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]

Thank You I like your questions also  I am going to use them.

Some other good points ( I have a nice neighbor police officer)

Depending on laws in your state for me Arizona laws are very different than Hawaii.  In Arizona there is a residency law.  So non payment doesn't matter.  If they can prove they have been residing at my property and they did not make the legal Airbnb agreement with me, then I have free tenants until I see a judge, police can not make them leave..

I have a legal short term rental using Airbnb gives me that protection.  It is my responsibility not Airbnb's to insure the occupant is the person who authorized a short term rental.  Especially if I make an Airbnb Agreement with Jane Doe but John Doe shows up and I give him occupancy  Jane agreed to leave in 3 days but John didn't agree.  Airbnb and the police in Arizona have no authority to tell him to leave he didn't authorize the rental.

If you accept guests that are not ID validated by Airbnb, again you are assuming the risk and any damages.  You are not authorized to make Airbnb or Aircover responsible for someone that they weren't aware would be at your property.  Maybe John Doe is her husband or father but maybe John Doe didn't 't submit his ID because Aircover has paid damages prior so they won't insure again.

Because of Arizona residency laws he also advised me no deliveries or mail with their name and my address,  His advice usually deliveries are innocent.  Allow deliveries to my name and address, I just give them the mail or package but avoid anyone saying see I am a resident here I have mail.

here,

He also mentioned if Airbnb validates Jane Doe and my agreement is with Jane Doe but John doe shows up and I let him occupy.  If John Doe has a criminal past and des something to a neighbor I am responsible Airbnb knows nothing so they are not responsible..  

Good points  I implemented I will ask for Ids A few inquiries went away But a nice coupe agreed and when  I did as I said no photos or anything just your ID is the same names o n Airbnb they relaxed.

[Marie8425]

I had my sixth request in 2023 from what is obviously a hacked guest account.  Validated good standing account usually created in 2018 (always an established account) Good reviews today 9 5 star reviews,  I look closer now because I had a bad experience recently,  9 Reviews but all  from 2023. good account but inactive for 5 years suddenly needs a rental every month,  Closer look all 9 rentals in my state,  At least 1 Host close to my house about same price with dates requested available but he is approaching me not the rental he gave and got 5 star reviews,  I just politely ask why?  No answer just request withdrawn from me,  I am sure he already is approaching someone else,

[Marie8425]

Though I have asked Airbnb Support for help     numerous times in the month since my bad experience with just cased closed.  I have altered my listing to state I want an ID that matches your name and story..  I will show you my legal ID to be fair.  Already this weekend two requests haven't complained but just went away. Just a thought if your legit like me sure you can see my ID no not Xerox it just see.  Are scammers using the platform because Hosts trust Airbnb validated a person and we are being lazy?  I just asked for an Id which matched the name you gave me and the state your from  I post I will not Xerox ID. 

[Marie8425]

Beware Hosts are accepting these requests but something isn't right.  The first one I got this weekend had 9 separate rentals in Arizona, never twice at same place, between January to May 2023, so 9 unsuspecting hosts probably had an unidentified criminal in their home.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 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.  

I'm sorry to hear about the inconvenience you're experiencing with the unusual rental inquiries. It's always a good practice to verify the identity of potential renters and to add additional security measures to your listing to prevent any potential fraudulent activities.

As a platform, Airbnb takes the safety and security of our hosts and guests seriously. While we do not audit individual account usage, we have measures in place to detect and prevent fraudulent activities. However, we strongly advise our hosts to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect themselves.

I encourage you to continue verifying the identity of potential renters and adding additional security measures, such as requesting a copy of their ID. If you encounter any suspicious activity or if you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our customer support team for assistance.

Yes, Airbnb does monitor and audit unusual account activity. The platform has fraud detection systems in place to identify and prevent fraudulent activities, such as fake listings, fake profiles, and suspicious transactions. Airbnb also has a team of specialists who investigate and take action against fraudulent activities. If you suspect fraudulent activity on the platform, it is best to report it to Airbnb immediately.

I understand the inconvenience that you are currently experiencing with the inquiries you are receiving from potential renters. I want to encourage you to continue verifying the identity of these renters and adding additional security measures, such as requesting a copy of their ID, to ensure your safety and security as a host.

In addition, I want to assure you that I will escalate this issue to our specialized team for further investigation. Please note, however, that any information obtained during our investigation will remain confidential.

[Jenny]

Hi @Marie8425 

Thanks for sharing your concerns with us.

I can see that you've been discussing your concerns here and I can see that my colleague @Bhumika provided you with some helpful links and raised your concerns to the relevant team within Airbnb, to get you some support.  It sounds like they've been in touch already so hopefully that's helped.

Take care,

Jenny