Scams in Tourist Rentals Affect Visitors in Madrid

Since Friday, several visitors have arrived at a supposed apartment in El Retiro Park, only to discover it does not exist.

Alberto Sanz
Alberto Sanz
· 2 min read

Content provided by: farzaneh shakeri

Since last Friday, El Retiro Park in Madrid has been the scene of an alarming situation related to tourist rentals. Several people from different countries have arrived at a supposed apartment advertised on Booking.com, only to find that it does not exist.

This issue has caused some visitors to make reservations and pay in advance, while others have not yet completed the payment. However, all have been affected upon arriving at the indicated address, finding themselves on the street with no place to stay.

Continuity of the Problem

The most concerning aspect is that the accommodation continues to appear on the Booking.com platform and remains available for new bookings. This means that while some victims have already arrived and realised the situation, others may continue to book it without knowing the risks.

The arrival of visitors has become commonplace, with taxis constantly arriving to drop off people and families, many of them with children and luggage. The situation is even more critical on cold and rainy days, forcing many people to face the elements.

Lack of Reaction

The Police have intervened in the matter and have prepared a report on what has occurred. However, so far, there has been no successful warning to all individuals with future reservations about the nature of the accommodation, which continues to be available and generating new bookings.

Therefore, it is crucial that those with a reservation in the coming days are informed before travelling. This would allow visitors to seek alternatives and avoid becoming new victims of this scam.

There is growing concern among the community and those affected, who are seeking an immediate solution not only in the reimbursement of costs but also in the prevention of future bookings that could lead to similar situations.

The affected individuals have the option to contact those who have disseminated this situation for more information, photographs, and details that may help clarify the case and prevent further problems for future travellers.

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