A POOLE mother says she feels “foolish” after being scammed by a fake party business who promised her a ‘doorstep rave’ with Santa.
Alison Strong is one of multiple parents locally and nationally who have been victims of scammers who purport to be an established business selling Christmas parties and doorstep events.
The Hamworthy mother wanted to treat her seven-year-old daughter Emilia to a pre-Christmas treat after seeing a post on a Poole residents group on Facebook.
She told the Echo: “There was a profile which popped up saying they were offering a meet and greet dancing Santa service with a few slots left before Christmas.
“I sent them a message and they replied with a link to a booking website where you say what service you’d like and then pay. It all looked very legit and we even got confirmation emails.”
The scammers guised themselves as Mini Vibes, a legitimate Essex-based children’s music business. Alison booked a ‘meet and greet doorstep rave’, in which a Santa and elf would sing and dance to Christmas songs with Alison’s daughter and some neighbours.
“I received a text and email on the day confirming my booking for 3pm, so we all stood on the doorstep waiting for Santa – he never came,” she said.
Alison paid £35 for the service, but said the money was not her main concern. “It’s the principle,” she said, “and I know I’m…
