Verify ID

[Grace64]

Hi there

I am new to air bnb.  I hosted only twice and I'm just learning how this works.  I noticed on my third reservation which is coming up in 2 days a man will be staying for 5 days but his Verify ID only has his email address and phone number is blank. 

• Email address

  Verified
• Phone number

  ▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒▒ 81

I already accepted his reservation last week, but now I feel a little uneasy about this.  I have no idea who this guy is - he said he's visiting his daugher, he's from New Zealand. He's a new member of air bnb.   Am I just being paranoid?  Do I just cancel his reservation?  I can't seem to find out how to contact Airbnb. 
Grace

[Josephine7]

I would say that if you've had a polite and sensible conversation with him leading up to the booking, go ahead.  I've been hosting for over two years and I do instant book - and I've not had a single problem so far.  Most of the guests I host are new to airbnb and don't have reviews or very much verification.  Maybe I've just been lucky, or perhaps dodgy people don't tend to book a room in a home lived in by a host in the middle of nowhere!  Good Luck!

[Helen3]

Hi

It's really worth having a thorough read of how BNB works - there is a dedicated section on BNB's website for hosts.

In it, it will tell you that you can set your listing to only accept bookings from verified guests (who have photo ID as well as wider ID).

I would suggest going forward you switch this on.  This together with messaging through BNB before you accept a booking to ensure there is a good fit offers some measure of reassurance and protection.

[Mara24]

I am a new host, too. I have already had the experience with lack of information on my guest. All you need to do is call Airbnb and request that they follow up for additional ID. You may also contact the guest directly and ask for the same. Airbnb can be contacted at 415-798-2174 or 1-855-Airbnb. I just ended up emailing my guest and they immediately providing me with their information.

[Cynthia-and-Chris1]

Since you have a confirmed booking, you should also have the gentleman's full name - meaning you can do some internet searching and see if you can find him on social media.  This may give you a little more insight in to the type of person he is.