No customer service from Trivago. Money lost by me and they just pass the buck!

I searched online for accommodation and found the Trivago website link. When I entered the site, I was shown that the lowest price was with an agent named VRBO. I click on that link and was directed to their website. I booked the tickets online and paid by entering my credit card details. Payment went off immediately. When I contacted the guesthouse owner, I was told by her that she had no agreement with VRBO and also never signed up. It was a scam according to her. She said that they took the photos from her website and created this advert on their site. I then went onto the VRBO site and cancelled my transaction. There is only a international phone number which I am unable to dial and a online chat function. I went onto online chat and once I ask about my cancellation and refund, the agent disconnects the chat. There is no email address available. They cut me off and ignore me. I have not received my money back. I contacted Trivago as they are partnered with VRBO and should take responsibility. They just told me that VRBO has been vetted and that they only act as an agent. I must contact VRBO myself to sort this out.

Very poor service from Trivago. Not assisting me. Just passing the buck. I trusted this site due to it being well known from adverts on TV.

DO NOT BOOK ONLINE. Rather work directly with guesthouses and hotels as you might end up like me, no accommodation received and no refund!

The vendor also has a ridiculous cancellation policy and charges for things like cleaning of the room. The booking fee is just as much as the entire accommodation fee. This is dollars too. With SA Rand, it truly is way too expensive.