The number of tourists left stranded after paying tens of thousands of euros for unbooked trips and cruises is spreading like wildfire. In Naples, in the summer of 2026, more than fifty people filed a complaint against the Joshua travel agency, headquartered in Portici, which operates exclusively online: bank transfers of 10–15 euros to Sharm el-Sheikh, cruises and vacation packages that turned into "ghost bookings."
The case has come under the spotlight thanks to a video complaint by Avs MP Francesco Emilio Borrelli, while dozens of other holidaymakers have announced they will follow suit.
At the same time, in Pozzuoli, the situation has degenerated around the agency “Viaggiare con Averno”, whose owner,
Monica Grande, 48, is accused by 103 clients of having collected money for vacations that never took place, with an estimated damages of nearly €300. The complaints also describe significant transfers for trips that never materialized, including packages to the US and stays in Egypt.
The Joshua Travel case (Portici): "A long-awaited vacation, a real nightmare"
According to reports, Joshua Travel customers allegedly paid significant sums well in advance, receiving in exchange tickets and confirmations that later turned out to be nonexistent: phantom flights, imaginary trains, and cruises never booked. The owner, Valeria Ausiello, described it as a "media lynching," denying she had shirked responsibility and declaring herself ready to compensate, "in a timely and manner to be determined."
Representing many of the tourists is lawyer Francesco Petruzzi, who emphasizes that, in addition to the refund of the sums paid, they are entitled to further compensation for the damages resulting from the loss of their vacation: "Those who were responsible for this serious act are the ones who must seek an amicable resolution through reimbursement," the lawyer stated.
Pozzuoli, mystery surrounding the attack at the owner's home
The Pozzuoli incident has become a crime story. Last Thursday, around 3:00 PM, two people reportedly broke into Monica Grande's home in Pozzuoli, ransacking the furnishings and, according to the initial reconstruction by lawyer Ferdinando Savino, physically assaulting the owner and her thirteen-year-old daughter. The incident apparently arose from a customer's demand for the return of €580.
However, the Carabinieri's investigations revealed conflicting versions: in the video released by the daughter, a man can be heard yelling and banging on the door—"I want my money!"—but investigators found no signs of violence against the woman or the presence of "two hooded men" as initially reported. The man, who was located and identified, was reported; at this time, no formal complaint for assault has been filed by the owner.
The assaulted ex-partner: "I had nothing to do with it."
Before the home invasion, another incident had drawn attention: the attack on Monica Grande's ex-partner, identified as Flavio, who had left the house and been beaten by unknown assailants who linked him to the scam. Flavio denied any involvement in the management of the agency: "I have nothing to do with it, leave me alone," emphasizing that he holds no office, nor is he a partner or employee of "Viaggiare con Averno." As of August 28, no charges had been filed against him.
Ongoing investigation: aggravated fraud and first refunds
On the judicial front, the Naples Prosecutor's Office is leaning toward aggravated fraud, despite the owner announcing the first reimbursements (nine families have already been compensated, according to some sources) and her intention to return the sums owed.
Tensions remain high: public meetings of defrauded customers, legal coordination, and media pressure are pushing for clarity on where the money went and how it will be returned.
Meanwhile, attorney Petruzzi—who has also been active on the Joshua front—reminds us that the right to compensation isn't limited to the return of money: "In addition to the money pocketed without providing any services, these people are also entitled to a refund for the loss of their vacation; this is another damage that must be quantified and paid."
What happens now
The Carabinieri and the Public Prosecutor's Office are investigating the circumstances of the attacks and the extent of the scams, with over 150 total reports filed between Portici and Pozzuoli.
The parties' lawyers are pushing for an amicable resolution with immediate refunds, but they do not rule out civil action for damages resulting from the missed vacation.
The climate around the two agencies remains tense, with clients demanding transparency and institutions required to ensure safety and consumer protection.
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Frequently asked questions about tourist scams in Naples
Here are some common questions regarding the tourist scams that have hit Naples and its province.
Which agencies are involved in the scams?
The main agencies involved are Joshua Travel and 'Viaggiare con Averno'.
How can I report a tourist scam?
You can file a complaint with the competent authorities, such as the Carabinieri or the Police.
What can I do to get a refund?
Customers can request a refund through the agencies involved and, if necessary, take legal action.
Have there already been refunds for scammed customers?
Yes, some families have already received refunds, but the situation is still being resolved.
