Prospective guest wants to go ouside of platform. suspicious?

[Sean Wilt]

A potential guest contacted me via inquiry through VRBO and is interested in a week long stay at our home and it's a nice rental ($3,500).   He is a new traveller with no reviews.  He gave his full name and email plus phone number, but stated that his employer was going to pay for the rental and needed to write a check so wanted to go outside of the site.

I am very hesitant to do this as wondering if it's a scam... I would of course not hold the dates until i received the check and it cashed.  But, I feel I am at risk in a number of areas by going outside of the platform especially since I was originally contacted via the platform vs. a friend or facebook page or something. Would VRBO come down hard if they found out?  Also, I know if something went very wrong, I am at least partially protected by the platform.  Would hate if he was some sort of squatter or something.

I responded Monday quickly after his request,  but was very vague.  He actually just responded so he is engaged.  It does feel a bit like one of those Craigslist scams, but he did give his name and email/phone.

Feeling apprehensive.... and that it's not worth it, but it is a nice rental.

Anyone have thoughts?

[Brendan Curley]

I wouldn't touch this with a 10Ft pole.  These scams are all over the place and sophisticated.  I would tell them to book through the site and have their employer reimburse them.  Their problems shouldn't become your problems.  Its just not worth it and you are not covered by VRBO/AirBNB if they don't book through the site.  Just my .02 cents.