Fraudster sold fake holidays

A FRAUDSTER sold fake holidays to families by posing as a bogus travel broker on Facebook.

Brooke Reay tricked her victims by offering cheap holidays and spa days on the social media site, using stolen credit cards and fake profiles to disguise her deception.

By the time the credit cards had been declined, Reay’s victims had already transferred their hard-earned money directly into her account.

The 25-year-old pocketed more than £2,000 over a four-week period after falsely booking three victims on holidays to Mexico, Tenerife and Benidorm, as well as a spa day at a Durham hotel.

An investigation was launched and detectives identified Reay as the prime suspect. She initially refused to cooperate, but has now pleaded guilty to three counts of fraud by false representation at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

Reay, of Dunstanburgh Road, Byker, and formerly of Sunderland and South Shields, is due to be sentenced at the same court on April 30.

Detective Sergeant Emma Martin, of Northumbria Police, said: “These crimes are absolutely appalling as Reay gained people’s trust on social media before cruelly conning them out of their hardearned cash.

“Reay knowingly and willingly manipulated her victims over a four-week period. Her victims have been left betrayed and embarrassed.”

Police say only book a holiday directly with an airline or hotel, or through a reputable agent – and check online whether they are a member of the Association of British Travel Agents.

If you do deal directly with a property owner or letting agent, do not book on websites that don’t have a padlock icon (https) in the address bar, and be cautious if you are asked to pay using bank transfer or cash.