@Logan118 Not being able to view the place beforehand isn't the sign of a scam. When you make a real booking on Airbnb, you are charged by Airbnb when you book. There are very few legitimate hosts who allow pre-viewing, as it's a security risk to let random strangers without a confirmed booking into a home.
Hosts try to give accurate descriptions of their places, have photo galleries and reviews from past guests for you to read, and you can always use the Inquiry option to ask questions before committing to a booking.
The signs of a scam is that a real Airbnb host might advertise on another site just to get more exposure, but rather than exchange lengthy emails with potential guests, they would just give you the link to their listing and you would take it from there. The host doesn't ask you for the payment, nor arrange the booking.
And you never send money for an Airbnb- Airbnb charges the credit card you have on file with them automatically when you book, and retains the money until 24 hours after the guest checks in.
Also, long term lease rentals are not common on Airbnb, because the platform is really set up for short term bookings. Real landlords usually want references, security deposits, work history and employment info, leases, etc. to rent out long term.
Glad you avoided getting scammed.
