Hi there, I have booked a villa for the summer and the booking has been accepted and confirmed by the host via Airbnb and I have paid 50% of the rental already. Recently the host contacted me via text message to my phone saying that somehow I have booked for the old prices and that the villa owner has increased the price by 35%. In order to avoid him having to increase the price the host said I should book direct with him to avoid Airbnb taking the 15% charges.
I know this is against the Airbnb rules and the red flags are well and truly flying.
I have replied saying that I am not willing to do this, and in anticipation of him cancelling I started searching for another villa.
To my surprise I see the exact same villa showing as available for my dates offered by a different host for about 10% more than I booked it for.
This is screaming scam to me, any advice on my next steps please?