Protecting against off-base scams

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Matthew Lotz
  • 31 Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Anyone can fall victim to purchasing scams, but with the proper knowledge of what signs to look for, individuals can help eliminate the chances of losing money.

To help educate Airmen and families about these scams, Capts. Jackson Hall and Michelangelo Avidano, 31st Fighter Wing Legal Office assistant staff judge advocates, answered some common questions about purchasing items off base.

1) What are some items individuals should/should not purchase off base?

"There aren't certain things we can tell you not to buy off base. The one thing we can recommend is when you are thinking about buying a car or another large-expense purchase from local individuals and not a dealership, ensure you thoroughly inspect the car or item and don't pay in cash. If you have any contract issues that you need us to review, please call."

2) Do you have any advice on larger off-base purchases for people?

"People should know there is no lemon law in Italy. This means that if you buy a car after it has been inspected and registered through pass and registration, and it breaks down on you, there is nothing you can do. It's your problem now. Other advice would be to always get a receipt for your purchase, especially for large purchases."

3) As far as suspicious activity goes, what should individuals look for while purchasing items off base?

"If you are purchasing something and the individual is giving you a hard time about getting back a receipt, there is probably something suspicious going on. There is an Italian law that states 'anything purchased over a 1,000 euro has to be done through certified funds,' which means no cash transactions can be accepted. It's a huge red flag if they want you to pay cash."

4) Is there a tax to the items individuals purchase off base? If so, what is the average tax rate?

"We do pay tax on things off base. The Italian valued-added tax is approximately 20 percent and most of the time included in the sticker price. When you see the cost of the item, generally that is what you will pay in the end. "

5) What is some advice you have for people shopping off base?

"The common sense of purchasing in the states still applies here in Italy. If you are about to do a big off-base purchase and you just aren't sure, don't go in blind. Do your research, ask around and find out if anyone else has purchased that same product. Most importantly, if you know someone who speaks Italian, bring them along with you. Things get lost in translation whether it's malicious or not, but it keeps you from agreeing to things you didn't know they said."

For more information regarding off-base purchases, the legal office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Their office is located upstairs in Bldg. 1403 in Area F. For quick questions, call 632-7843.