A UK-based travel agent is facing serious jail time after admitting to defrauding family, friends, and clients out of millions. Lyne Barlow, 39, previously of Stanley, County Durham, has been charged with 10 counts of fraud and money laundering related to loans, investments, and holiday sales.
Barlow’s heist started with friends and family, whose savings she used before setting up an independent travel agency. The agency then fraudulently sold holidays, in many cases, at unbelievably low prices.
Too Good To Be True
After hearing rave reviews from friends, Dave Huthwaite is one of the victims who never received the vacation he paid for. Huthwaite planned to treat his wife and daughter to an inclusive Easter break in 2020. However, after making a £974 bank transfer at Barlow’s request he never received booking details, a receipt, or flight information.
As reported in Glasgow Times, Huthwaite said: “I was going to pay by credit card, but then she asked for bank transfer and I thought that was a bit dodgy but my mate had been away with her so I went ahead.
“It is not something I would normally do but there you go.”
The account is only one instance of the hundreds of customers with similar stories whose holidays were never booked or fully paid for, without their knowledge.
One person lost £500,000 alone.
A local travel industry source said Barlow would offer deals such as a five-star, all-inclusive week in Dubai for an enticing £500.
The source said, “we…