Verification

[Jen15]

I am a little new to this site, but I was wondering about the verification process...I see that potential guests are verified, but what exactly does that mean?  I tried to search a new guest that wants to stay here in a few months, but thier name is not coming up on facebook...That concerns me that her name does not come up.  How can I be sure that they are who they say they are?  Is there a way for me to double check?

Thank you!

jen

[Paul0]

Hi @Jen15,

Not coming up on Facebook to you isn't necessarily a big worry - they could simply have their own security settings up appropriately or not be on Facebook. What makes you sceptical of who they are?  

Verify why their coming to town with them yourself through Airbnb's messaging system. Ask them lots of friendly questions and you'll either increase your comfort levels to happily host them or decide that they're not a good fit. If they're new to the platform it's best to lead friendly conversation so they get to understand the people on the platform have a higher expectation (communication wise) against other booking sites etc.

You've gone through Airbnb's verification system yourself so you know it includes a mix of verification requirements.

Hope that provides a couple of ideas.

Cheers,

Paul

---

If someone provides a useful response send ♥ with a thumbs up!

Useful Links to Check Out:

• Contact Airbnb: A Community Help Guide - A Great Guide!
• Airbnb Resolutions - Booking Specific Queries
• Airbnb Help - General Airbnb Queries

Co-Organiser of Melbourne's Finest... Hosts too! 🙂

[Clare0]

Hi @Jen15 When Airbnb gives a Verified ID badge to a host or a guest, it means that the person has provided enough identification including a governemental identification such as a driver's license or passport among other things.  Here's a link that explains more: 

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/450/what-is-verified-id

I've tried finding people on Facebook, but without a last name (at least until I have a confirmed booking) sometimes it is not possible.  Their profile name on Airbnb might be Suzy while their Facebook name might be Suzanne. Or they are using a maiden name, not a married name.  I know some hosts who do a Google image search on their profile picture.  Sometimes people use the same picture for Facebook. 

If Airbnb has verified their ID you can be reasonably sure the person is who they say they are.  

I require Verified ID for anyone wishing to make a reservation with me.  It's under Reservation Requirements just to the left of wher you see Calendar and More when you select Manage Listing.  

I wouldn't worry about double checking people's identity.  If the person has Verified ID, Airbnb has already done it.

Hope this puts you at ease!

[Sandra126]

A verified guest might simply have submitted a government issue ID, such as a driver's licence. They may not be on facebook at all. I'm not. You can try to search on their name and town where they are from, maybe something from their work will show, maybe not. Lots of people stay off being searchable on the internet at all costs. Certain professions, such as law enforcement and corrections tend not to be visible for instance as they don't want anybody finding them!

[M10]

The system won't accept my verifiction - I am using the right format.  Looks like I'll be sleeping in the car.  Doesn't seem to be any way to get help.  This seems so good in theory, but rubbish in practice.  Very disappointed, especially as my car is tiny!