According to newspaper Correio da Manhã, the woman booked the Albufeira villa via the Custo Justo website in March for a 10-day holiday in June, and was due to pay a further €500 on arrival.

However, after arriving last month and with no one there to welcome her, it became apparent she was victim of a scheme.

Just last month the GNR police launched a nationwide campaign warning holidaymakers about the perils of online rental scams.