Have I been scammed?

[Sarah763]

Hello.

express@airbnb-trust.com

Is this a real airbnb email address. I think I may have just gotten screwed over.

I am in Fitzroy / Melbourne Australia. I found on a realestate website a really well priced 2 bedroom apartment. 

The Ad said to contact the owner directly. So, I emailed the owner. After some back and forth, I decided to view the apartment. The owner is in London, so thought it easiest to continue to deal with airbnb for the lease. Note, I found the property on domain.com.au.  I was told the best way to do it is to pay the first month's rent and deposit and then somone from Airbnb will meet me with the keys and lease agreement (agreed about 6 months, with a 30 day notice). If at the time of viewing, I do not want to continue, I was assured I would be refunded straight away / on the spot. 

So, I sent the money  on wednesday 26th. I received an email from express@airbnb-trust.com with the below info. 

Any suggestions on what to do? 

Hi Sarah 

This payment is subject to endorsement and final verification.

As soon as your payment is confirmed, we'll contact you to determine the details of the meeting.

If you have any questions or concerns about the rental, do not hesitate to contact us.

Thank you,

Airbnb

[Gerry-And-Rashid0]

@Sarah763

Sounds to me like you have been scammed alright - you found property outside AirBnB, did not use ther platform, got an offer too good too be true, etc.

Not sure that AirBnB will be able to help you as they have not taken any payment - contact your bank immediately and see if they can get the money back.

[Sarah763]

@Gerry-And-Rashid0 Thanks. After further investigation, it seems I have been! 

I have NEVER done something like this, but first time for everything.

I am on the phone with bank fraud team now.