Police are investigating complaints from holidaymakers who believe they have been scammed by travel agent Hayley King, the BBC has learned. Customers of her London-based Around the World Travel business reported arriving at hotels only to find their rooms had not been booked.
The BBC spoke to 32 people who claimed to have lost an average of about £3,000 each, with total losses exceeding £20,000. Customers from across southern England, including Hampshire, Dorset, Berkshire, and London, said their holiday plans were ruined.
Ms King, who started operating as an independent travel agent five years ago, initially offered discounted prices. However, BBC analysis suggests she was running a Ponzi or pyramid-style scheme, using payments from newer customers to fund the holidays of earlier clients.
Zoe Smith, from Bedfordshire, lost more than £5,000 after booking a trip to Dubai. She paid by bank transfer, which offered no protection. Effi Gounaris paid £5,000 for a honeymoon to the Maldives, only to find her flights cancelled and hotel unpaid. Ms King's business collapsed in April, and she is believed to be abroad.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that detectives from its Economic Crime Unit are investigating an allegation of fraud. Ms King could not be reached for comment.
