When retirement dreams turned into nightmares, thousands of elderly Brits found themselves at the mercy of one of the country’s most audacious scams.
Mark and Nicola Rowe, a seemingly ordinary couple, orchestrated a massive timeshare fraud that swindled 3,500 pensioners out of a staggering £28 million.
Their victims, many in their 60s, 70s, and even 90s, were promised easy profits and worry-free timeshare sales—but instead were left penniless.
Luxury Lifestyle Funded by Elderly Victims
The Rowes didn’t just pocket the cash—they flaunted it.
From sprawling properties in Tenerife to a £2.4 million Hampshire estate complete with stables and a £56,000 sound system, the couple lived like royalty.
They splurged £185,000 on artwork, including a £31,500 pencil sketch by LS Lowry, took private jet trips costing tens of thousands, and lavished their two children with elite education worth £110,000.
Designer shopping sprees at Selfridges and Harvey Nichols and hotel stays at £1,000 per night at the Dorchester were all funded by the life savings of their unsuspecting victims.
High-Pressure Sales and Fake Promises
Mark and Nicola, both 54, used former Hollyoaks actress Julie Peasgood to lend credibility to their operation.
On the surface, their company appeared legitimate, helping elderly timeshare owners sell properties and offset rising maintenance fees.
Behind the scenes, they ran a ruthless scam, inviting victims to Tenerife offices and hotels for six-hour high-pressure sales sessions.
Investors were convinced their contributions to a holiday and retail voucher scheme would double in 14 months—but the scheme was completely worthless.
Many pensioners invested as much as £80,000, only to lose everything.
Victims Trapped in Debt and Despair
As the Rowes flaunted their wealth, the victims struggled to cope.
Many had borrowed money or drained their savings in hopes of securing a financial windfall.
Instead, they were left with unsold timeshares, mounting maintenance fees, and crushing financial debt.
Southwark Crown Court heard stories of shattered lives, including one pensioner who said, “I’m now supposed to be retired and enjoying life, but as a result of being a victim of Mark Rowe’s fraud my quality of life has been reduced to a struggle—I can’t even afford my rent.”
Justice After Six Years of Investigation
This week marks the end of a six-year investigation into the 14-strong gang behind the scam.
Mark Rowe was previously sentenced to seven and a half years for conspiracy to defraud, while Nicola, who acted as the company’s finance director, is set to be sentenced for transferring criminal property.
CPS specialist prosecutor Gayle Ramsey condemned the couple, stating: “These defendants acted in a completely selfish and manipulative manner to make huge sums for themselves and exploited timeshare owners, many of whom were elderly.”
A Cautionary Tale for the Elderly and Vulnerable
The Rowe case serves as a stark warning about how easily scammers can exploit vulnerable people.
By targeting pensioners’ hopes and fears, the couple turned what should have been a period of retirement and relaxation into financial ruin.
Southwark Crown Court continues to hear the final sentencing, signaling the legal system’s commitment to holding fraudsters accountable—even after years of deception.