Hey group,
Well I got this pre-approval request today:
"Planning to shop while in SD area in preparation for annual trip south for the summer. Return after 4-5 months. Have a need to store packages and receive them via Fedex, USPS and USPS and Amazon. Usu. stay at a hotel in Chula Vista area. Vehicle is an F350 pickup. Est. two weeks. House looks quite nice.
Bill"
I had to laugh. First, the account it came from has the name "Willard" and only the email was verified with Airbnb. This really sounds like a way for someone to purchase goods with a stolen credit card, then have them delivered somewhere he can get them without any verification.
I declined the pre-approval request however politely told him if he wants to stay with us for those two weeks that's fine - he can instant book provided he updates his profile with both a photo and have Airbnb verify his ID. I also told him we check IDs upon arrival and after his stay, we are not responsible for any vehicle or packages left or received later. I doubt I'll hear from him again.
We're new hosts so seeing what kind of spam or cons come our way is quite amusing.
Have you guys received similar requests? I'm curious what other BS requests we can expect to see 🙂
- Ralph