Have a guest new to air bnb who wants to book for almost a month. I’m unsure if this is a good idea

[Charles1948]

I’m unsure if letting a new guest book for a month is a good idea. They’ve not been on air bnb for a month. This happened before and they asked for personal info, this time they didn’t but I’m skeptical.

[Dawn1117]

Hi @Charles1948 I have a thread on the community titled Scams Targeting Hosts on a similar issue.  I have reported it and two other inquiries and AirBNB is investigating. Do be cautious. 
The recommendation is to reply to maintain your response rate. “Thank you for your interest.” and decline the inquiry so that you Based on articles I have read, generally they are trying to get info about your property so they can make a duplicate listing using your property and then they scam the renters out of their payment. 

[Paula]

Thank you, @Dawn1117, for your time and valuable advice in helping Charles. Here's the link to the discussion Dawn started a few days ago for anyone interested in more insights: Scams Targeting Hosts.

Charles, we're all looking forward to your updates and learning about the actions you've decided to take.

[Joan2709]

@Charles1948 

I advise new Hosts NOT to accept long term bookings for at least a few months; especially NOT someone with no reviews...it's too risky. You need to get at least 5 bookings (with good reviews)  in the "honeymoon" period that Airbnb gives you a boost in search results (usually 4weeks). 

Long Term Stay – CAUTIONS

Long term stays can be an option for Hosts. However, I would thoroughly familiarize yourself with the long term stay policies on each platform before offering them. This will help you avoid some common (and costly) mistakes made by other hosts. Some hosts prefer not to offer long term stays, due to these issues. Airbnb policies below:

Payouts may be delayed for new Hosts

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/285

If you’re a new Host, we may hold your payouts for 30 days after your first reservation is confirmed.

Getting Started with Monthly Stays

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/2729

Things to Consider Before Hosting Monthly Stays

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/805

Tenant Rights

In most states, if a guest stay is more than 28 days, they are now legally considered a “tenant” and not a guest. If they refuse to leave after their stay, you will have to go through court proceedings to get them evicted.

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/805

Cancellations

Cancellations for long term stays override your short term stay standard cancellation policy.

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/475

Guest Reservation Alterations

Guests can alter a long-term stay reservation without Host approval in some circumstances.

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1361

Payouts

Payouts for long term stays are different than short-term stays.

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/285

Price Calculation Errors

Price errors occur more often with long-term stays. This requires the host to verify each one for accuracy (sometimes weekly or other discounts you have set are incorrectly applied to a long term stay).

Scam Long Term Stay Guests

Guest asks for a steep discount and books a long term stay for say 3 months, then either cancels after 1st month or cancels credit card. 1st month paid and then Airbnb only collects per month. Second month Airbnb can’t collect payment and cancels stay. You just locked up your calendar for 3 months perhaps months in advance and only got paid for 1 month at a very steep discount.