The Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman handled many financial complaints including a case of fraud resulting in €7,000 lost.

A night out on vacation should be a time for relaxation and enjoyment, but for one young woman, it turned into a nightmare. After claiming that her drink had been spiked, she discovered that €7,000 had been stolen from her account. This shocking incident is just one of many examples of the dangers that women can face when traveling, and highlights the importance of being vigilant and taking steps to protect oneself. In this article, we will delve deeper into what happened, as well as explore some of the steps that women can take to stay safe while enjoying a night out on holiday.


The ombudsman assigned to protect finances, Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO), had to handle many complaints last year, including the case of Helen’s expensive night out as reported last month. Helen, on holiday abroad, lost track of her friends and spent the evening with a new group, after which she had very few memories, suspecting that her drink was spiked. She discovered the next day that there were many unauthorized transactions on her bank account, totaling around €7,000, and was frustrated by the bank’s inability to investigate her claims of fraud. After contacting the ombudsman, Helen received €2,500 from the bank as they admitted their service failings, but still ended up losing €4,500. Customers can contact the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman for complaints about financial institutions, using the information on their website.


In conclusion, this story serves as a cautionary tale for anyone planning a night out or a holiday. It highlights the importance of being aware of your surroundings and watching your drink. It also emphasizes the importance of having a reputable travel insurance policy in place, something that this woman unfortunately did not have. While she was able to recover some of her stolen funds, the ordeal has taken a toll on her and serves as a reminder to always take precautions and be vigilant when enjoying a night out or traveling abroad. Let this be a reminder to all of us to stay alert and stay safe.