Uptick in weird requests recently?

Tyler552
Level 2
Chapel Hill, NC

Uptick in weird requests recently?

Hello everyone! Has anyone else noticed an uptick in a very specific request from potential guests for you to send them a video of the listing before they book?

At first I thought it was someone being overly cautious, but still told them no (we keep our listing pictures updated pretty regularly and have a constant stream of reviews verifying). But now this is the third request since about December, and for the past 6 years this has only happened about once or twice.

Not sure if this is a rampant attempt at scamming or if there's something else going on, but I just wanted to find out if anyone else experienced this and how they handled it.

2 Replies 2

Hi Tyler,

 

It's understandable to see an increase in these requests lately. Some guests might be overly cautious, especially if they've encountered stories of fraudulent listings or had bad experiences in the past. It’s also possible this trend is influenced by social media, where video tours are becoming more common for showcasing properties.

 

Politely declining the request is a good approach. Explaining that your photos are updated regularly and that guest reviews provide a reliable reflection of the listing's accuracy can help build trust. If the guest seems genuinely interested but hesitant, inviting them to ask specific questions about the property might reassure them without the need for a video.

 

It's also worth keeping in mind that scams can sometimes start with unusual requests like this. Remaining cautious and ensuring all communication stays on the Airbnb platform protects both you and the guest. If these requests persist, it could be helpful to flag and block them with Airbnb message thread.

 

I hope this helps.

 

All the best,

Upfish Management

@Tyler552 

Yes...a common scam. Report the guest by going to the 3 dots in the message and flag the message as they are scamming you:

Joan2709_0-1736561603243.png

Here is a link about this common scam from another Host that explains more about it

 

 From @Dave-and-Deb0:

 

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Help-with-your-business/SCAM-ALERT-Host-s-Beware-Common-Scam-Tar...