EXCLUSIVE: Holiday heartbreak over Ayrshire caravan 'scam'
Many had bought holidays at Craig Tara through a third party who has since cancelled them.
Last updated 14th Oct 2019
Dozens of families fear they may have lost thousands of pounds to an alleged scam at Craig Tara Holiday Park in Ayr.
Many booked the Haven caravan site online through a third party called Lisa McGuire, who has now allegedly cancelled the holidays for this year and next.
Her Facebook group, which has since been taken down, promised refunds but both caravan owners and customers are still out of pocket.
In an exclusive interview, one alleged victim told us, "She says she didn't have PayPal and it would have to be a bank transfer. So I transferred £630 and she messaged pictures of the caravan. I kept asking her for confirmation of the booking but she told me she was too busy and couldn't get round to it.
"I just thought the holiday was going ahead next year. Me and the kids were really looking forward to it. But then I saw lots of comments online and that's when I gathered it was just all a scam.
"I felt gutted. Especially for the girls because there isn't a holiday for them to look forward to. That then quickly turned to anger and a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach knowing that money could've gone to something else.
"Part of me hoped everything would be alright. I could email her and we can get it sorted out. But it wasn't the case.
"I feel sorry for the rest of the families and the caravan owners. And I just hope somehow everyone is able to get their money back."
A Facebook page has since been set up with other people in a similar position. It has attracted around 1,000 members.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said, "Police are aware of this and enquiries are at an early stage."
A spokesperson for Craig Tara said: “We were upset to hear that a small number of people have been duped into purchasing holidays through fraudulent social media sites. We have advised people who have contacted us directly to report the matter to the police.
"We always advise customers to book only through trusted channels, for example through the official Haven website, ABTA agent or affiliated third party. In doing so, both your money and your holiday experience can be protected by us.
"We would strongly urge customers not to attempt to make bookings through social media channels. We are continuing to monitor such sites and report to the necessary authorities where appropriate."
West FM and Westsound News tried to contact Lisa multiple times on the phone and on Facebook but have been unable to get a response.