Sorry to hear this but I wouldn't take it lying down, talk to the CAB and any trade bodies the holiday firm belong to.

Is this still for sale?

Sorry i went quiet. My laptop's hard drive was either corrupt, or suffered dimensia, anyway. it will finally boot up again now, so back on line.

Good news, Of the 1640 i lost, www.Homeaway.co.uk have agreed to give me 700 back ( thats the Maximum their ins covers) so I am only down just under 1000.

so now i can keep the Zed. ( might have to sell the motor bike still, but hey ho).

Good news.

thanks Dan

Scary whats going on, dont know where or who, you are sending money to.

No trade association you can go to??

Wonder if you could go to a small claims court, seems harsh, but if their site was hacked thats down to them. Why should you be out of pocket. They have admitted liability by offering you £700. Its not your fault their insurance doesnt cover the total loss, on the booking. Again down to them. Why doesnt it cover the full loss??

Just my 2p's worth.

Good news but still sucks.

talked to the Citizens advice and our legal people here at work, they all say the same really. as i went into my lloyds account on line and transfered the moeny myself, I am at fault for not knowing i was being conned, so technically in the eyes of teh law, the site hosting the Villa need not offer me a penny. so their 700 offer is more than i am entitled to.

at least you are not totally out of pocket,£700 backs better than nothing mate,and at least you dont have to sell the zed,all good news!

Sorry you had the loss, but thanks for letting us all know.

Dont know how we are supposed to protect ourselves against these conmen.

Wonder if we paid by credit card we would have more protection???

Suppose you could have contacted the Villa Company and confirmed their bank details. Not that I'm having a dig at you. Just wondering after the horse bolted, kind of thing. Before this I would have done the same as you, but now, on any large payments, might check details first.

Glad they offered something back, wonder if you went direct to them and asked for a discounted Villa. They might be more willing to shave a bit off the price, rather than more cash back.

Thats assuming you still wont to deal with them!!!