Using chrome browser, the link showed as deceptive page. It is not surprising that the people are using the system to scam people.
I has one Hubert Van Duif who attempted assiduously to have me pay. The background story has very similar setup - bought apartment when working in that city, now lives [insert city name here], will setup apartment through airbnb, payment details comes via email, sometimes asks for whatsapp number. Payment is through transferwise (so far), link for pictures of the apartment provided in email from agent by name of Jasmine Hinds. Also, you will have 24 hours to pay, a very fancy looking timer on the payment invoice page will let you know how much time is left.
There is nothing genuine about the the airbnb setup, please look at the complete email address. Also when looking to pay via transferwise, the link will be airbnb.[your city name].remodeled.com, which is not the same as airbnb.com.
If you delay payment, which is available via wire transfer from your personal bank, or credit card, then there will be contact made by the poster. If you try negotiating any amount, they will comply. I wrote, I will pay service fee (of 140$) later, no problem. Delay some more, and you will be asked How much you want to pay today?
I reported the email as phishing as when I looked at the header of the email, they all came from google.com.
Be safe out there, protect yourself by not being hasty and take just a few moments more. The apartments I tried were on craigslist, they could also be from other listing agencies.
It is perhaps not possible to track these phishing chaps and scammers, however, I am certain, it is 100% possible to prevent ourselves becoming a victim.
