Social media travel package scams on the rise worldwide – BBC News

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), travel scams targeted by digital scammers are becoming more widespread and systematic around the world.

A BBC investigation found that dozens of Brazilians fell victim to this form of scam. After buying a luxury vacation from a man who uses Instagram to post photos of luxury hotels and travellers’ dream destinations.

In December 2021, Maria (not her real name), a Brazilian living in Australia, decided to escape from summering there. take the family skiing in Europe

This is his first trip abroad since the coronavirus pandemic. So she wanted this tour to be special. So Maria paid $20,000 to buy a package tour with Brazilian broker Rafael Bessa, recommended by her friend.

At first it seemed like everything was going according to plan. But when Maria leaves Hotel 3, the hotel manager informs her that the room she stayed in has not been paid for.

Then more unexpected things happen, like when the family is about to board a train to their next destination. Instead, he had to discover that the two train tickets provided by Rafael had the same order number. This means that only one ticket is valid.

When staying in another hotel Maria faced the same problem. Even though she had already paid for this travel package in full.

At first Maria thought that Rafael Bessa might just be inefficient. But she realized over and over again that it wasn’t a malfunction. but on purpose

In total, Maria lost a total of $30,000 on the trip, including $15,000 that she had paid for package tour before leaving.

Maria told the BBC: Not only does Rafael claim to have paid for all of his accommodation. But he also helped her upgrade her lodgings at no extra cost. But these things never actually happened. And the hotel charged its luxury accommodation in full.

Maria reminded that Raphael promises to pay her back. Where, although he sent “proof” of the money transfer, there was no money in his bank account.

When Maria decides to post her story on social media. She was approached by Rafael’s attorney who offered $20,000 in exchange for a cease and desist agreement. that she declined the offer.

The BBC have contacted Rafael Bessa regarding Maria’s allegations. To which he replied that there was “an unsolvable problem” with the price of one of the hotels she was staying at. And the room in this price is not included in the travel package Maria bought. She also sent a copy of the train ticket reservation. The BBC discovered that, as Maria recalled, both tickets had the same order number.

Another Brazilian woman victim of this broker is Ana Halenna, who bought a ski package. and a summer trip to Italy with Rafael. Having previously arranged a wonderful holiday for her and her family in Brazil.

This time, Ana chose to pay partial cash. and use a credit card to pay the rest But later, she discovered that her card had an invoice for British Airways tickets. So Ana calls Rafael and asks.

He told her that was the amount to pay for his hotel in Italy. But Ana doesn’t believe her statement. She then she sent an email to ask the hotel. and she discovered that her lodging had not been paid for.

When Anaji asks Rafael to show proof that he booked her at a ski resort. She sent me a reservation number. But when checking with the resort, it was found that the reservation number didn’t exist.

“I wasted money, dreams and plans on this trip. I lost everything,” Ana said.

Next, Ana spoke to other Rafael clients who had had similar experiences. They found that this broker had a similar pattern of mischief: the first trip was usually fine. But when customers start trusting and buying more expensive travel packages They will face the same problems she experienced.

Raphael confirmed this to the BBC He actually booked a hotel room in Italy for Ana. But Ana cancels her ski plans. And he had already paid her back.

But Ana insists that she hasn’t canceled any plans and hasn’t received any money back from Rafael.

Despite Maria and Ana feel angry and traumatized by the fraud that took place. But it didn’t have much impact on their finances.

But for Adrian Trofin, a Brazilian mother of two who works and lives in London. Her dream trip to Greece doesn’t go according to plan. She has created a serious psychological impact to the point of causing a crack in the family.

Adrian says he doesn’t have enough budget for a luxury trip. But Rafael says trips can be arranged for any budget. So he decided to buy a package holiday to Greece for 14 family and friends.

They paid Rafael the costs of their stay at the luxurious Club Med resort in advance, but when they arrived at the Athens airport, they could not be picked up from the resort as planned.

Adrian sends Raphael a message for help. He confirmed that everything was already booked. and give them the phone number of the car company that will pick them up. But Adrian was unable to reach these numbers.

After waiting for hours at the airport Club Med’s airport customer service manager finally stepped in to help. But after double-checking, it turned out that Rafael had actually booked the Club Med accommodation. But he refused to pay within the specified time. As a result, there was no room for Adrian and his family.

The manager tried to help me find accommodation in another hotel in Athens. which Raphael claims he will handle the expenses But after double checking, that was not the case. ultimately resulting in Adrian’s husband having to pay the entire group $8,500 to stay in a new hotel.

Adrian remembered that “I spent the whole week. Negotiate with Raphael day and night. Try to get him to give money back. But he made fun of me.”

He also threatened the group’s other tours, trying to convince them that the problem was all Adrian’s fault. and she owes him

“It’s like hell. I’ve never seen anything so bad in my life… Like seven days in Greece,” recalls Adrian.

“My marriage was seriously shaken by this. That’s a lot of money for me. But now it’s not just about money anymore.”

Adrian said the experience had a serious impact on his mental state.

Despite assuring Adrian that everything will go according to plan as he waits at the airport, instead, Rafael told the BBC he canceled his booking because he hadn’t paid him the money he owed.

But Adrian showed Rafael proof of money transfer to buy all tour packages before we left.

The BBC spoke to 10 other victims of Rafael, including Maria, Ana and Adrian, who paid a total of $90,000 to purchase Rafa’s travel services. without receiving the service as agreed

The BBC also spoke to lawyers representing nearly 50 of Rafael’s other clients who said they had been subjected to similar fraud. Total damage was $183,000.

Rafael denies these allegations to the BBC. stating he was shocked he He stated that 90% of the claims made by former clients are not true.

According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), travel agencies are increasingly turning to social media to find clients.

Alicia Gomez, legal adviser to UNWTO, said the images these companies posted on social media led many customers to believe the service was more trustworthy than advertisements found on the web.

At the same time, he stressed that The problem of digital travel fraud is on the rise around the world. doing it extensively and systematically

The UNWTO has established rules to protect tourists. It outlines the various responsibilities of social media companies, governments and customers. Currently, seven countries have signed up to the standard, which has been turned into law. While Brazil and many other countries are in the process of joining.

Instagram company and Facebook Meta. he told the BBC that the company does not tolerate fraud in its territory. and worked closely with law enforcement agencies to help detect and root out scammers. There are also investments in new technologies to ensure user safety.