Newbie guest to Airbnb with no reveiws or history

[Jill1451]

Feeling a little unsure on this one......a guest contacted me last night....requesting a booking for 61 nights.....his first time as an airbnb guest.  Only his first name and phone number on his profile.....no photo.  I've asked "what brings you to Tulsa?"  Who are your guests?  Just a few questions to make me feel a little more secure with this guest without any reviews.  He continues to ask me for a video of my property without answering my questions.  I've told him that the property is currently occupied so it may take a few days to arrange for a video.  My base line is that I'm not willing to spend the time and energy to provide a video to someone who will not answer my simple questions.  Not wanting to be paranoid but not wanting to be foolish and trusting either.  Any suggestions???

[Dawn241]

Are you licensed? Short term rental in AZ is 29 nights or less. 30 nights or more is a different license and renters get tenant rights (a different eviction process) therefore we have a Max 28 nights/4 weeks.

We give a 50% discount for one month. We can make more money renting 4-3 night weekends at full price than 28 nights at 50% off, With less utilities used, less wear and tear on the house, etc. you should consider doing a one month max. 

I would not approve 61 nights to a first time renter. 

[Zheng49]

I think it's a scam to be honest. After you give out your contact information, the guest will likely want to negotiate a cash deal with you and bypass Airbnb altogether. 

[Jill1451]

Yes, if a guest is difficult before they even lease your property.....imagine what they are like once they occupy it!  Too "out of bounds" to continue chatting with guest......DECLINED.  Thanks for your advice!

[Marie8425]

@Jill1451 

If someone nis not communicating to me that is the biggest red flag.  If there is any issue will they communicate with me?  I found a polite way to say communicate.

I encourage communication to assist me in insuring your experience is comfortable.

If still not correct communication I just decline because to me I am preventing a problem

[Jill1451]

Thanks for your input......it was way too fishy to continue chatting with this "new" guest!  Cheers for your help!

[Jill1451]

Totally agree.......this was just my second inquiry into my midterm rental......hard to turn down the $7K but it just felt too fishy to be legit!  Thanks for your advice!  Cheers! 

[Joan2709]

@Jill1451 

As others have mentioned, this is a common scam. They want a video so they can get your phone number and eventually will ask to take the conversation off platform.

Simply report flag the guest or message (no need to decline an inquiry).

Click 3 dots in message

or Report This Guest (right panel)