Should guest with zero verifications and "Nicknames" instead of real names be allowed to book?

[Rita58]

I always thought you had to have verification in order to book or even request to book a room.  And, that a guest has to use their name.  Apparently not.  A nickname or in my case where a guest with a  a single letter as a name is enough to request a stay.  

I totally understand trust is huge to be a sucessful host and guest but I feel there have to be some safety precautions  as well.

[Ed-and-Hugh0]

@Rita58 You can certainly change your settings to only allow verified users to create a booking, however, it's not on by default. It's really up to you.

[Rita58]

Thank you! I didnt know I could do that but I will definately be changing it.  I spoke with a rep and this option was not mentioned.  

[Rita58]

BTW, I checked my settings and it is set to where the guest needs to be verified so maybe is a glitch in the website.  

[Ed-and-Hugh0]

@Rita58 Remember that this setting only impacts reservation requests. They can still make inquiries, even if not verified. However, if they want to actually request a booking, they will have to go through the verification.

[Rita58]

The guest did request a booking.  I called airbnb again after I realized I had set it to the verification setting and they dont know how that happened.  Its Ok, I totally understand I dont have to accept everyone that request to book but my point is I feel some verification should be mandatory to request to book.  

[Vicki20]

I have that default setting, and yet people with no picture, no profile, no reviews seem to be able to inquire and even request.  And that's why I refuse to do instant book.  I've only had two horrible guests in almost 4 years, but still .... 

[Rita58]

No instant book for me!  I have been really lucky and most guest have been  great but I do go by instinct sometimes.  I have set up rules for myself that sometimes I break depending on back and forth interaction with potential guest.  

[Andrée2]

Yes, even with those verifications requested, you can still get cartoon faces and an initial for a profile. My understanding is that there are still many profiles out there that were set up when Airbnb's regulations were far looser. If they haven't booked anything for a while, they haven't been notified to update their profile. Even newbies can set up with an initial and fool the site into believing that a cartoon face is still a face but you can simply ask for a picture of their actual face in their completed profile for security purposes.

If they have a profile with no verifications and they wish to book with a host that requires verification, I believe that they are sent an email that says something like, "Your host requires verification. Please follow this link to update your information."

[Rita58]

 I still feel it should be a bit tighter.  I was told that this person is brand spanking new to Airbnb.  

[Rita58]

I just feel that verification is important and should be inforce by Airbnb.  Not so much about the photos but a real name would be nice.  I am opening my home after all.  

[Sandra126]

New guests often have no idea at all. I once had someone book under her performance name in the profile. It was something ludicrous but I felt embarrassed to ask if it was her real name, as some people are named the oddest things. But I did, and told her I would not accept the booking unless I had her real details. She hadn't understood (people join so very many things online) and immediately changed to her real details. All good.

You even find hosts with a picture of a house, or a flower, instead of their good selves.

[Fiona2]

It is completely up to you @Rita58 as to whether or not they are Verified. It is a setting chosen by the Host. I only accept Verified users but even so anybody can make an Inquiry, they have to be Verified to book with me, even if I have pre-approved them.

Don't accept anyone unless you are comfortable with them. I don't care about photos, etc. but the communication needs to be good. Many of my guests are brand new to Airbnb. If they are using a nicknames or a letter or anything ask questions to satisfy yourself. If they aren't forthcoming then "decline." I have guests show id when they arrive.

[Rita58]

That is great advise and I think asking for I.D. is a even better idea!

 BTW, I checked my settings and it is set to where the guest needs to be verified so maybe is a glitch in the website.  

[Kyriaki4]

I had a confirmed reservation and later found out that the guest had on the profile their Facebook nickname, a fake profile picture and had verified the ID of her father! The father was actually the guest. She also paid with the fathers credit card!

how can you have a different name and picture than the ID?