In social networks the testimonies multiply, an account has even been created to list testimonials. To date, more than 80 families have come forward to report a scam: the Valbuenux agency, run by a certain Mathieu.M, offers attractively priced trips to dream destinations. Egypt, Dubai or even Zanzibar. A dozen families gathered to denounce the events, according to the parisian.
It’s all about social media
Present on Snapchat and Instagram, the Valbuenux agency works only on Snapchat. Quotes, transfers, everything is done online.
To the victims, the tempting offers seemed trustworthy. Like Sandra, received by the newspaper, she left for Egypt with her lover. “We prospected and found this ad on social media.” The agency was recommended by several influencers: Miss Serbia, Sisikofficiel, Habituetoi, who together have more than a million followers. “There is no carrot”, “Hypercarrer tourism agency”, “the boy you need”, reports the newspaper.
Vacations turn into a nightmare.
the parisian met another of the victims. Farah and his family saw this agency on Snapchat, advised by his nephew and this ad: 4,500 euros all inclusive for ten days in a five-star hotel in Hurghada, Egypt.
But in reality, nothing goes according to plan: the departure is delayed by two days. In compensation, the family is offered four more days in the place. Farah and his family are redirected to a different hotel. She explains that four days later, her front desk contacts her to say that it is time to check out and that the family must pay for the hotel room. She also claims to have to pay an additional €8,600 to reimburse hotel nights and return tickets.
On the spot, he contacts the French embassy, files a complaint with the tourist police, and calls in an Egyptian lawyer.
An investigation is underway
Mamdouh Fadl, the French honorary consul for the Red Sea, tells the Parisian that “Mathieu M. is imprisoned, at the time of the investigation”, in Egypt. Between August 21 and 30, the consulate recorded a total of 42 people in this situation. “Our role is to guarantee the support of the French, we help them find return plane tickets, hotels…”, continues the consul. Two complaints of fraud have been registered against Mathieu M.
Source: BFM TV
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