keys?

Here is the email they used: airbnb@global-management-rental.com

to send the following message:

Dear __________

 

The package is now in Ups warehouse custody and it is ready to be delivered to your address. The Landlord, Mr. David Maga has sent you 2 keys from the outside door of the building, 3 keys from the apartment door, 2 keys from storage unit, key-card access for parking, copies from the apartment documents and the lease agreement. We checked all the apartment documents and lease agreement with our Real Estate Professional Department. After the payment is confirmed to our company you will receive the package in 3-5 business days. After the inspection period you must give us the final answer. If you don`t want to rent the apartment you will receive a full refund via MoneyGram within 48 business hours and the package is sent back to the landlord. 

IMPORTANT NOTE!!

Please be AWARE that Mr. David Maga (Landlord) paid for service charge an amount of 365.00 EUR (550.00$ CAD). If the transaction it is NOT completed after you agree with terms and conditions the Landlord, Mr. David Maga will NOT be refunded of the service charge. 

Please send us an email notification if you accept the terms and conditions so we can provide with the Escrow Business Representative Information where you need to make the payment via MoneyGram.   

[Emiel1]

@Shannon371 

It is a well known scam, better ignore.

[Shannon371]

thank you for the information.  Greatly appreciated

[Tim-and-Holly0]

@Shannon371:
NO NO NO!!!!!!
It is absolutely against Airbnb policy for a host to request money outside the Airbnb platform. Everything about this stinks. Please call Airbnb immediately. Also go to your page with the messages from this host and click the link to report them to Airbnb. You can also go to the listing itself and click the report link that is located under the right column that shows the booking box.

[Shannon371]

I will do that. Much appreciated

[Linda108]

@Shannon371   I am pleased you checked out this situation with this forum and will be able to find a REAL Air BNB listing that meets your needs.  Good luck!!