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 make.