Here's all the holiday scams to look out for
After some shocking statistics revealed that in 2021/22 there were more than 4,244 reports of travel related fraud in the UK with victims losing an average of £1,868. Alexis Conran is here to tell us how to protect ourselves while booking our next holiday.
Scams to watch out for when booking a holiday:
Booking accommodation that doesn't exist
Alexis believes that the most common place where fraud occurs in the holiday sector is when people are conned into putting down deposits or paying in full for accomodation that doesn't actually exist.
Many accommodation scams occurs through social media ads. Action Fraud reported that almost a third of holiday booking fraud in 2020-2021 took place on social media, with 62 percent of victims targeted through Facebook.
One of the biggest holiday scams is people booking a place to stay only to find out upon arrival that it either doesn't exist or isn't a rental property.
The property will be marked down significantly which should raise eyebrows.
It might be advertised for €2000 instead of €3000. Alexis' advice is to watch out for these very large discounts.
The scammer will ask you to pay for the property through a bank transfer which you should do.
Alexis' tips for booking a holiday
Watch out for bank transfer requests: If the travel agent or owner of the property is asking for a bank transfer as payment then alarm bells should go off in your head and you should avoid it. This is never done as the norm in the holiday sector.
Use a credit card: If you're determined to go for a deal and are confident that it isn't a scam, then pay with your credit card as you have many more protections.
Make sure they're a licensed travel agent: Websites you're booking through might seem reputable and look legit with names like 'Luxury Villas' but check that they are properly accredited - look for an ATOL (Air Travel Organiser's Licence) or ABTA (Association of British Travel Agents) license.
Book flights and accommodation together: If you book flights and hotels together that qualifies legally as a 'holiday'. 'Holidays' have more protection against scams than if you book those two separately.
Never click onto a link: Scammers will send you an email saying your flight is delayed or cancelled with a link to details. The link will take you to a website where the scammers can take your personal details from you, making it easier to scam you. If in doubt, check with your airline.
Scams to watch out for when you're on holidays
Don't log onto free wifi: Brits have lost roaming privileges due to Brexit, so we jump on the first open WiFi network we can in public. Doing this is the equivalent of shouting your personal information in a room full of people - not a wise thing to do. If you want WiFi then buy a coffee in a cafe and use theirs, it's far safer.
Don't give card details over the phone: When you check into hotels, scammers will call reception and ask to be put through to your room. They will then pretend to be the reception desk and ask you to confirm your card details. You'll feel safe having just checked in so be careful not to fall for this scam.
Watch out for pickpockets: Someone might be eating a hot dog and "accidentally" get some mustard on you. When they offer to help clean it off, you might take off your bag to let them clean your jacket and before you know it, they are gone with your bag.
Common pickpocket areas: Pickpockets are most common around signs saying 'Beware of pickpockets' because as soon as you see the sign you tap your valuables in your pocket to check they're there, alerting the thief of where to look.