Online holiday fraud advice

Now that the possibility of travel is opening up a little, fraudsters are targeting people searching for their dream getaway.

Fraudsters may use fake online adverts, bogus sales calls, emails and text messages offering cheap rates, or steal images of accommodation from other travel websites. They may offer the chance to go on a free holiday in return for watching a presentation, or they may ask for a holiday to be paid in cash or a bank transfer via MoneyWise or Western Union, for example – which can be difficult to trace and isn’t refundable.

In some cases, fraudsters may completely end contact after receiving payment, when the victim discovers the holiday doesn’t exist, Sometimes the victim may find out at the airport that they’re not booked onto a flight or that their hotel has no record of a booking.

Follow these tips to help outsmart the scammers:

• Don’t reply to unsolicited emails, texts, social media or calls with holiday offers. Links and attachments in emails may lead to malicious websites or download viruses.
• Book a holiday directly with an airline or hotel, or through a reputable agent. Check whether they’re a member of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA).
• If you decide to deal directly with the property owner or a letting agent, ask them questions about the booking, room, location and area. Don’t book on websites that don’t have a padlock icon (https) in the address bar, and be extra cautious if you’re asked to pay using bank transfer or cash; pay by credit or debit card if you can.

Look out for warning signs of holiday fraud:

• You’re contacted out of the blue by a travel agent or company you’ve never spoken to before, offering a holiday at a very low price.
• The details, pictures or address of the property or hotel on offer look suspicious, or independent website reviews aren’t favourable or don’t exist.
• You’re asked to pay using bank transfer or cash; pay by credit or debit card if you can for extra protection.

If you think you’ve been victim of holiday fraud, report it to Action Fraud online or call 0300 123 2040.#

Information taken from the Humberside Police website.