Someone selling lockbox codes?

[Vanessa-and-Gil0]

Hi everyone, we just had a very suspicious incident where two girls had arrived that we saw through our security cameras. We didn’t have any guests that we’re expecting to arrive that night and yet they knew the code to our lockbox and someone had texted them a picture of our lockbox code from the check-in instructions. When we confronted them they said their uncle had booked it for them, when they called their “uncle” and we spoke to them the guy said it was their “grandfather” who booked it and that they had to double check whose name it was booked under. In the end we told them to leave since they couldn’t get their story straight. Has anyone else had this issue before and if so what did you do? 

Thanks,

vanessa 

[Alice-and-Jeff0]

If you don't change the code between every guest, @Vanessa-and-Gil0 , you will be taken by the scammers over and over.  Most of us with systems change the code for every reservation and would encourage you to do the same.  In the meantime, flag the guests who booked with you to Airbnb for fraud, flag the profile, if you can find it, of the guest who claims they made the reservaton and follow up with a direct contact with Airbnb about the rando who is giving codes to strangers . 

[Barry-and-Lera0]

@Vanessa-and-Gil0: We do not use a lockbox but use a digital keycode door lock. Every guest gets their own code (the last 4 digits of the phone number associated with their Airbnb account). When they leave I delete the code and add the next guests number. Its been absolutely flawless in the 4 years we have used it. It might be something for you to look into.

[Helen267]

Yow. I feel for you - thank goodness you caught that situation in time!

I am in the UK, and my place is a new build that comes with security locks where you have to raise the handle to lock the door - this means we can't have digital locks without replacing the entire door. I therefore got a MasterLock box with what I thought was remote code setting -  turns out it's not, I have to be standing in front of the lock box to change the codes (a max of four codes at any one time). Since my place is a 2.5 hour drive away, this means I can't give every guest an individual code (based on the last four numbers of their cell number - an idea I got from this site). Instead, I'm going to have to put four codes in at any one time, make sure I change them every time I'm up. Annoying, but your experience shows it's clearly worth the hassle.  Thanks for posting.

[Vanessa-and-Gil0]

Yes Helen we have a similar situation where we can’t have a digital lock so we also just purchased the remote master lock lockbox. Good to know it’s not truly remote! 

[David3296]

Yale have an excellent lock for £100 approx

It works off wifi and you can change code remotely

[Helen267]

@David3296 do they? I'd be really interested, can you post a link? Asking because I've just been over to their website and I can't see any mention of one. Thanks!

[Ben551]

Thanks so much for sharing this @Vanessa-and-Gil0  - it’s really helpful!

[David3296]

B+Q have them on their website

Www.diy.com

Or screwfix

Or amazon

Yale smart lock

[Alexandra316]

@Vanessa-and-Gil0  We use the Schlage Smart system and it works extremely well from Android phones. It's the highest rated for home security as well. You can buy them at Home Depot, Lowes, etc. We have them installed on multiple doors at multiple locations, and I'm extremely happy.

[Ryan727]

Wanted to add a lockbox experience I just had as a guest. This occurred in a country that is literally rated the safest in the world. The property was an upscale apartment building (a very nice listing). Coded lockbox was supposed to be inside the apartment's mailbox in the lobby (mailboxes had no key, again, because it’s the safest country). The lockbox was supposed to be on a chain attached to a wall hook inside the mailbox. Arrived to find no lockbox. Someone stole the lockbox to break it and obtain the key. Further, the thieves then returned later in the afternoon and rang the intercom in the lobby. They were waiting to see if anyone was home. I answered the intercom and they then proceeded to leave. Thankfully the owner was extremely helpful and understanding. He came to the property within 10 minutes of us reporting the lockbox issue in order to let us in (it was a weekend and a holiday). He then came back about 10 minutes later and changed the lock to the apartment door (keep in mind the key that the thieves had still allowed building access). When the thieves returned and rang the intercom I called him again to let him know. He came back to the property along with the police in about 5 minutes. As a guest it was very concerning not feeling safe and knowing someone is basically stalking the property. Yes, once the lock was changed the thieves would have had to break down the very solid apartment door, which I doubt they would do. But we still took our electronics with us whenever we went out. If the owner had not been so helpful and attentive I probably would have lost my mind. The owner's attention is what made the situation tolerable. As we were leaving we noticed that the owner had now attached the lockbox directly to the lobby wall and gave it a random number so that the key could not be traced easily to the exact apartment.