Scammed

[Earl4]

The mother did the booking. Lots of messages and changed the days from 6 to 3 days. The booking was for her daughter and friend (Uni students) and wanted two bedrooms. I did have two bedrooms. The mother made the booking for her daughter and assured me the other girl would pay on arrival, because she could not process her booking. I sent alternative methods for payment which were not made.

I dont live at the property but I have managment.

They arrived Thursday evening and said nobody answered the door, but they could hear people in the house. 1st complaint. There are two entrances. The door was open so they let themselves in. They were met and welcomed. The managment apoligised for the dishes because they had just had dinner. 2nd Complaint.

The girls decided not to stay, didnt let anyone know there was a problem and didnt pay for the second person. When I contacted mother today for the payment she told me they did not stay and wanted a discount. I said no, becase I could have let the rooms out over and over.

My take.... The girls had boyfriends and went else where. Thats why the second girl did not pay prior to arrival. Mother may be in the dark. The house is new.

What are your thoughts

Earl

[Momi0]

@Earl4   When you say you sent "Alternative plans for payment" am I to understand that you were allowing the other girl to pay you directly and not through Airbnb?  Im a bit confused by the lack of pertinent details  in order to help you.  I am clear that no one is allowed to book a place without the confirmation from Airbnb and paying Airbnb directly, so how did you allow the 2nd bedroom to get booked?  

I think you need to call Airbnb as soon as possible because you could find yourelf in some hot water for even putting this situation in writing on the Community Center where posts are reviewed by Airbnb that you were accepting payment from the other girl instead of her paying Airbnb.  

Would you mind writing back and explaining a bit more by what you meant in your post?  I don't want to "scare" you but I think its extremely important that you call the Australian Help Line for Airbnb now.  They need to get involved in this.  You could find yourself losing the priviledge to list on their site if you have violated any terms of the Airbnb contract.  Please, please read the Terms and Conditions of Hosting as soon as possible.  From what I've read, it sounds like you may have violated those terms as a host.

Are you a new host?   If you don't know the Help Center number, type in that question in the search tool bar in this CC, and you will find the list of numbers to call Airbnb.  Good luck. 

[Earl4]

Yes I am new, 2 months young. The guests mother said that the 2nd girl could not pay, tried several times. I was on the recieving end being scammed. In furture no booking no stay.

[Clare0]

@Earl4 so sorry for your experience!  This is why accepting a reservation made on behalf of others ("mother" booking for children, ect.) is prohibited by Airbnb.  You really don't know who the booking person is and you know less about the people walking in the door.  Next time you get a booking request like this, hit the decline button. 

As for cash transactions, yes, all Airbnb payments should go through their payment processing system so neither you or a guest gets scammed by being promised payment that doesn't happen or a payment is made without the service delivered.  In this case you were the victim.  I doubt seriously that Airbnb would take any action against you, but would advise you to follow their procedures next time. 

Be sure to indicate in your review of the "mother" that she booked your place on behalf of someone else. 

Here's a helpful link about 3rd party bookings:

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/427/can-i-book-on-behalf-of-a-friend-or-family-member

Wish you better luck next time!