We’ve recently been writing about holiday scams via the internet in the hope that by doing so we’ll be playing some small part in making people aware of the practice. But it seems that despite the recent well publicised sentencing of two offenders it is still going on.
However, it is not all bad news, as Hannah Stone-Sherratt, a recent victim of a holiday scam via Facebook has had a free holiday for her family provided by a generous member of the public for herself and her family.
Hannah had initially paid £150 for a holiday in Skegness that she had seen advertised on Facebook. After paying the money directly into someone’s bank account she found out from the holiday park that the caravan owner had never existed.
Luckily for Hannah her story was well publicised, and a couple from Branston made the very kind offer of a free week in their caravan in nearby Ingoldmells, which is a lively holiday village in Skegness. Hannah took up the offer and spent a week there with her husband and three children.
Hannah has two three year old twins, plus a one year old boy, so it goes without saying that family deserved a holiday. ‘No news is good news’ so the saying goes, but in this case it’s great to hear about the milk of human kindness.
Having said that, whilst this story may give that warm fuzzy feeling, it should also reinforce caution when booking a holiday through anyone other than the holiday park operator themselves.
Recent news has shown that being cautious when purchasing goods or services from individuals is particularly pertinent to booking holidays through Facebook, and Gumtree. However holiday fans, it is also important to be cautious in whatever dealings you have with individuals online.
It has been estimated that up to a fifth of Gumtree postings are dodgy for one reason or another, which is why the site has warnings all over it. It is not their fault, it is up to the individual to at least ‘kick the car tyres’ before handing any cash over.
When it comes to online fraud, fraudulent holiday sales are probably not the worst crime that can befall someone, but it is obviously a great cause for distress and disappointment, particularly if you have not only young twins, but a one year old to look after as well!
Anyway, the message is smile about the generosity that is still out there, but always be cautious with dealings via Facebook or Gumtree. Stay safe!
Source
By: Gareth Whieldon
