Suspicious listing

[Joe726]

I'm trying to stay in LA for a couple of weeks on a rather tight budget and I came across this listing and it almost seems too good to be true. 

New host, joined this month, amazing apartment, amazing location. 

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/36321619?adults=1&check_in=2019-07-21&check_out=2019-07-31&children=0...

I've reversed image searched one of the photos to find this at over £500 a night which all but confirms my suspicions.

Now I'm almost certain it's not legit but I don't understand what scammers get out of this. I would get my money back if it doesn't exist and don't hosts only recieve the funds once I've checked in? 

Could someone fill me in to what might be going on here? What could the 'host' be trying to achieve here exactly?

[Gerry-And-Rashid0]

@Joe726 @It's clearly a scam - report it and move on. No need to spend time wondering how they will part you from your money either before or after you move in. As you say if it sounds too good to be true....

[Joe726]

Yeah I guess so I just would like to know what's the point in these people doing it as I would clearly be covered. It's very strange.

[Emilia42]

@Joe726 

I agree, what is the point? All money goes through Airbnb so I don't believe booking a listing on the official Airbnb site is a direct scam. If you show up and the listing does not exist, Airbnb will give you your money back and immediately shut the host down. But what I am guessing will happen is that the when you message this host, they will somehow persuade you to book off of Airbnb. Likely by clicking on a link or trying to get you to pay direct.

[Joe726]

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@Emilia42 wrote:

@Joe726 

I agree, what is the point? All money goes through Airbnb so I don't believe booking a listing on the official Airbnb site is a direct scam. If you show up and the listing does not exist, Airbnb will give you your money back and immediately shut the host down. But what I am guessing will happen is that the when you message this host, they will somehow persuade you to book off of Airbnb. Likely by clicking on a link or trying to get you to pay direct.

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I've direct messaged the host to enquire and haven't heard back yet. So will let you know haha

[Helen3]

Why on earth would you do that @Joe726  - surely the focus should be on finding somewhere within your budget? Just flag the listing with Airbnb if you feel the need to do something.

[Joe726]

It's cool I have somewhere now I was just curious to what the dude was doing and was wondering if there's something I'm not aware of for future reference .

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@Helen3 wrote:

Why on earth would you do that @Joe726  - surely the focus should be on finding somewhere within your budget? Just flag the listing with Airbnb if you feel the need to do something.

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