I think potential scams anyone else seeing this?

[Marie8425]

I get contacted for a reservation, because of my location my business is usually work travel so longer stays.  Last night the request was 1 month because work relocation.  The profile was validated and good standing created in 2018,  Two positive reviews but when I looked closer the 2 reviews were in March and April 2023.  Seems odd that you don't use for 5 years and suddenly you need accommodations every month.  Last night was my 3rd time with this situation this year.

[Marie8425]

Again this weekend request for May.  I look closer now.  Not new account 9 positive reviews  Great validated.  9 reviews since January 2023.  All reviews properties like mine in    Arizona.  I checked rooms he left and received good reviews available and similar pricing as me, so why wouldn't you just rent again?  Why a new place you don't know?

[Marie8425]

I sent him my questions waiting for reply.

11:15 AM

Just a few questions. You have suddenly been renting every month in 2023 is there a reason for change?

11:30 AM

Some of your previous 2023 rentals in the area look available is there a reson your looking for a new place?

[Marie8425]

I guess my questions were unacceptable request cancelled

[Marie8425]

Yes I had one serious issue which I am still politely asking Airbnb Support to review what happened,  I have told them and posted here changes I made.  No response again.

I don't believe only me just maybe like me before Hosts not looking close enough,  Scammers are obviously using the platform illegally.  Todays request was my 6th suspicious request in 2023.  Until Airbnb even acknowledges there is a problem be careful and check potential guests for odd things like sudden frequent rentals for work they always say, all in the same area and never rebooking with the same host used before but seeking an unknown rental

[Marie8425]

I also received a very polite email from Airbnb case closed.  I have hosted on Airbnb in Hawaii over 10 years on my second year in Arizona.   I am not being approached by typical Airbnb users, renting  every month in the same state and sometimes same city but never using the same host twice, six times now in 2023 all different guests.

[Marie8425]

2 Inquiries this weekend both good established accounts inactive for years suddenly renting every month in 2023 in Arizona  Wow I am amazed that is 7 rental inquiries in 3 months all from guests that say it took 5 years to figure out how to use Airbnb Platform.  I didn't realize so difficult.  Long stay my last request Saturday over $1,000 cost to guest.   I just said you need a valid ID that matches name and state you have told me.  I too will let you see my ID matches what I say so you can validate who you are paying so much to.  No arguments just request withdrawn.  

[Marie8425]

I know many Host especially new Hosts use the tools Airbnb Promotes us to use.  Here is Airbnb Support's Official Response to me since I have been notifying them for a month that I am receiving obvious fraudulent inquiries lately and because I mistakenly did approve the first one in error the supposed guest committed a crime on my private property,

 have been reporting obviously fraudulent inquires to Airbnb Support for 2 months now.  Their response I should always check IDs myself.  Which appears Airbnb Support is saying don't a;;pw instabook or self check in when in my home.  

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

[Marie8425]

Sorry I didn't realize I was violating any privacy rules posting email to me,,  Basically Airbnb Support directed me to ask and check IDss prior to allowing anyone in my home.  I, alone, was responsible for accepting a guest and who was legally or illegally in my home not Airbnb,  I am a little upset that Airbnb tells me every day on my dashboard if I allowed Instabook and Self Check in I would have a big increase in rentals but doesn't make any mention of what I was told in writing by Airbnb Support,  That for my rental I alone was responsible if a criminal booked using the Airbnb Tools,  Airbnb is not responsible for scammer using the Airbnb platform, I am sure you can just ask Airbnb and they will tell you also.  

[Helen3]

1. You can use IB and chose the setting where only guests with positive reviews can book

2. You can set up vetting questions under IB to ensure guests are a good it.

3. Yes you can ask guests for their ID if you want. I have hosted as a home share host for seven years and have had hundreds of guests. I have never done this

[Marie8425]

I have raised the following issues with Airbnb

1.  In my bad experience the Buckeye Police reviewed   The profile picture on Airbnb Platform and my camera footage of the man who said Airbnb provided him my address were in no way the same man.  Buckeye Police opinion the profile picture was a random stolen internet picture.

2.  I have 8 inquires now in 2023.  Eight Guests all created their account in 2018.  Established accounts not new accounts.

3.  Eight good accounts even 9 positive reviews Saturday.  Except the account is 5 years old but only positive reviews are all iess than 4 months old.

4.  Buckeye Police agree very odd that 8 Guests all took 5 years to figure out Airbnb and now rent every month.

5.  I have asked Airbnb for help with vetting questions.  Their formal written advice was ask for IDs.  I am sure you would get the same answer.

6  My Arizona property is a new account.  I rented Makiki Heights Drive Honolulu HI in good standing with Airbnb from around 2007 until I became handicapped in 2016.  The area is a hot spot and I had about 8 rooms some shared with me some not.  I personally rented to thousands in those years.  Never asked for an ID  All rentals were from paid for platforms Airbnb and Booking.  Yes in that many years you deal with the occasional idiot.  My extensive experience says in two months 8 Guest with very similar stories are not usually interested in Buckeye AZ rooms.

6,  My second inquiry Saturday.  Guest cost was 1,400 total,  I asked for an ID but also offered mine.  At least for me if I am giving someone over $1,000 the asking and offering IDs would of given me more confidence in the transaction not less

[Marie8425]

I am not complaining about Airbnb.  When you actually think about what they told me about check everyone's IDs personally it makes sense.  Not asking for IDs is just not a good idea.  Sure Airbnb screens the ID submitted to create an account.  Airbnb can not guarantee that person is using the account.  Just like they approved me but they don't control who is using the account or who I may give my logon and password.  Actually thinking we don't have to check IDs because on the Airbnb platform is assuming Airbnb controls what is impossible for them to control.

[Helen3]

I ask all guests

1) what brings you to my city

2) who is accompanying you on this trip

3) what made you choose my listing 

4) where are you travelling from 

5) please give me an idea of your check in time (within my check in times)

@Marie8425 

[Mary5479]

@Helen3 

i copied your list of questions to my dashboard…..so concise and helpful 

[Helen3]

Thank you @Mary5479 

But for you to enforce these questions as a reason for penalty free cancellation if not answered you need to add them to your instant book function. 

or if you don't use IB send them to guests when they make a booking request 

[Mary5479]

@Marie8425 I suggest all airbnb hosts require guests to pass on IDs to hosts before they check in. After this house rule requirement, I’ve been able to avoid fraudulent transactions easily. Airbnb supports this since “we need to know who you said you are” and it’s a no financial impact requirement so most guests would comply. 

for those who don’t, I simply drop their booking. Since it’s in house rule, if guests don’t comply, hosts can cancel for free.