British family scammed by fake villa holiday in Spain

A British family had booked to go on their first holiday in 11 years, only to discover that they had been scammed when they arrived at the destination. 

Neil Bray, 42, was planning on heading to Alicante, Spain with his family of six for two weeks for a luxury summer holiday in July. 

Finding the perfect four-bed villa with all the works including a swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and outdoor space for €1,800 through a Spanish rental company. 

The dad of four reached out to the advertiser and even had a phone call to discuss dates and availability.

Happy with the response, Neil transferred €180 as a deposit and was told that they could pay the rest on arrival.

The family had also spent £1,800 on plane tickets from Gatwick to Alicante.

They were forced to spend more money. (Image: SWNS)

British family scammed out of holiday by fake villa

Ready to fly out for their first holiday in 11 years, Neil, his wife, Hannah, 38, a support worker, and their four children – Nikolas, 17, Felicity, 15, Leyton, nine, and Bella, eight, jetted off on their summer holiday on July 24.

After being told by the booking company that they would be picked up and driven to the villa, the family were concerned when they discovered there was no one there to collect them. 

After calling, emailing and texting the supposed villa owner with no success, Neil realised he had been scammed and started searching for alternative accommodation.

Discussing the incident, Neil, a bank manager, said: “I spoke to the guy around a week before and I was saying how much we were looking forward to going on holiday.

The family spent more than they wanted to. (Image: SWNS)

“He was suggesting places to eat and drink and telling me how nice the weather was out there.

“When we landed in Alicante, we were told we would be picked up on arrival.

“But we got there, and nobody was there to pick us up. At that point, we were in an absolute panic.

“I had several means of contact with him, but they were all dead.”

The family of six were then forced to fork out €2,800 for a new villa and €125 on travel with a further €325 spent on a hire car.

He said: “For us, it wasn’t that he scammed us for lots of money – the deposit was €180.

“It was the stress and worry of arriving having nothing and spending an additional €1,500 to just be able to stay somewhere.

“This ate into a lot of our spending money, and we had to resort to a fairly low-key holiday.

“I feel so stupid, it has affected my well-being and mental health – I feel so ridiculous.

“We have just been focusing on making the most of the trip for the children.”