Frivolous inquiries

[Anne14451]

We’ve been getting random inquiries by someone who seems to be trying to engage us in conversation with frivolous questions.  Like, ‘can I cook in the kitchen’ or can I send them videos of the apartment.   When I say that I don’t have videos, they ask again.  I get a few of these types of messages each week from different people, and they all seem to be coming from another country. 

if someone is trying to scam, what does this attempt at engagement do for them? 

[Joan2709]

@Anne14451 

This is a very common scam usually targeting new hosts. Your profile says guest so I wasn't able to see your listing to know if it is new or not. Generally these are from those who just created an account on Airbnb with no reviews. Most times it appears they are from China. They typically try to engage to get you to send a video on WhatsApp (in order to get your phone number). Airbnb doesn't allow Hosts to provide videos, or provide phone numbers until an actual booking takes place.

You can just flag the profile or the message using the flag icon and report a suspected scam. I have never been able to figure out the scam either, unless they are trying to get you to accept a payment off platform.

[Steve2698]

Thank you for your reply.  We aren't a new listing--we've had 6 apartments on Airbnb for 2 1/2 years with over 100 reviews, which makes it especially strange that they would target us.  They do appear to be from China, and when I see their first question, I know they are a scam.  But I'm still polite just in case they're real.   

I'm happy to hear that the only way they could achieve their scam is for me to contact them outside of the app.  I never talk to people outside of Airbnb app, and have had several ask to come see the property first, etc.  Just --no.  

[Joan2709]

@Steve2698 

Yes...it usually is new Hosts or very large properties. Good call to "just say no".

[Elisa]

Strange profiles asking for a video Hi @Anne14451 😊,

Thank you for asking this question in the Community Center!

Joan shared a great suggestion. What do you think about it? Did you receive any new messages? Also, have you contacted the Airbnb customer support team?

I am also sharing this conversation 👉Strange profiles asking for a video.

Let us know if you need more help with that!

Warm regards 🌻