HomeAway® VRBO® | VacationRentals™ HomeAway won't provide refund even when cancelled within cancellation period, during a Austin, Texas Nationwide

FRAUD! Beware!

I made a reservation on 8/4/17 for a 9/15/17 stay and then had to cancel on 8/7/17, 3 days later, as I had a family emergency. I contacted the owner multiple times, as well as HomeAway customer service, to cancel within the cancellation period. When I called initially (8/7/17) customer service told us we could get a refund to later found out that we were rejected a refund. Jonathan, a US Trust & Security Specialist, said that "they understand that I feel that this whole situation is confusing because of the different information that I was provided.  However, the Trust and Security agent reviewed my request and provided us with a decision based on information they have". We texted, email and phoned the listed owner several times to no avail. We basically lost $658 for a two-night vacation stay in Florida, where we won't be able to even go due to a hurricane in the area. How is this a fair practice? To me this is a legitimate scam. Do not conduct business with these companies, HomeAway® | VRBO® | VacationRentals™.