Finnish consumer watchdog asks police to probe travel firm Melissa Travel for fraud

Finnish consumer protection authorities are urging police to investigate travel company Melissa Travel for alleged fraud and selling travel packages without mandatory insurance. The Competition and Consumer Authority (KKV) stated that Melissa Travel sold packages without the required guarantee, which is meant to protect customers' money if the company becomes insolvent.

The KKV received multiple complaints from consumers who purchased travel packages through Facebook after September 2025. By mid-February 2026, the company informed some customers of its insolvency, leaving many without the services they paid for. Some customers discovered the issues only upon arrival at their destinations, forced to pay for accommodations again without reimbursement from Melissa Travel.

As Melissa Travel was not registered in the KKV's travel organizer guarantee register, consumers are likely to lose their money. The KKV is asking the police to investigate potential fraud, noting that Melissa Travel continued to sell new packages and accommodations despite its insolvency. The company charged full payment upfront, even after informing some customers that their booked trips could not be fulfilled.

The KKV believes Melissa Travel and its responsible individuals obtained unjust financial gain by misleading consumers into purchasing expensive travel packages. Based on consumer reports, Melissa Travel sold at least 42,500 euros worth of packages between September 22, 2025, and March 25, 2026. While some services may have been delivered, consumers have suffered damages of at least 13,000 euros due to unfulfilled travel services or packages. This amount could be significantly higher, as consumer complaints often represent only a fraction of the total impact. Many consumers have already filed criminal complaints with the police.