Dream European trips turn into nightmare as Bucaramanga travel agency accused of massive scam

Dozens of Santandereans in Bucaramanga, Colombia, are facing a travel nightmare after allegedly falling victim to a massive scam by a local travel agency. What began as years of saving and planning for dream trips to Europe has reportedly turned into a significant financial loss for at least 50 individuals.

According to the affected clients, they entrusted the agency with millions of pesos for various European travel packages, which included flights, accommodation, and tour components. However, the agency has since ceased operations, with its offices reportedly closed and all communication lines gone silent. The whereabouts of the agency's representatives remain unknown.

One victim, Joselito Cubides, recounted paying 5.2 million pesos for a trip to Spain. He made an initial deposit and then paid the full amount, only to be told the trip was postponed due to an "inconvenient." Subsequently, the agency's office was found closed, and attempts to contact the representative were met with disappearance.

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Me ofrecen paquete ida y regreso, seguro y hotel por cinco millones doscientos. El 28 de junio lo llamé. Estaba cerrado para darle el otro abono y de una me respondió. Me aseguró que viajaba el 15 de julio. Luego me dijo que se le presentó un inconveniente y pasé y estaba cerrado. Luego volví y nada, seguía cerrado. Lo llamé; me dijo que tenía un inconveniente. Le pedí la plata y se desapareció.

Similarly, William Contecha and his wife saved 11 million pesos for a honeymoon trip to Paris. They chose the agency based on previous positive experiences but became suspicious after seeing multiple complaints on social media. Upon visiting the agency's premises, they found it shut down and have received no information about their money.

"I lost 11 million. I was traveling with my wife to Paris; it was savings. I trusted because I had traveled with that company; we lost everything. There are already about 50 scammed," Contecha stated. Several victims have already filed complaints with the Prosecutor's Office, and others plan to do the same, forming a group to pursue legal action.

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I lost 11 million. I was traveling with my wife to Paris; it was savings. I trusted because I had traveled with that company; we lost everything. There are already about 50 scammed.