With the help of her mother, she was looking for a house in an Italian city, where she had to attend her first year of university .

But a mother and daughter from Burcei, while searching for accommodation, stumbled upon a scam . At the end of July, after extensive online research, the two found a very advantageous listing, suitable for a student living away from home: close to the university, a well-furnished house equipped with all the comforts.

They then contacted the advertiser, who sent additional photos and details of the property and then, claiming to have another woman ready to take over, urged the victims to close the deal immediately to avoid missing out on this excellent opportunity. The woman then made an instant bank transfer of €1,170, which included two months' security deposit, one month's rent, and an advance on expenses.

And soon after, the advertiser vanished into thin air . The Carabinieri of Burcei, having received the women's complaint, were able to identify an 18-year-old resident of Taranto as the perpetrator of the scam , who has been charged at large.

To avoid falling victim to these scams, it's best to physically inspect the property and the seller before booking . Be wary of anyone who urgently asks for money or, within a specialized platform, asks to opt out of the protection system to save some money or close the deal quickly.

(Unioneonline/L)