Scam alert on holiday homes in Cilento

The beauty of Cilento , with its breathtaking coastline and charming villages, attracts thousands of tourists every year. But, unfortunately, it also attracts scammers.

Fenailp Turismo has raised the alarm about summer rental fraud, a rapidly growing phenomenon that is claiming victims in Ascea, Castellabate, Palinuro, and other towns.

The mechanism of the scam

The scheme is now tried and tested, exploiting users' trust and their desire to find a good deal. Scammers create fake listings on online platforms, using photos of homes that actually exist, but aren't their property. Sometimes, the images are stolen directly from social media or other rental sites.

Tourists, attracted by attractive prices and the apparent reliability of the property, pay deposits of up to 800 euros. Disappointment and a bitter surprise come when it's time to take possession of the property: the house doesn't exist or doesn't belong to the fake landlord, who has since disappeared with the money.

Tips for self-defense: how to avoid ruining your vacation

To avoid falling into the trap, Fenailp has drawn up a handbook with valuable advice:

Traceable payments: use only bank transfers or secure platforms. Never, and we emphasize never, top up prepaid cards or anonymous systems.

Verify identity: Always ask for the owner's ID and require a written rental agreement.

Be wary of low prices: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Check your contacts: prefer those who use professional email domains or landline numbers.

Use technology: conduct online searches on the name or property. Request additional photos and, if possible, a live video call for a virtual inspection.

Keep everything: Always save payment receipts and all conversations with the landlord.

A phenomenon that reflects the fragility of the system

"Tourism demand in Cilento is growing rapidly, and this, unfortunately, also attracts criminals," explained Marco Sansiviero, National President of Fenailp Turismo. This phenomenon reflects a society that, despite technology, is unprepared to manage its threats.

Trust, often misplaced, and the rush to get the best deal push people to ignore the most basic safety rules.

"Online scams aren't just a crime, they're a real social scourge that undermines trust between people and damages the image of a region," added Sansiviero. The only way to combat scams is through information. For this reason, Fenailp has set up a toll-free number to collect reports and offer free advice.