Golf group's dream trip is over after internet firm disappear with cash

May 31 2009

KEEN golfer Kate Brannan thought she had scored a hole in one when an internet firm offered her a week's golfing in the sun with her friends for £5040.

The Wizard Golf Tours' package was to include flights, accommodation and four days' play at top courses in Spain.

But their trip hit the rough when Wizard, run by David Griffin, disappeared with their £1000 deposit.

Angry Kate, 68, said: "It's sickening someone can do this. I didn't sleep for two nights when I realised what happened." The retired medical secretary had used Wizard Golf Tours before so had no fears about paying the £1000 by cheque for the trip with her pals, all members of Prestonfield Golf Club in Edinburgh.

Kate, Margaret Webber, Emily Paterson, Margaret Campbell, Veronica McLaughlin, Margaret Menzies and Mae McDaid were supposed to fly out to the resort of La Duquesa, near Malaga, in September. But she was horrified to find Wizard had not booked the hotel or flights.

Kate, of Edinburgh, said: "We found this out by chance as one of the ladies was in Spain and went to see our hotel. They had no record of us. Then we contacted the airline, who had no booking either." Kate got no response from Wizard. The firm's website had disappeared and her emails bounced back.

That's when she called me in. She said: "It looks like we have lost £1000. If we hadn't checked with the hotel, we would have sent off the balance." My investigators soon discovered the company's address in Croydon is simply a mailbox. Trading Standards are investigating. Wizard claim to be members of two respected travel organisations but neither has heard of them. In fact, The International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO) are threatening legal action unless they remove their logo from their paperwork.

I got on to Wizard who claimed they would refund the ladies' £1000...but not until the end of next week.

They said: "It was never our intention not to fulfil our commitment. We changed our email address and apologise for not informing Ms Brannan. We often leave booking flights and hotels late to get the best prices.

"We will offer a full refund if she is unhappy but we cannot do this until Mr Griffin returns from a trip in Spain at the end of next week." It remains to be seen whether the golfers will receive their cash. But one thing's for sure...if they don't, you'll be the first to hear about it..

. Always use a credit card when buying online.

It gives extra protection if things go wrong.

. Use secure sites and take a note of the address of the firm, especially if they are abroad.

. Do not judge a firm by how good their website looks. Only deal with those you recognise or who are recommended.

. Be cautious if a price seems too high or too low. If something appears too good to be true, it usually is.

TIPS FOR BUYING SAFELY ONLINE