airbnb is running a scam with their cancellation p...

airbnb is running a scam with their cancellation policies and extenuating circumstances. They will not put in writing what they tell me over the phone, yet they have promised to do so at least 7 times with 4 different agents. What real company works like this. When you book they present a payment schedule of first payment and then second payment along with a cancellation date for 100% and 50% refund. Forget the 100% date - it shouldn't even be posted there because you also have to have cancelled within 48 hours of booking so why put a date at all
BUT
it is the 50% cancellation that is totally dishonest. They list a date in which you can cancel. I tried to cancel over 5 days ago but would only be getting 19 dollars of the 375 that I gave them- hardly 50%. They state that the accommodation money that would be refunded "means" that a guest would have had to pay it in full initially - if that is the case then 1) why do they put down a cancellation date stating 50% refund on a page that has a 2 payment schedule AND no where is it stated that the amount paid initially determines whether one can get a refund at all - and that explanation that they give over the phone is NOWHERE in writing. So, after about 10 phone calls and numerous emails I said just put in writing in an email what you explained to me and I will cancel - they said they would , but they don't. Now, WHY is that? I have already paid half of the rental and they won't refund so why should I cancel when it is obvious deceit and they are doubling their money.
Lastly, they said I could be eligible for "extenuating circumstances" like a medical condition so 1) I asked who makes that determination? their small group in the Philippines do so obviously I then tell them my condition and ask if it qualifies well - they can't tell me that until I cancel.
I am just waiting for one of them to put in writing the cancellation "policy" as stated to me. Why do they say they will do it and they don't? Am I the only one that see a scam here?