A WINCHESTER woman, working as a travel agent, has been arrested by police as a result of an investigation into alleged fraud.

The woman who worked for an Florida-based travel agency InteleTravel, has been accused of taking money for holidays without making bookings.

In a statement, the police said: “A 39-year-old woman from Winchester has been arrested on suspicion of fraud by abuse of position. She has been released on police bail until December 8.”

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One of the alleged victims claims she had to change her holiday destination from Morocco to Crete (Image: Krystian Dawidowski/ Pexels) The Chronicle has spoken to some of the people affected. 

One of them, Shelley Cartlidge, booked an £11,000 holiday to Dalaman, 

Shelley and her husband and their four kids did not receive their boarding passes for the flight from Gatwick until the morning they left for Turkey.

"That's when I got involved," said Shelley's cousin, who wanted to remain anonymous but has worked for British Airways and other airlines. "I was so angry."

"When they get there, they realise the hotel hasn't been paid for. There were six other people on the trip with them, all booked in with [the woman]."

"Shelley's husband spent every day of the holiday asking [the woman] to pay for the hotel."

Eventually, the travel agent paid for the hotel, but when they came back to the airport at the end of the holiday, Shelley found no return flights had been booked.

Shelley's cousin said: "They were able to book flights for them and their kids to get home, but it cost them £1,600."

Another alleged victim was Marisa Noyce, who claims a holiday booked to celebrate 40th birthday was ruined after her destination was switched from Morocco to Greece.

Posting on a Facebook group dedicated to recounting people's experiences, Marisa's friend reported she arrived at the hotel in Crete, only to find out it had not been booked. 

The stay cost £7,000. The accused woman agreed to send Marisa £3,300 of that amount, promising to send the rest later.

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However, on the day of the Facebook post published three days after that agreed date, Marisa wrote that she had not received any further payment.

InteleTravel confirmed in a statement that it was aware of issues regarding the woman, who has not been named by police, adding that it was "taking the matter very seriously".

It stated the following: “We have alerted all the relevant authorities, including industry organisations, and are working closely with them. 

“Inteletravel is in constant communication with all affected customers. We are unable to provide any further information at this time due to the nature of the ongoing investigations.”

It added: “InteleTravel has robust anti-fraud measures and a commitment to working with industry peers to eradicate fraud.”