Many victims discovered they still owned the timeshares and faced ongoing costs despite the worthless 'Monster Credits' and the scam's exposure.

A sophisticated scam led by Mark Rowe defrauded over 3,000 victims, mostly elderly, of approximately £28.1 million through a fake timeshare sales operation that employed high-pressure tactics and fake virtual offices.

Victims, many in their 60s and 80s, were lured to meetings at SMT offices where they were pressured into buying worthless 'Monster Credits' under the false belief they offered discounts and trading opportunities, often taking out loans to invest around £8,000 each.

Over four trials, 14 individuals involved in the scheme, including sales staff and administrators, were convicted, receiving sentences ranging from suspended sentences to several years in prison.

Authorities, including the CPS and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, are planning to seize assets and recover proceeds from the scam, emphasizing the exploitation of vulnerable, often elderly victims.

The investigation, spanning six years, uncovered extensive methods used by the defendants, such as advertising campaigns, fake virtual offices, and creating fake business entities to lure victims.

Mark Rowe was sentenced in January to seven and a half years in prison for conspiracy to defraud, with his wife Nicola, who pleaded guilty to money laundering, awaiting sentencing; multiple accomplices received various sentences.

Proceeds from the scam included over £8 million in personal funds for Rowe, who also spent money on luxury items like a Lowry sketch worth £31,500 and other art gallery purchases.

Victims suffered significant financial and emotional distress, with some unable to afford basic living expenses or pay rent due to their losses.