A cruel scam targeting holidaymakers has left many couples out of pocket, as they discovered their dream getaways were nothing more than an empty field in North Yorkshire.

The fraudulent websites, advertising a "stargazing dome" stay with picturesque views and luxury stays, have lured dozens of people with tempting deals, only to leave them stranded in empty fields in Knayton, near Thirsk.

The websites, offering stays in futuristic pods with transparent canopies and scenic views, frequently use stolen photos and fabricated reviews to appear authentic.

Prices for these supposed "luxury stays" are often set at an enticingly low rate, such as £99 per night.

Once booked, customers are given bogus confirmation details, including fake addresses and key codes.

For many, these bookings were meant to be special occasions — wedding anniversaries, surprise getaways, or birthday trips.

Arriving at their supposed destination, people have been finding nothing but a patch of land, while many people have been left financially worse off and emotionally reeling from the incident.

One victim, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted the emotional weight of planning a rare weekend away from work, only to feel crushed upon realising their efforts had been wasted.

Another described the sense of guilt and embarrassment at being scammed, particularly when travelling with loved ones who shared in the disappointment.

Following the incident, consumer experts have highlighted the emotional toll of scams like this, noting that the personal impact can often outweigh the financial loss.

Fraudulent schemes, they say, are designed to prey on hope and excitement, which makes the eventual realization all the more painful.

While some banks have stepped in to refund scammed individuals, many victims say the damage extends far beyond the money.

Police have also issued a warning to holidaymakers following the reports of fraudulent websites advertising luxury "stargazing dome" getaways, not only in North Yorkshire but across the UK too.

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Stargazing trip in North Yorkshire turns out to be scam:

North Yorkshire Police, who have received reports of incidents of the scam, urge potential travellers to exercise caution when booking accommodation online.

Scammers often replicate the appearance of legitimate websites but may include minor spelling mistakes or unusual terms and conditions, such as inconsistent check-in and check-out times.

A spokesperson for the police advised:

  • Double-check the address: Cross-reference the location on multiple platforms to ensure its validity.
  • Verify contact information: Look for reliable ways to contact the accommodation provider.
  • Review trust indicators carefully: Fake websites often feature fabricated trust marks or reviews, so check these across several reputable sources.

The scams have had a widespread emotional and financial impact. Victims have reported being left out of pocket and devastated upon discovering the reality of their booking. Some banks have offered refunds to affected customers, but the overall experience has led to reduced trust in online bookings for many.

Anyone who suspects they have fallen victim to such a scam is encouraged to contact their bank immediately and report the incident to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre.