verified guest books but different person collects keys

[Katie72]

I have accepted a reservation from someone who has a verified account, been in email contact and then at the last minute (less than 24 hours until they arrive).
I receive an email to say that someone else will be collecting keys and she won't arrive until a few days later... This' really concerns me as I know nothing about them. Although, I knew they'd be three people for the stay.
Is there anything I can do? Can I ask for photo ID? Can I cancel with hours to spare? My gut feeling is that it was booked for someone else all along and the guy who has called to collect the keys sounds really dodgy.
How do I contact air b & b directly?

[Sandra126]

You can certainly ask for ID. You can also tell them that you will be greeting the person who booked, and not one of the extra guests. Having said that, it is really common (most months for me) that more than one guest is staying and arriving at different times. I will give the keys to the person who didn't book, and not meet the rest at all. But I have never felt uncertain or unsafe in doing so. If the person booked is not planning to stay, then it is a breach of the booking and the other person should not be allowed to stay. You can only determine this by meeting them.

I have also had guests who sounded/looked a little dodgy but they have without exception turned out to be great guests. You just can't tell that easily. I would hesitate in cancelling, unless you know more than you are saying?

Here's what I would do if I was feeling bad on this:

Say that you will check in the person who booked only. They can let the remaining two in.

[Katie72]

Thank you.
I know nothing more but these are my first guest so maybe overly anxious.
They're coming from Newcastle and flat is in Brighton, they're already on the road so feel as if I can't really say I need the person who booked to be here now.
Guess, I'm left with no choice but will certainly ask for ID ... Will let you know how it goes.

[Gerry-And-Rashid0]

You can only ask for ID if you have made this part of the reservation requirement. As you know most people in the uk do not carry their passport nor drivers licence with them as you do not have to. As its your first time hosting you are understandably nervous but don't let that turn into a difficult situation where you are penalised by AirBnB or get a bad review because of nothing. If you stand back from the situation it's helpful to remember that it's still the same group who booked except you are simply giving the keys to someone else in the party. The make up of the group has not changed, etc

[Lyndsey2]

I would simply say that you like to greet each guest in person, so please let me know when you'll be arriving/come knock on the door/let me know when you're here/etc. For the future, it may help to always ask for the names of the guests the primary guest is traveling with. I always do. 

[Katie72]

Thank you... I spoke with them and explained why I'd need to see their ID, they understood so naturally re assured me.