Scam/fake inquiry of vrbo property ??

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Scam/fake inquiry of vrbo property ??

Nick M.
Real Estate Investor · Sterling Heights, MI · Member since 2009 · 71 posts · 14 votes

So we received our first inquiry for a booking on vrbo…. Obviously very excited … But it looks suspicious to me - does this inquiry seem like some kind of scam or the beginning of a scam?? They are asking me to call them… see message below:

“We are very interested in your property and would like more information, particularly about the proximity of the amenities to the location. Could you kindly get back to us with the details? If possible, please connect me on nmber by following the instructions below:Please remove the fruit from the list and use the nmbers to reach me7 Apples 7 Kumquats 3 Bananas 7 Raspberries 4 Blueberries 7 Blackberries 6 Lemons 2 Oranges 3 Limes 2 Grapes”

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Lauren Kormylo
Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ and Rehoboth Beach DE · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
1y
Quote from @Nick M.:

@Michael Baum

I asked them (via vrbo) what specifically they would like to joke about after thanking them for the inquiry and that we would be happy to answer any questions they may have - and no response from them after 8 hours of me responding to them. I marked it spam as I saw the time on the inquiry ticking.

Is there a specific duration I should be pre-approving an inquiry within? 24 hrs maybe

Also noticed they were a member since 2025 - and no feedback.

I am new also but their lack of response and cryptic message was a bit concerning…so I sent it to spam.

Thanks for your input


You don't need to ever pre-approve an "inquiry".  There is no advantage to that, only disadvantages. Vrbo used to block your calendar for 72 hours when you did that.  Now I've heard they will leave it open to other bookings from Vrbo, but block other platform calendars that you have synced to yours, so they will block your Airbnb calendar for that time.  You don't want your calendar blocked at all, you may lose a booking from someone else.
 
With inquiries, you're only required to respond to them with a message. So just do that.
With booking requests, you do have to approve or disapprove.
Since you're new, you should familiarize yourself with the platforms' penalties for cancellations, because there are hefty charges.  You don't ever want to double book and have to cancel one of them.

And the guest giving a phone number in the first message like in your original post is against the rules and the guest knows it.  That's why they wrote it they way they did.  It automatically needs to be reported to Vrbo, not after waiting 8 hours to see if they respond.  You can't send a prospective guest your number either (until after they book and pay).  You can't tell them to find you outside of Vrbo another way, like telling them to Google a name.  Vrbo and Airbnb do not play around when they see you taking direct bookings from guests who found you through their platforms.  They will ban you and you'll never be allowed back on the platform. 
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  • Josh Ball
    Real Estate Agent · Louisiana · Member since 2017 · 215 posts · 149 votes
    1y

    Yes, do not contact them outside of VRBO.

    0Reply
  • Nick M.
    OP
    Real Estate Investor · Sterling Heights, MI · Member since 2009 · 71 posts · 14 votes
    1y

    @Josh Ball thanks Joh - plan to do all comms via vrbo messaging

    Appreciate your quick response

    0Reply
  • Monique P.
    Member since 2023 · 88 posts · 62 votes
    1y

    Yes, it's a scam. Unfortunately, new hosts are targeted for this. Being encouraged to communicate off platform/misspelled words are red flags.

    VRBO may potentially ping you for not responding to all inquiries. You can send a short response and then flag it as spam. Or call VRBO and report it if you don't want to respond.

    Been there, done that... you'll get a legitimate inquiry/booking soon enough. ;-)

    1Reply
  • Lauren Kormylo
    Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ and Rehoboth Beach DE · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    Agree with the others, it's definitely a scam, so report it to Vrbo as such through the app, no need to call them.  You will get others too, since you're new.  It's likely a scam anytime they sound like AI or the grammar is weird or they use the word "kindly", if they ask for you to respond to them off-platform, if they say their employer will pay for it, if they ask if the dates they've specified are still open (when they can clearly see they are open on your calendar), if they ask for a video of your property (they probably want to set up a duplicate listing with your photos and video and scam others out of money), or if they want a long term booking and they have just joined the platform and have no reviews (could have been evicted from somewhere else, and hope a newbie will let them in with no background check, they'll end up not paying or credit card is bad).  

    1Reply
  • Lauren Kormylo
    Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ and Rehoboth Beach DE · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    Just so you know, Vrbo and Airbnb will not allow you to receive an inquiry through their platforms, and then take the booking off-platform, they want their cut of the money.  If they find out you've communicated off-platform with a guest like this one is requesting, they may boot you off their platform.  Always communicate with guests on the platform, at least until they book and pay through there.  After they book, it's still a good idea to use the platform app for communication because then the platform has a record of what you and the guest have said, in case you need it when a guest does damage and admits it to you, but later denies it to the platform.  

    1Reply
  • Mike GrudzienPro Member
    Lender · Eugene, OR · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    I agree with all the above.  Especially IMMEDIATELY report to VRBO/Airbnb.  There will be stuff like this that activates your "spidey sense".  Anytime something seems even just a little off, REPORT it, just to have it on record.  You'll never go wrong having an abundance of caution.  But if you are not cautious, well.....

    1Reply
  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    1y

    You'll get lots of these, some with very enticing financial offers. Never communicate outside of the platforms messaging systems.......

    0Reply
  • Jeremy Jareckyj
    Real Estate Agent · Salt Lake City, UT · Member since 2020 · 490 posts · 205 votes
    1y
    Quote from @Nick M.:

    So we received our first inquiry for a booking on vrbo…. Obviously very excited … But it looks suspicious to me - does this inquiry seem like some kind of scam or the beginning of a scam?? They are asking me to call them… see message below:

    “We are very interested in your property and would like more information, particularly about the proximity of the amenities to the location. Could you kindly get back to us with the details? If possible, please connect me on nmber by following the instructions below:Please remove the fruit from the list and use the nmbers to reach me7 Apples 7 Kumquats 3 Bananas 7 Raspberries 4 Blueberries 7 Blackberries 6 Lemons 2 Oranges 3 Limes 2 Grapes”


     Get these too many times unfortunately! Ignore them!

    0Reply
  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    1y

    Hey @Nick M., it does look a bit suspicious. It isn't the most crazy type of fake booking we have had but a simple reply to them via the VRBO platform with a list of nearby amenities wouldn't hurt.

    Sometimes I am surprised by guests grammar and word usage. Sometimes they turn out to be legit and that is just how they talk/type.

    I wouldn't call em.

    1Reply
  • John UnderwoodPro Member
    Investor · Greer, SC · Member since 2014 · 13k+ posts · 17k+ votes
    1y

    Not necessarily a scam, maybe someone trying to save fees.  I'd stay on platform.

    1Reply
  • Nick M.
    OP
    Real Estate Investor · Sterling Heights, MI · Member since 2009 · 71 posts · 14 votes
    1y

    @Monique P. Thanks - appreciate your input.

    1Reply
  • Nick M.
    OP
    Real Estate Investor · Sterling Heights, MI · Member since 2009 · 71 posts · 14 votes
    1y

    @John Underwood thank - I replied on platform and no more follow up from the inquirer

    0Reply
  • Collin HaysBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Gatlinburg, TN · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    1y

    Likely scam, although guests are sometimes trying their hardest to book outside of VRBO. I've got no problem with them booking direct. All the same hamburger to me.

    [email protected]806-672-7102
    SMOKY MOUNTAIN FALLS INC.51 Review
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Nick M.
    OP
    Real Estate Investor · Sterling Heights, MI · Member since 2009 · 71 posts · 14 votes
    1y

    @Michael Baum

    I asked them (via vrbo) what specifically they would like to joke about after thanking them for the inquiry and that we would be happy to answer any questions they may have - and no response from them after 8 hours of me responding to them. I marked it spam as I saw the time on the inquiry ticking.

    Is there a specific duration I should be pre-approving an inquiry within? 24 hrs maybe

    Also noticed they were a member since 2025 - and no feedback.

    I am new also but their lack of response and cryptic message was a bit concerning…so I sent it to spam.

    Thanks for your input

    0Reply
  • Patricia Andriolo-Bull
    Member since 2022 · 527 posts · 413 votes
    1y
    Quote from @Lauren Kormylo:

    Agree with the others, it's definitely a scam, so report it to Vrbo as such through the app, no need to call them.  You will get others too, since you're new.  It's likely a scam anytime they sound like AI or the grammar is weird or they use the word "kindly", if they ask for you to respond to them off-platform, if they say their employer will pay for it, if they ask if the dates they've specified are still open (when they can clearly see they are open on your calendar), if they ask for a video of your property (they probably want to set up a duplicate listing with your photos and video and scam others out of money), or if they want a long term booking and they have just joined the platform and have no reviews (could have been evicted from somewhere else, and hope a newbie will let them in with no background check, they'll end up not paying or credit card is bad).  


     This!

    1Reply
  • Andrew SteffensBusiness Member
    Tampa, FL · Member since 2022 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    1y

    50/50 if it is a scam.  Sometimes people pass their number to book direct and save fees.  If you are a beginner I would recommend staying on platform.

    I get more scam attempts on VRBO, a lot of people offering to pay by company check.  Beware.

    [email protected]813-563-0877
    Vacation Rentals of Florida53 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    0Reply
  • Nick M.
    OP
    Real Estate Investor · Sterling Heights, MI · Member since 2009 · 71 posts · 14 votes
    1y

    @Monique P. Definitely. Thanks for your advice. Did ask about specifics they are interested in and after 8 hrs of no response I reported it as spam.

    1Reply
  • Lauren Kormylo
    Rental Property Investor · Phoenix, AZ and Rehoboth Beach DE · Member since 2019 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y
    Quote from @Nick M.:

    @Michael Baum

    I asked them (via vrbo) what specifically they would like to joke about after thanking them for the inquiry and that we would be happy to answer any questions they may have - and no response from them after 8 hours of me responding to them. I marked it spam as I saw the time on the inquiry ticking.

    Is there a specific duration I should be pre-approving an inquiry within? 24 hrs maybe

    Also noticed they were a member since 2025 - and no feedback.

    I am new also but their lack of response and cryptic message was a bit concerning…so I sent it to spam.

    Thanks for your input


    You don't need to ever pre-approve an "inquiry".  There is no advantage to that, only disadvantages. Vrbo used to block your calendar for 72 hours when you did that.  Now I've heard they will leave it open to other bookings from Vrbo, but block other platform calendars that you have synced to yours, so they will block your Airbnb calendar for that time.  You don't want your calendar blocked at all, you may lose a booking from someone else.
     
    With inquiries, you're only required to respond to them with a message. So just do that.
    With booking requests, you do have to approve or disapprove.
    Since you're new, you should familiarize yourself with the platforms' penalties for cancellations, because there are hefty charges.  You don't ever want to double book and have to cancel one of them.

    And the guest giving a phone number in the first message like in your original post is against the rules and the guest knows it.  That's why they wrote it they way they did.  It automatically needs to be reported to Vrbo, not after waiting 8 hours to see if they respond.  You can't send a prospective guest your number either (until after they book and pay).  You can't tell them to find you outside of Vrbo another way, like telling them to Google a name.  Vrbo and Airbnb do not play around when they see you taking direct bookings from guests who found you through their platforms.  They will ban you and you'll never be allowed back on the platform. 
    4Reply
  • Michael BaumPro Member
    Olympia, WA · Member since 2016 · 8k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    1y
    Quote from @Nick M.:

    @Michael Baum

    I asked them (via vrbo) what specifically they would like to joke about after thanking them for the inquiry and that we would be happy to answer any questions they may have - and no response from them after 8 hours of me responding to them. I marked it spam as I saw the time on the inquiry ticking.

    Is there a specific duration I should be pre-approving an inquiry within? 24 hrs maybe

    Also noticed they were a member since 2025 - and no feedback.

    I am new also but their lack of response and cryptic message was a bit concerning…so I sent it to spam.

    Thanks for your input

    Yeah, it sounds like a phony inquiry to me, but keep an eye out.

    I got a no message booking request this last fall for next year. I did my usual response asking if they have been to the area before, bringing a dog etc. with no response. I let the booking expire and figured it was a troll.

    I then get another request from the same person about a month later for the same dates. I respond as I did before but nothing. So I called the service rep to ask if it was a legit person and if so, could they put me in touch.

    They said it was a legit person and they conference called them and they were legit. All the responses I sent went straight to their spam folder and they never looked. I had a nice conversation with them and approved their booking for Aug 2025.

    So, it pays to keep an eye out for a repeat booking that looks fake as they could just not be seeing you responses.

    4Reply
  • Nick M.
    OP
    Real Estate Investor · Sterling Heights, MI · Member since 2009 · 71 posts · 14 votes
    1y

    @Lauren Kormylo

    Thanks for your detailed message and insights. I sure have to learn the terminology and implications of certain aspects and im sure I will but it very much helps having such helpful resources as the contributing folks in the forum here.

    Thank you all for your support!

    1Reply
  • Mark F.
    Rental Property Investor · Northern NJ · Member since 2019 · 673 posts · 677 votes
    1y

    It's a scam. There's a key word and a phrase that makes it 100% a scam. Learn to spot these and it'll help you immensely in your real estate career. Been in law enforcement for some time and while they do evolve over time, they will keep the same red flags in for long enough for people to figure them out and spot them. 

    1Reply
  • Christina B.
    Boulder, CO · Member since 2023 · 174 posts · 97 votes
    1y

    Hi @Nick M., Lauren kindly said it all when it comes to why you do NOT want to pre-approve on VRBO. (And lol, I do use "kindly" probably more than I should. But not for scams! I might have got it from decades ago of listening to Nanci Griffith and other folk troubadours.)

    In case you wanted just a touch more detail on why pre-approval is not so bueno on VRBO (but for me, is fine on AirBnb), here's my old post on it:

    https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/530/topics/1223156-less...

    That 72-hour hold bites. AirBnb's is just 24 hours (and reasonable). You will totally get legit bookings from VRBO, etc. and I'm psyched for you when you do! Welcome!!

    1Reply
  • Nick M.
    OP
    Real Estate Investor · Sterling Heights, MI · Member since 2009 · 71 posts · 14 votes
    1y

    @Christina B.

    Hi thanks for your comments and link.

    Your message is very timely - we just got our first booking - was so excited after the deflating scam booking inquiry. My first booking is for 4 nights over the 4th of July weekend - yaay!

    Still lots of work to do on the house and the “book” I still have to figure out what to do for it (paper/digital/both), and a few more things I probably am not yet aware of … reading on this forum and asking questions sure has helped out a lot.

    Thank you!

    1Reply
  • Christina B.
    Boulder, CO · Member since 2023 · 174 posts · 97 votes
    1y

    @Nick M. Congrats on your first booking!!! And a high in high season! The forum will be here (and honestly, I use the Search function a LOT). With the growth mindset you clearly have, you're building a solid foundation for success. Scams will still come your way but you'll build experience and confidence. Crappy stuff happens. You'll learn from it and do better. (And hopefully, you'll share it here so we can all continue to learn.) Congrats again!

    0Reply
  • Sameul Ahsan
    Real Estate Agent · Worcester, MA · Member since 2024 · 107 posts · 45 votes
    1y

    Scam - I get these every week 

    1Reply
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