A Seawinds resident said she has fallen victim to an alleged con artist who is advertising holiday trips at various resorts.
Lezaan Staebler, 33, said she booked a six-sleeper home at Goudini Spa for 1-3 October from Rehana Khatib.
“I booked the house on 18 September from Rehana, who asked for an immediate fee of R2500 which I paid,” says Lezaan.
“I got no confirmation but I trusted her because the person who gave me her number said they booked a house through her previously.
“After paying the fee, I heard from my cousin that she also booked through Rehana but instead of getting the house she paid for, they had to share a different house with other families. When I heard this, I cancelled my trip and Rehana said she would give my money back but I am still waiting.”
Her cousin, Iqrah Solomons, said she paid R2000 for a four-sleeper house at Montagu Springs for the long weekend in September.
Iqrah said: “We were supposed to book in on my birthday, 23 September, but Rehana called us on that day to say the house is not ready and we will have to stay in a farmhouse in Montague for the night.
“When we got there, we were part of seven groups that were told by Rehana that our place is not ready and we must all stay here for the night.
“The next morning, we got a message from Rehana to say that all of our bookings have been cancelled. She promised to give our money back but we are still waiting.”
Lezaan says she’s been hounding Rehana for her money but keeps getting empty promises.
“When I called Rehana, she told me that somebody put her on Facebook and now her bank account is frozen so she cannot give the money back, what nonsense is that?
“She keeps making excuses or she says the money will be there in five or 10 days but nothing happens.”
When the Daily Voice attempted to call Rehana, she refused to answer the calls until they went straight to voicemail.
A statement from Montagu Springs Resort stated they are aware of the scam, adding that bookings are only made through them.
“We would hate for you to fall victim to these scamsters, so always be sure to book via our official channels.
And as the saying goes, if it looks too good to be true…it usually is.”