BRISBANE BOOKING REQUESTS TO AVOID

[Dal1801]

Hello Hosts,

I have been an AirBNB Host since 2014 and currently still have my Super Host status

Unfortunately due to COVID-19 I haven't had any bookings since Feb 2020

However... in the last week have have 3 X UNSAVOURY BOOKING REQUESTS (potentially escorts)

They have been reported to AIRBNB however I want to ensure you don't come across them

Particularly as I have had the unfortunate experience of meeting a pair of them on my doorstep who I had to immediately decline face to face on the spot !

Be wary of BRISBANE booking REQUESTS from :

- ELEANOR  "lives in Cannon Hill" tells a story of her brother being sick and needs immediate accommodation - has no ratings

- CARLA "lives in Michelton"

- NICOLE MARIE "lives in Camp Hill" - make sure you read the host review from her previous stay  

They all do last minute / same day booking requests and want to stay for 1 week or more 

IMPORTANT : EACH OF THESE 3 ladies seem to have FAKE POSITIVE REVIEWS from the SAME people :

"Christine and Ben, Sunshine Coast, Australia members since 2015"

They have also been reported that they change their profiles and try to book under their friends / boyfriends names

I have taken these steps - 

1. Phoned as Superhost and reported this incident to AirBNB
2. Reported each of their profiles
3. Declined their booking requests ...however one of them keeps asking WHY ? Despite my immediate decline.
4. Taken Screen shots of their reviews, requests etc (but unfortunately can't upload them to AirBnB)

I am not sure what else to do except to post here and hope that other Brisbane Hosts do not have the same experience during these already challenging times.

[Linda108]

What a lovely unique place you have, @Dal1801 .  You certainly have taken great steps to mitigate these types of requests.  I wonder if you add no same day bookings to your listing, if that would be of benefit, at least for the time being.  Quite often I have seen posts from hosts in larger metropolitan areas having problems with prostitution and drug dealing when they allow same day booking.  Just a thought.

[Li75]

I'm glad to see this post. I've only been hosting for a few months and this thought has never crossed my mind. But once or twice I did wonder why a single tattooed guy would drive up from Gold Coast to stay for two or three nights.

Just out of curiosity, why do these people only book at the last minute? If I refuse to accept same day booking, would I be protected from this cohort?

[Helen3]

Change your settings so people can't make same day bookings @Li75 they can still make a request but you can refuse.