Common Holiday Booking Scams and Red Flags to Watch Out For
Holiday booking scams are on the rise, with more and more people falling victim to clever schemes designed to trick them out of their hard-earned cash. From clone websites to fake social media promotions, the tactics used by scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated.
According to a report by Lloyds, holiday purchase scams have increased by 7% in the past year, with nearly half of them originating on Facebook. This means that even the most savvy travelers can be caught off guard by these deceptive practices.
Some of the most common holiday booking scams to watch out for include clone websites, social media promotions, fake activities, phishing emails, fake social media messages, service fees for documents, airport parking scams, and counterfeit Atol numbers. These scams can result in travelers losing money, missing out on their holiday, or even putting themselves at risk.
To avoid falling victim to these scams, consumer champion Jane Hawkes recommends doing thorough research before booking any travel arrangements. This includes checking if a company is truly Atol protected, reading reviews, doing a Google Maps search for the property being advertised, and ensuring that contact details are readily available on websites.
Hawkes also advises travelers to look out for red flags such as poor spelling and grammar in adverts, limited-time offers, and pressure to make decisions on the spot. She recommends keeping all communication on the official platform and never actioning a bank transfer or providing bank details in response to an advert.
For the highest level of consumer protection, Hawkes suggests booking a package holiday with a trusted travel agent and using a credit card for payment. If you have been the victim of a scam, it is important to report it to the relevant authorities such as the Financial Conduct Authority, Trading Standards, Police Action Fraud, or Citizens Advice Scam Action.
By staying vigilant and following these tips, travelers can protect themselves from falling prey to holiday booking scams and ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
