How did the scammers manage to deceive so many tourists?

They used photos of real properties and authentic national identification codes of other establishments, and prices were 50 to 60 percent lower than average, which attracted victims.

What happened to the money that tourists paid?

According to the cynical statement of one of the scammers, the money was transferred to Lithuania, and the investigation indicates the use of prepaid cards and fictitious names.

How did local authorities help the scammed tourists?

The mayor and businesses organized free or discounted accommodation in hotels and campsites, and for larger families, the Tourist Palace was opened with basic services.

How to avoid similar scams when booking online?

Authorities warn to be cautious with unusually low prices and lack of reviews. It is recommended to book through verified platforms and communicate directly with owners.

Croatia

Hellish Scam on the Adriatic: 120 Tourists Arrived at the Sea

A.E. · Prije 2h | 2 min

An organized group lured tourists to Cesenatico with fake ads. They promised luxury for 800 euros, and when victims called, they cynically told them: 'Your money is already in Lithuania'

Summary

More than 120 tourists were scammed in Cesenatico with fake ads for apartments that do not exist.
The scammers offered a week's stay for less than 800 euros, 50-60% below market price, and used other people's identification codes.
One of the scammers cynically told victims that their money was already in Lithuania.
Local authorities organized emergency accommodation for the scammed tourists, and investigations point to an organized criminal group.

More than 120 tourists, about fifty families, arrived in the middle of the summer season in the Italian town of Cesenatico on the Romagna coast and, at the address of the apartments paid for through online platforms, found the headquarters of an insurance agency. The apartments they had booked and paid for, in fact, do not exist at all.

The scammers equipped their ads with photos of real properties and even authentic national identification codes of legal accommodation facilities. They offered a week's stay during the peak season for less than 800 euros, 50 to 60 percent below the usual price, and without a single review, which, warns the mayor of Cesenatico, Matteo Gozzoli, should have been a clear warning sign.

Cynical Message to Victims: 'Report Us, the Money Is in Lithuania'

Many paid a deposit or the full amount in advance, and when they realized they had been scammed and tried to contact the fake owners, one of the scammers cynically snapped at them on the phone:

"You are the twentieth we have scammed these weeks. Report us, your money is already in Lithuania."

This is the largest fraud of its kind that Cesenatico has ever experienced, said Mayor Gozzoli. Local authorities and businesses reacted immediately, some hotels and campsites offered free or discounted accommodation, and on Sunday the Tourist Palace building was opened to accommodate larger families. They were provided with space with air conditioning, water, and basic services.

Similar Scams in Milano Marittima

Similar cases have been reported in nearby Milano Marittima. The investigation points to a well-organized group that operated using prepaid cards and fictitious names. As Ferragosto, the Italian national holiday on August 15, approaches, the availability of accommodation further decreases, making it increasingly difficult to accommodate any new victims.

Although there is no direct Croatian connection in this case, it serves as a strong warning for all tourists who book their summer vacations online, including the many Croatian citizens traveling to the Adriatic. Authorities urge caution when making online reservations, especially when prices are unusually low and properties have no reviews.