Booking a holiday online requires attention. While official portals offer guarantees, the risk of "scams" increases on social media and classified ad sites. To protect yourself, you now have two official tools: the CIN and the IUN. Here is how to use them to expose scammers.

1. CIN (National) and IUN (Regional)

The CIN (National Identification Code) is the mandatory code that identifies accommodations at a national level. In Sardinia, this is paired with the IUN (Regional Identification Number). A legitimate business must have both. For Villa Malvasio, for example, the CIN is IT090064B4000E8813, where the final part includes the Sardinian IUN: E8813.

2. How to Perform a "Double Check"

Don't just trust a number written on an ad. Verify it as follows:

National Verification (CIN): Visit the Ministry's portal at bdsr.ministeroturismo.gov.it and enter the code. The name, address, and authorized bed capacity will appear.

Regional Verification (IUN): Visit www.iun-ras.eu/search and enter the final part of the code (e.g., E8813). You will see the technical details of the property (e.g., Affittacamere M&M Villa Malvasio).

3. The "Ultimate Test": Google Maps and Direct Contact

A real business leaves traces everywhere. If you find a suspicious ad, follow this strategy:

1. Search on Google Maps: A serious business has a Google profile with reviews, real photos, and an address that matches the IUN data. If it doesn't exist on Google Maps, be cautious.
2. The Phone Test: Find the official phone number on Google or the property’s website and call. Speaking with the host is the best anti-fraud filter. A scammer is unlikely to answer professionally or accept an introductory call.
3. Cross-check with OTAs: Look for the property on portals like Booking.com or Airbnb. If the name matches and there is a history of reviews, you are safe. Remember that today OTAs report data directly to the Tax Authorities (DAC7), making it nearly impossible for "ghost rentals" to survive.

Our Tips to Avoid Scams

• Beware of prices that are too low compared to the area's average.
• Check the IUN and CIN: If you can't find the numbers or they don't produce results on government websites, do not pay any deposit.
• Prefer traceable payments: Avoid topping up prepaid cards for strangers.

Villa Malvasio is a certified and transparent property. Our IUN E8813 is your guarantee for a peaceful stay in Sassari.