Travel Agent Jailed For Pretending To Her Clients And Family That She Had Cancer

An English travel agent who conned £2.6 million (€2.9 million) by pretending to have cancer in front of her family and clients has been sentenced to nine years in prison.

wife and mother of two Before her company crashed in September 2020, Lyne Barlow, 39, a former resident of Stanley, County Durham, marketed vacations all over the world for too-good-to-be-true prices, defrauding more than 1,400 people.

Following the passing of her father in 2015, she even stole £520,000 from Susan Colman, her own mother, using her stolen financial identity, bank account raid, and mail redirection to hide her actions. Susan Colman was 64 years old at the time.

She even convinced her closest family to believe she had cancer to shift responsibility when customers complained.

Surprisingly, Barlow made an effort to win their trust by going to phony hospital appointments and even putting her hair in a messy bun on the bed to give the impression that it was falling out.

“You have undoubtedly presented yourself to those who knew you as a pleasant and engaging woman,” Judge Jo Kidd said after giving her a nine-year sentence.

You are a woman of considerable ability, yet you have a remarkable gift for deceit.

According to the judge, Barlow “mercilessly” abused the confidence of those closest to her by taking “exotic holidays,” using a Range Rover, and shopping for fashionable items.

“The extent of the betrayal of your mother is truly breathtaking,” the judge said.

“As you gallivanted, your mother’s utility bills went unpaid and county court judgments rained down on her and that led to bailiffs visiting her home.

“I take the view you are a thoroughly callous individual.”

The judge referred to Barlow’s attempt to persuade her mother that her cancer had come back despite having previously been treated for it and advising her to take care of her husband Paul and their children in case she passed away as “the most callous and premeditated act.”

Barlow swiftly grew her business online and by word of mouth by making the false claim that she was Atol and Abta protected to defraud her clients.

But when victims started to experience vacation cancellations, they were left without money or, if she had not reserved a return trip, they may have been left stranded abroad.

Facebook users shared their stories, and shortly Durham Police received a flood of calls regarding Lyne Barlow Independent Travel.

Investigations revealed that she was running a Ponzi scam, using funds she had borrowed from friends and family or from new victims to cover current reservations.

Barlow, who had previously worked as a travel agent, would simply use websites that were open to the public but would lower the price to make it appear more appealing.

Some vacations were merely left unbooked, and the victims only discovered this when they arrived at the airport.

Despite repeated attempts, several victims were given booking information that never materialized. To avoid questions, she also stated that she was receiving treatment for cancer, even telling one client that it was “stage 3/4” and “in my bones.”

According to a local insider in the travel sector, Barlow would provide offers like a five-star all-inclusive week in Dubai for just £500.

According to the source, “We tried to tell numerous people it wasn’t right, but as some people were traveling and getting the holidays at these prices – she was funding the shortfall with other people’s money – they wouldn’t believe it.”

As the business collapsed, she asked friends for help with loans, including her husband’s best man, making excuses for why she needed help. In October she admitted fraud relating to loans, investments, holiday sales, and a money-laundering charge.

Once she got into debt, riding that monster, it was inevitable it would come crashing down. The judge said the amount stolen over seven years was £2.6m, causing a loss of over £1.2m.

Tony Davis, defending, said: “Lyne Barlow is a broken, beaten, and penniless woman.

“She apologizes to every victim and of course there are many.”

He said 80 hours of counseling had not revealed a motive, but her business was doomed to fail and stemmed from her desire to be liked.

He added: “Once she got into debt, riding that monster, it was inevitable it would come crashing down.”

Outside court Detective Sergeant Alan Meehan said: “Not only did Barlow offer holidays she could not deliver, but she also took advantage of the generosity and understanding of those around her, which has resulted in such far-reaching consequences.”

Well, she has to face the consequences of her actions. This will serve as a warning to other traveling agents who derive pleasure in defrauding their clients.