An agency based in the UK, “Go West With Mickey” is under police investigation for alleged fraud of more than $470,000 (after conversion) of missing park tickets, according to Mirror.
What’s Happening:
- UK police are investigating a company that allegedly sold £370,000 worth of Disneyland Paris trips to hundreds of families who found their park tickets were never actually booked.
- The company, Go West With Mickey, has been closed and its website and Facebook page have been deleted after a flood of complaints.
- There were plenty of customers who purchased the bargain tickets, and were planning on using them as Christmas surprises for their children.
- The Police say there are investigating 419 accusations of fraud, and interviewed the owner of the company who voluntarily spoke to the authorities. The owner was later released with no charges against him, however he still remains under investigation.
- Earlier this year, rumors began circulating among Go West with Mickey customers that the company wasn’t actually completing the orders, increasing after patrons showed up at Disneyland Paris to discover no tickets had actually been booked. One customer arrived in France with all of her children only to be told that Disney had no records of her tickets or bookings.
- It was in October that the company issued a statement on its website saying that the company was “dead” and that all of its bank accounts were frozen, also noting “there has been mistakes, yes it was a company of five staff who also made mistakes.” However, customers claim the firm stopped replying to messages on social media apps as well as blocking private phone numbers.
- The company says that this was all caused by a disgruntled former employee, with the owner saying “If I was going to scam everyone, why didn’t I just run off on holiday?”
- The Metropolitan Police confirmed Action Fraud had referred the case to them. A spokeswoman said: “It encompasses 419 allegations of fraud. The estimated loss at this stage is £370,000. Inquiries are ongoing.”
What They’re Saying:
- A Spokesperson for Disneyland Paris: “Go West With Mickey is not an official commercial partner. They are an unauthorised reseller.”
- Spokesperson from The Association of British Travel Agents: “The firm is not an ABTA member. Operators selling package holidays are legally required to provide financial protection for customers.”