Watch Out! Holiday Scams Are Back—Don’t Get Fleeced
The national hub for fraud and cybercrime, alongside travel giant ABTA, has issued a stark warning. As millions rush to book their 2024 holidays, scammers are gearing up to trick you out of your cash and personal info. From dodgy airline tickets to fake hotels and bogus religious pilgrimages, holiday crooks are lurking everywhere.
Holiday Fraud: What You Need to Know
Pauline Smith, Head of Action Fraud, unveiled the grim reality: “We all want a well-earned break with family and friends after the tough times we’ve had. But scammers see this rush as an opportunity to swindle innocent holidaymakers out of their hard-earned cash.”
She adds, “These con artists get cleverer every year. So, always research before you book and remember: if a deal sounds too good to be true, it almost certainly is.”
Holiday fraud comes in many guises:
- Fake hotel and self-catering listings that don’t exist.
- Unbelievably cheap flight offers that are a trap.
- Scammers contacting you via phone, texts, emails or social media with tempting but bogus deals.
Experts Warn: Fraudsters Exploit Travel Boom
ABTA’s Graeme Buck warns, “With travel restrictions easing, holiday bookings are soaring, pushing prices up and availability down. Fraudsters prey on bargain hunters at peak times, using slick tricks to deceive.”
He explains, “Many victims discover the scam just before or even during their trip. Sorting out a legitimate booking then can be costly and stressful. That’s why City of London Police, Get Safe Online, and ABTA have teamed up to share vital fraud-spotting tips.”
Top Tips to Dodge Holiday Scammers
- Stay safe online: Double-check URLs to avoid fake sites with dodgy web addresses like ‘.org’ instead of ‘.co.uk’.
- Do your homework: Hunt for multiple reviews—if it’s a scam, unhappy customers will spill the beans online.
- Look for the ABTA logo: Only book with ABTA members. Verify membership on the official ABTA website.
- Pay smart: Use a credit card where possible and never transfer money to private accounts.
- Check your paperwork: Insist on receipts, invoices, and terms. Avoid firms that won’t provide them. For timeshares or holiday clubs, get legal advice before signing up.
- Trust your gut: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
- Get expert help: Visit 123 or call 0300 123 2040.
