A single mum and her four children had to spend the night in their car after falling victim to a holiday scam that left them stranded at Lyons Winkups Holiday Park in Towyn, Wales. Nicola Smith, 34, had booked an eight-berth caravan for a week’s stay through a private individual on Facebook, paying £500 for the rental. Upon arrival at the caravan site on August 17 after travelling from Nantwich, Cheshire, Nicola discovered that the caravan she had booked was already occupied by other guests.
Nicola recounted, “We were supposed to get the key to the caravan from a lockbox but the code didn’t work. The lights were on, and we looked through the window to see suitcases inside. When I realised it was a scam, I felt sick to my stomach.” With no available hotel rooms in the area, Nicola had no choice but to park in a car park, rearrange the seats, and spend the night with her children in the car with the engine running to keep warm.
Despite having a gut feeling that something was off when booking the caravan, Nicola proceeded after confirming the owner’s name with the caravan site. She paid the scammer through Paypal and received reassurance that everything was in order, including sharing fake “caravan insurance documents.” Nicola later had to spend £439 on a Travelodge for two nights so her children could still enjoy some time at the beach and funfair before heading back home.
Nicola expressed her heartbreak at the situation, stating, “We had to spend our spending money on the hotel. I feel heartbroken. It was our first holiday in two years. It took me a long time to save up for the holiday with the cost of living, and I’ve got four children.” The incident served as a stark reminder of the lengths scammers will go to exploit vulnerable individuals seeking a well-deserved break.
Despite the setback, Nicola’s resilience and determination to provide a positive experience for her children shone through as she navigated the challenges brought on by the scam. The family’s ordeal serves as a cautionary tale for others to remain vigilant and cautious when booking accommodations, especially through private platforms online.