Unsure about this guest

[Melissa2475]

Hello! We've recently gotten two weird international guest requests. Our page is set up to automatically book but these come through as requests that I have to approve. When we look at the reviews there are repeat reviews, exactly the same from the same month and the same host with the exact same message. The one we currently have is from Lithuania and does not have a picture (neither did the last one). He did leave a note that he's coming for a blockchain conference and he does have one very bad review, but the rest are stellar but they feel a little fishy like I mentioned above.

Thoughts on whether to approve? We've never had this experience before and I think I'm a little cautious after having so many VRBO weird guests. 

[Helen3]

It's come through as a request because of the bad review . @Melissa2475 

what did it say?

have you asked him any vetting questions 

depending on the nature of the review you could ask the guest for his side of the story 

what was his review like of the host? 

You can tick a box on your listing to say you only accept guests with a photo of themselves 

[Lorina14]

@Melissa2475,

I only accept people with a photo. The weird thing is that I had a couple people show up who didn’t look like their photo (photo shop or something) and they could potentially put a pic of their pet or something.

A photo ID is recommended. You could also make a request to only accept good rated guests. I personally don’t have this requirement and I’ve had wonderful first time airbnb guests too (and made a good impression for their first time they used airbnb).

You just need to ask vetting questions like @Helen3 suggested. We had one guest book and then immediately cancel (in 10 min) after our thank you for booking message went out with vetting questions (so maybe we avoided a potentially challenging situation).  I do instant booking but have not had an issue - many people don’t so they can make sure the guest is a good fit for your listing before accepting the reservation.

[Sophia]

Hey @Melissa2475, just wanted to check in on how you dealt with this situation? Did you take onboard the advice shared by your fellow Host? 😊 It would be great if you could share with us what you eventually did, it may help other Hosts in the future!