WhatsApp scam

[Ralph331]

I had someone make an inquiry. They wanted some video of the inside of our home to get a better idea of its condition. They had made it through the verification process for airbnb so I wasn't worried that it might be a scam. I took some video and then noticed that airbnb does not allow uploads of video. I explained this to the potential guest and they messaged back and wondered if I could send the videos over WhatsApp. I sent the videos to them over WhatsApp. They said everything looked nice and asked about my family. I gave a few details, and we had a conversation through WhatsApp. I decided not to continue the conversation and my preapproval expired whithout being booked. I googled with some key words of what had transpired and it sounds like I was being contacted by a scammer. I reported it to Airbnb. They said they would investigate the individual. I am wondering what kind of trouble I might be in for for. I am wondering what purpose the video  of the inside my house would serve a scammer.  I am wondering if I need to do anything with my WhatsApp account. Anyone had anything similar to this happen to them? Any advice?     

[Geoff7]

Ralph, I have had this as well. I think so long as you did not give out the address of the property - there is not much to be concerned about. I avoid answering any questions about my family to potential guests - happy to discuss me but that's the limit. The video tour - I am afraid to say was probably a way for them to see what they might want to take. I have occasionally been asked for photos of the internal stairs of my places - but that's generally by 80-year-old guests who want to see if they can manage the stairs.

[Fred13]

The first and only warning any host needs that they are dealing with a hustle of some form is when the inquirer suggests to move outside the Airbnb chat.

[Tessy19]

I had a similar situation but I was asked for photos of the front and entrance to the property, not a video.  I texted them outside of Airbnb and then heard nothing back from that person.  The only reason I felt comfortable giving my cell number was because he was supposedly approved by Airbnb or something like that.  

I won't do that again.  Instead, I added photos to our listing of the inside and outside entrances.  Hopefully nothing will come of the interactions.

[Helen3]

Hello @Ralph331 

If I get requests like this I would never communicate off platform. I confirm to the guest that they can see the details of my property from the description and photos and if they want to check on anything else, not covered in my listing,  to let me know.

All Airbnb's verification process consists of in some cases is having a social media account a guest can link to.

I confirm to the guest that it's against Airbnb's T&C to communicate outside the platform (you must be seen the guest was sharing their contact number in a hidden way to avoid Airbnb's detecting their were sharing a contact number).

Guests can identify some properties without a precise address and video content could be used by scammers to help break into your property. I would block them on What's App and on Airbnb.

Sorry you had this experience.