Booking.com *****ulently takes payment without securing a booking

We booked accommodation just under 4 weeks ago, paid in full on booking and received confirmation of the booking from booking.com One day before travel date we confirmed the check in time and the property has no record of the booking. So now we are without accommodation, looking at some very unsuitable available options at last-minute premium price and it is impossible to get hold of booking.com customer service. Do not use booking.com