Fake Stargazing Domes In Yorkshire: Families Scammed Into Booking Non-Existent Glamping Stays

Imagine booking a luxury night under the stars, only to find yourself stranded in an empty field. Over 150 people in North Yorkshire have fallen victim to a scam that promises a stargazing experience but delivers nothing but disappointment. 

The victims were lured in by Facebook ads that proposed spending a night at fake stargazing domes. They used photos of a real Airbnb dome in Agnes, Australia.

Farms Instead Of Stargazing Sites

Victims booked their stays after being drawn in by polished online ads. They paid £99 upfront for a night in what was promised to be a luxurious stargazing dome. But when they arrived at the given postcode near Knayton, they were left facing only farmland and a caravan park.

Farmer Julian Potter, who rents out a farmhouse to holidaymakers, said that since summer, about 30 people have come to his house looking for the stargazing dome they had booked.

“I was cutting the lawn outside one day, and a family turned up and said, “We are here for the glamping,” and I told them we didn’t do that,” he shared.

He then contacted the nearby caravan park, and they said: “It’s a scam; we’ve had people show up here, too.”

“It’s mostly been couples. One man brought his wife for their first wedding anniversary, but it was really sad. She was in tears, and he didn’t know how to handle it,” claims the farmer.

Another scam victim, Samantha Cook, says: “I burst out crying because I had Ryan in the car. It was our last weekend until New Year that we had a full weekend together without work, so it was a bit gutting.”

Multiple Scam Websites

The scam website originally went by “Tranquil Gardens” but has changed its name multiple times.

Six or seven different websites appeared later, all advertising on Facebook. People visited these sites, found them appealing, and made bookings.

“We report them to the police, who shut them down, but within a couple of days, a new site with a slightly altered name appears,” adds Julian Porter.

Stolen Photos Of Yorkshire Glamping Site

The caravan park owner mentioned that one of the scam websites had “stolen photos” from a real glamping site in Yorkshire, which also features a “stargazing dome.” The legitimate site, Catgill Farm in Bolton Abbey, charges nearly twice as much for its premium pod, leading victims to believe they were getting a great deal with the fake listing.

“The websites look good and are reasonably cheap for what they offer,” Mr. Porter says.

The Scammers Are Still Not Identified

The authorities are urging anyone who has been scammed to report it. North Yorkshire Police have shared the case with Action Fraud. But the criminals remain elusive, operating from potentially anywhere in the world. However, authorities reportedly traced one of the initial scam Facebook pages to Indonesia.

If you believe you’ve been a victim of this scam, contact North Yorkshire Police immediately or report it to Action Fraud. Be cautious when booking online, and always verify the legitimacy of glamping sites with trusted review platforms before making a reservation.