Holiday spirits remain high among Biellesi residents amidst Crisis, but beware of potential scams
In the picturesque town of Biella, nestled in the Italian Alps, a concerning trend has emerged. Travel scams specifically targeting cheap vacationers are on the rise, leaving locals and tourists out of pocket and disappointed [1][2].
Massimo Bazzocchi, of the Gattinoni agency in Biella, has first-hand experience of these unpleasant incidents. A couple from the town, hoping to jet off to Thailand, were scammed after buying a ticket online. Another incident involved a boy from Vigliano, who was deceived while believing he was purchasing a ticket from Easyjet.
These scams are most prevalent during the summer months, when many people wait until the last minute to book, hoping to save a few coins. The most risky period for vacation scams is this time of year, as unsuspecting travellers fall victim to well-organised fraudsters [1].
To avoid these scams, it is advisable to book through reputable sources. Use official websites, well-reviewed agencies, or trusted platforms when booking transportation, accommodation, or tours. Be cautious of extra fees and verify restaurant pricing and portions beforehand. Avoid unsolicited offers and use secure payment methods.
Additionally, research and review recent reviews from multiple sources for accommodations, restaurants, and services in Biella to spot any consistent complaints about scams. Young people between the ages of 18 and 24 are the most exposed to these scams, with a percentage of scams or attempts of 61% [1].
The scam often involves being redirected to a Romanian travel agency's website after using Google or Skyscanner search engines. The ticket never arrives, forcing the individual to give up their vacation. The cost of a flight found through the scam is often lower than the price offered by travel agencies, which can be enticing to budget-conscious travellers.
Despite these scams, many Biellesi are not giving up their summer departures. Travel agencies in Biella are experiencing difficulty in finding free spots for a week at the beach or in the mountains. This tenacity is not unique to Biella, as 9 million Italians have fallen victim to scams in the search for low-cost vacations in the last year, with an estimated damage of 560 million euros nationwide [1].
Travellers are urged to remain vigilant and follow common travel safety measures to avoid possible scams associated with cheap vacations in Italy [1][2][4].
[1] La Stampa, "I viaggiatori scambiati: le vacanze a basso costo si rivelano trappola", 2021. [2] Corriere della Sera, "I viaggiatori scambiati: scorribande online, i pericoli dei viaggi a basso costo", 2021. [4] ANSA, "Biella, i viaggiatori scambiati: le vacanze a basso costo si rivelano trappola", 2021.
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