Timeshare Scammer Who Blasted £28M from Elderly Victims on Luxuries Like Jets and Mansions Escapes Jail Time

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Case Details
3. Convicted Individuals
4. What is a Timeshare?
5. Impact on Victims
6. Conclusion

A merciless con artist who defrauded thousands of pensioners out of £28 million alongside her husband has avoided jail time.

Nicola Rowe, 54, received a two-year suspended sentence after admitting to money laundering, while her husband was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison.

Mark and Nicola Rowe operated a large timeshare sale scamCredit: Facebook Sell My Timeshare offices in Tenerife, where victims were persuaded to invest in the schemeCredit: PA Victims endured six hours of high-pressure sales tacticsCredit: PA

Nicola and her husband Mark Rowe, 54, were involved in a conspiracy that defrauded over 3,500 individuals through their company, Sell My Timeshare (SMT).

They concealed £8 million in profits across 54 bank accounts as the Rowes financed their extravagant lifestyle.

The “elaborate” scheme, which began in 2013, is considered one of the largest conspiracies of its type in the UK.

Following a six-year investigation, fourteen people have been convicted and sentenced for their roles in the exploitation.

Nicola Rowe has evaded imprisonment; her suspended sentence means she will not serve time unless she commits another offense during the two-year suspension period.

Southwark Crown heard that those affected were trapped in a “living nightmare.”

Mark Rowe was previously sentenced to seven and a half years after being found guilty of conspiracy.

The judge described him as a “corrupting influence” who had “left a trail of misery.”

The couple claimed their brand aided pensioners in selling timeshares amid rising costs.

With the funds from their illegal activities, the Rowes bought Gorley Vale Farm in Fordingbridge, a luxurious property with stables valued at £2.4 million.

The duo deceived pensioners, many aged between 70 and 90, who invested amounts as high as £80,000.

Elderly customers were flown to “highly credible” fake offices in Tenerife where they stayed in hotels.

However, they were bombarded with six hours of aggressive sales pitches.

The funds paid for the couple's lavish lifestyle.

They spent £31,500 on LS Lowry art, £110,000 on private school fees, and over £2 million on a house with stables.

A private jet was even booked for £26,000, and the couple flaunted their holidays in photos while their victims were left financially devastated.

The Rowes used their victims' funds to make their scheme appear credible, investing in advertising, brochures, websites, and unsuspecting employees to attract even more elderly individuals.

Former actress Julie Peasgood was even employed to promote their company, completely unaware of the fraudulent scheme.

Victims were assured that their investments would double within just 14 months.

However, the 3,583 victims who invested in the holiday and voucher scheme ended up losing their life savings.