Cesenatico, August 3, 2026 – The wave of outrage over the massive ghost vacation scam shaking the Riviera shows no signs of stopping. The number of families deceived by the criminal organization that sold completely non-existent stays in residences on Booking and other online channels has now exceeded 120. Even yesterday, on Viale Pascoli, more deceived and robbed tourists showed up: entire families from various provinces of Italy and abroad, attracted by the promise of a vacation in the heart of Cesenatico at affordable prices.
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Those who booked on Booking can be relocated to another facility
For the victims, however, two different outcomes are emerging. Those who booked directly through the Booking platform can be relocated to another accommodation provided by the portal. For those who left the official circuit by making a direct bank transfer to accounts held by the scammers, recovering the money will unfortunately be much more difficult.
Romagna solidarity
Cesenatico, however, is not standing by and is mobilizing Romagna solidarity. The City Council, led by Mayor Matteo Gozzoli and Tourism Councillor Gaia Morara, has opened the doors of the “Primo Grassi” Tourism Palace to offer hospitality and a point of reference to the families affected by the scam.
The local police: “If you are a victim of a scam, contact us”
At the entrance of the building on Viale Pascoli, the local police posted a clear notice: “If you have been a victim of a scam related to a booking at the accommodation, you can contact the Local Police Command or other police forces to file a complaint. To still guarantee your stay in Cesenatico, you can find assistance at the Iat on Viale Roma” (contactable at 0547 79435 or by email at iat@comune.cesenatico.fc.it).
Private individuals have also taken action
Alongside the institutions, private individuals have also immediately taken action. The Adac Federalberghi association is at the forefront of managing the emergency, as explained by President Alfonso Maini: “Together with the City Administration, we have already accommodated 110 people, about 60 families. We are organizing to find a solution for everyone and allow those who wanted to come to Cesenatico to still enjoy their holidays. Such episodes are unpleasant, but we are here and show our solidarity. I advise tourists to exercise the utmost caution with online bookings: always check for reviews and try to get direct contact with the managers.” The agency Graziani-Romani Assicurazioni continues to support tourists on Viale Pascoli.
The investigations continue and the alarm spreads
Meanwhile, investigations continue and the alarm is spreading rapidly along the coast. Behind the scam could be the same gang operating in Milano Marittima, where several families were scammed with a very similar system linked to bookings at the “Residence Ferrino,” a copy of what happened in Cesenatico with the fake “Residence da Andrea” and “Residence Angelini.” Investigators are reportedly already on the trail of the scam mastermind.
