Advice on responding to an inquiry…

[Priscilla317]

Can you please help me with an inquiry? I am going to send pictures of messages (inquiries) from a potential guest, Ives. This is the second time they’ve reached out. The first time I denied because they wanted to pay me personally upon arrival. Do you see red flags? Should I deny? On other bookings, they’ve been instant. I haven’t had to approve or decline anyone but this one.

I’ve a gut feeling it’s not legit.  They do not have an Airbnb profile so I can’t check that out, either.  I have additional photos but this is just highlight from two separate inquiries from same person. 

**[Private conversation removed in line with the Community Center Guidelines] 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Priscilla317 Just continue to respond saying they must deal through Airbnb and all should be fine.

[Priscilla317]

Thank you! 

That’s what I’ve been doing and will continue.  I appreciate the feedback! 

[Christine615 · Accepted solution]

Agree with @Mike-And-Jane0  This is a red flag and there's a lot of fraud on the platform. Some guests don't want a paper trail. Others may want to use your place to establish an address for legit or non-legit reasons. Or they want to host a party and want access to your address in advance. Paying you in a lump sum gives you no protection in the case something goes wrong.

Even if this is a real request, the guest clearly doesn't understand the rules (or doesn't care to comply). You can, if you want, report the guest and block them. But the easiest way is to just decline any further booking requests.

[Priscilla317]

Thank you so much! That is very helpful!