A dream holiday gone wrong
For many families, renting a villa abroad represents the perfect escape: privacy, comfort, and a touch of luxury. But for a group of French holidaymakers, the experience turned into a nightmare. After paying almost €6,000 for a week in a villa, they arrived to find the property already illegally occupied.
Instead of enjoying the pool and panoramic views, they were forced to call the police and search for alternative accommodation.
The shock of discovery
The travelers had booked the villa through a well-known online platform, confident that their money was secure. On arrival, however, they discovered strangers already living in the property, refusing to leave.
“We couldn’t believe it. We had proof of our reservation, yet the place was locked, with people inside who claimed it was theirs,” explained one of the renters.
Comparison: a legitimate rental vs a scam situation
| Aspect | Legitimate rental | Scam/illegal occupation |
|---|---|---|
| Booking confirmation | Verified contract and secure payment | Often unclear or fake documents |
| Access to property | Keys provided directly by owner/agency | Occupied, no legal access for tenants |
| Refunds/recourse | Covered by platform policies | Complicated, legal proceedings often needed |
How squatters exploit legal loopholes
Cases like this highlight how squatters and scammers can take advantage of legal loopholes in property laws. In some European countries, once squatters enter a property, eviction can be delayed for weeks or months, even if the rightful owner provides proof.
This makes villas, often vacant for much of the year, an easy target.
The financial and emotional cost
For the victims, the situation is devastating. Not only do they lose thousands of euros, but the stress of finding last-minute housing in peak season adds to the ordeal. Beyond the financial hit, families also describe feelings of insecurity and betrayal.
Warning signs before booking
Experts advise travelers to remain cautious when booking high-value rentals online. Some red flags can help avoid falling into a similar trap:
- Prices significantly lower than market value
- Owners refusing to communicate directly by phone or video call
- Payment requested outside of secure platforms
- Lack of verifiable reviews or suspiciously generic feedback
- Listings with inconsistent photos or vague property details
When a holiday turns into a legal battle
What was meant to be a relaxing vacation can quickly spiral into a legal and financial battle. While rental platforms usually offer guarantees, reimbursement processes can be slow, leaving travelers stranded. In the meantime, squatters continue to benefit from slow-moving eviction procedures.
This case illustrates how even luxury holidays come with hidden risks, and why vigilance is crucial in the booming online rental market.
