Anyone booking a cheap summer getaway should stay alert, as new data reveals £11 million was lost to holiday frauds last year.
Action Fraud has launched its ‘holiday fraud campaign’ to warn consumers about the increasing number of too-good-to-be-true vacation deals online.
Those searching for a cheap summer break should do plenty of research before booking, and be especially suspicious of offers posted on social media.
Last year, the national fraud reporting service received 6,066 reports of holiday fraud, with July recording the most incidents.
Holidaymakers lost £11 million combined last year to fraudsters and £12.3 million in 2023.
In January, the National Fraud Helpline reported on single mother Natasha Shek, who fell victim to a holiday scam after booking a property in Cornwall.
After paying £280 as a deposit to someone she believed was the property owner, the man eventually stopped responding, leaving her family without accommodation.
Det Supt Gary Miles, Head of the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau at the City of London Police, said: “We know that at this time of year, people will be looking out for the best holiday deals and this means criminals will be seeking to take advantage.
“Stay vigilant when using online marketplace or social media platforms when looking for a holiday deal – those offering a cheaper or unrealistic price could be criminals intent on stealing from you.
Checking that the travel or booking company is legitimate by using consumer websites or searching for reviews can highlight any red flags.
If you choose to proceed with the payment, using a credit card can help protect your online purchases.
Only enter the details marked with an asterisk at checkout to minimize the risk of scammers collecting your personal information.
Action Fraud also recommends looking for ABTA, ABTOT or ATOL logos on the company’s website – these indicate that they are members of a trade body or have financial protection.
Find out more about how to avoid holiday frauds and what to do if you fall victim to travel fraud.
Martin Richardson, senior partner at National Fraud Helpline, said: “We believe the true cost of holiday frauds in the UK runs to tens of millions each year.
‘It’s very upsetting for victims as they lose out on one of the highlights of their year.’
Have you lost money to a scam? Contact National Fraud Helpline. Call 0333 0033218 or fill out our Claim Form.