Getting scammed through what looks like a legitimate Airbnb listing hits harder than most travel mishaps. Fake hosts have become incredibly skilled at copying real property listings down to the smallest details, making it nearly impossible to spot red flags until it's too late. The $1,400 loss stings, but Airbnb's response of "we can't help" adds insult to injury. This scenario plays out more often than people realize, leaving victims stuck between a scammer who vanished and a platform claiming no responsibility. Understanding why this happens and what options actually exist can make the difference between writing off the loss and potentially recovering at least some of the money.