Scam?

[Rachel3272]

Hi, we just received two requests to book from two different people, one to stay tonight and the other to stay tomorrow night. But they both were JUST verified this month, and have no reviews or past stays. 
I’m not against allowing people with no booking history stay (we have a room for rent in our shared home), but it is strange that 2 people with the same situation requested to book within hours of each other. It could be a coincidence, but it has certainly piqued my curiosity and concern.

Thoughts from other hosts?

thank you!

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Rachel3272 I guess all guests have to start somewhere. Only concern for me would be if they are locals

[Helen3]

What vetting questions do you normally ask guests @Rachel3272 

I would see how they respond and then make a decision.

if they are local as @Mike-And-Jane0 says be wary particularly fir short term bookings

Personally my settings are set up not to accept same day bookings 

[Rachel3272 · Accepted solution]

@Helen3 @Mike-And-Jane0 Technically, both requests came in late last night. I also don’t accept day-of bookings. So last since they sent the request at 11pm, it was technically for the next day.

I’m a new host and I’ve never had a request from someone new to Airbnb. All my other guests have been forthcoming in their initial message with info I would normally be curious about.

And like I said, I’m not against hosting people with no history, it’s just strange that they both were “verified” in July 2025, which was only 3 days ago.

So if it’s a scam, it’s a brand new thing happening right now. And I’ve read that new hosts can get scammed easier.

Ive asked the one that wants tonight, if they are familiar how Airbnb stay-with-hosts works and what their comfort level is with dogs (we have two), but they have not responded.

Both original requests say similar things: they they are traveling from X and with their wife/partner.

I have no way of knowing if either person is local because their profiles have zero information.

[Danny721]

Not sure if this is a "scam" or not... I would call the guest and try and speak with them on the phone.  I would also recommend going into your booking setting and choose "require a good track record" - this will perhaps make you feel more comfortable with the first several bookings.  Once you become more seasoned, maybe you open it up to new guests to airbnb.  Just a thought

Danny

[Elisa]

Hi @Rachel3272 😊, 

Thank you for asking this question in the Community Center!

I’m glad you found many hosts to discuss with.

It’s always great to double-check with our host community when you have doubts.

What do you think of their advice? Are you going to accept this reservation?