Does it stink that they have changed their TOS? Sure. I don't know that I would call it a scam though. They know that after years of service they have a customer base and a captive audience that are willing to use their services. I am sure their PR statement will be something to the effect that "by booking directly with VRBO both the listing client and booking parties will have VRBO working for them if an issue arrises, etc, etc". I would imagine that more people will try to deal directly with the owners and it will be interesting to see how that plays out. Personally, I have only booked directly through VRBO once and that was very recently and the property owner is a close friend so he dropped his rate significantly anyway, so I don't really know if I paid any fees. In dozens of other VRBO transactions I have dealt directly with the owners.