In need of some vitamin- ‘sea’ this summer? Watch out for holiday scams!

If you’re planning on heading on holiday this year and are in search of a bargain break abroad or as a staycation we want to make sure your plans don’t turn into a disaster.

Conniving fraudsters will use a host of techniques in a bid to trick you into handing over your hard-earned money.

Often, they will use fake adverts online as well as sending text messages and emailing, posing as businesses whilst offering unbelievably cheap holidays if you book with them.

Detective Inspector Ben Robinson from our Economic Crime unit said: “For many of us, the first thing we do when booking a holiday is turn to the internet.

“However, it’s vitally important that no matter how good the deal may seem or how quick you believe you need to be to snap it up, that you take the time to make sure all is as it should be.

“We would advise that you follow a number of basic checks, which can help minimise the risk of becoming a victim of fraud.

“These include researching the company you are looking to book through and ensuring it’s a member of a recognised trade body such as ABTA. If you have any doubts, you can verify membership of ABTA online, at www.abta.com.

These fraudsters continue to use increasingly sophisticated techniques to safeguard your hard-earned holiday that is why we are urging members of the public to follow our top tips:

Stay safe online: Check the web address is legitimate and has not been altered by slight changes to a domain name – such as going from .co.uk to .org

• Have you done your research? Don’t just rely on one review – do a thorough online search to check the company’s credentials. If a company is defrauding people there is a good chance that consumers will post details of their experiences, and warnings about the company.
• Look for the logo: Check whether the company is a member of a recognised trade body such as ABTA. If you have any doubts, you can verify membership of ABTA online, at www.abta.com.
• Pay safe: Never pay directly into an owner’s bank account. Paying by direct bank transfer is like paying by cash – the money is very difficult to trace and is not refundable. Wherever possible, pay by credit card (or a debit card that offers protection).
• Check paperwork: You should study receipts, invoices and terms and conditions, and be very wary of any companies that don’t provide any at all. When booking through a Holiday Club or Timeshare, get the contract thoroughly vetted by a solicitor before signing up.
• Use your instincts: If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• If you believe you have been targeted, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or report it online.

For more information on keeping yourself safe when booking online, visit Get Safe Online or http://abta.com/fraudABTA