Holiday scams can cost people a lot of money, in addition to stress and it is important to understand how to best protect yourself and your personal information
Holiday scams are on the rise and people are being warned to stay on their guard. Especially as the average amount lost when booking has risen to £1,937, a study by Airbnb and Get Safe Online has found.
Some of the most common scams in the UK involved getaway bookings, following credit card fraud and phishing – giving away your personal details.
Here’s how to spot if you’re being conned before you click confirm.
Beware of social media ‘dream holiday’ giveaways
You may have come across alluring luxury holiday giveaway posts on your social media feed but they’re often too good to be true.
“Scammers use these to collect personal data and can also spread malware,” says Gavin Lapidus, director of eShores, a team of leading travel consultants. “Always verify the legitimacy of competitions and never share personal information on public posts.”
Look at the reviews
Reviews can be a good indicator of whether a website is legitimate.
“If you’re unsure about whether a company or website is real or fake, search their reviews to validate their reputation or call them directly, once you are sure you have the correct contact information,” recommends Mike Britton, CIO at Abnormal Security.
Don’t rush into last-minute deals
If you’re feeling rushed to book within a short time-frame, it can be a red flag.
“Be wary of offers that push you to book immediately or risk losing out,” says Gavin. “Legitimate companies will give you time to consider your options.”
Check for ATOL protection
“Book through reputable, ATOL-protected travel companies,” warns Gavin. “ATOL protection ensures you won’t lose money or become stranded abroad if your travel company collapses. Always verify a company’s ATOL status before booking.’’
Scrutinise payment requests and methods
“Scammers often push for cryptocurrency payments or prepaid gift cards instead of secure payment methods like credit cards or PayPal,” says Jack Kerr, director at Appdomer.
Use trusted mobile apps
“Fake travel apps or malware can steal your identity and financial information,” says Jack. “Before downloading, check for verified developers, app store reviews and suspicious permissions.”
Check the company’s contact information
“Legitimate travel firms have clear contact information, including a physical address, phone number, and email address,” says Nicky Kelvin, editor of travel website The Points Guy.
Read the T&Cs
“Read the fine print carefully, especially regarding cancellations, refunds, and changes,” says Nicky. “If the terms are vague, confusing, or difficult to find, it’s a red flag.”
Requests for personal information
“Be wary of companies asking for excessive personal information beyond what’s necessary for booking,” warns Nicky. “This could be a sign of a phishing scam or identity theft attempt.”
Check websites errors
“Look for spelling mistakes, low-quality images and a different design to the site you usually use,” advises Liz Ziegler, fraud prevention director at Lloyds.
“If you’re not sure, use a website checker, like the one on Get Safe Online, getsafeonline.org.”