Over Booked Apartments

[Budlet]

My daughter's friend booked for 15 of them to go to Zante. She paid the deposit of £1500 yesterday, and has received an e-mail today to say that the apartments are over booked and unless they pay the remainder by the end of today (£4350) they will lose their deposit. Firstly, can they legally bully the girls into doing this, and secondly even if the girls manage to find the money by the end of the day, the apartments are still over booked. I am trying to find out from the girl whether she booked directly with the hotel or via an agency. The whole thing seems very underhand.

[Old_Geezer]

No expert but I can not see how someone can overbook and then threaten to steal the deposit if they don't get the balance immediately. Was this a reputable travel agent they bought from, or some dodgy web site ?

[Old_Geezer]

I see you have asked.
I'd certainly be wary of sending more before those demanding more flit away.

[atalanta]

You could try asking the Greek Consulate whether this company is known as reputable or not. Or possibly the commercial department of the Greek Embassy.