Avellino: Two reported for online vacation rental scams

A new case of online fraud has emerged in the province of Avellino, where two people, a man and a woman from the province of Naples, were reported by the Carabinieri for posting fake vacation rental ads online. The investigation began after several victims reported having paid deposits on non-existent properties in tourist destinations in the province of Salerno.

According to the investigation, a young man from Montoro paid over €900 as a deposit for summer accommodation, but once the payment was made, the alleged scammer disappeared, cutting off all contact. Similar situations occurred in Solofra, where a pensioner and an employee each paid approximately €500 for a non-existent vacation rental, with the alleged scammer disappearing after collecting the money.

The Carabinieri's investigative efforts led to the identification of the perpetrators, who were charged with fraud. The officers highlighted how the fraudulent scheme was based on the publication of attractive advertisements at very low prices, designed to lure unsuspecting victims into making advance payments.

The Avellino Provincial Command urges anyone wishing to book vacation rentals online to exercise extreme caution. It is essential to verify the reliability of the listings and the contact person, avoiding payments before confirming the property's actual availability and existence. The holiday season is a time when scammers intensify their activity, taking advantage of the desire to save money and the rush to organize trips and stays.