Travellers are warned to be vigilant this summer
Holidaymakers are warned of a increase in travel scams ahead of the peak summer season (Image: Getty Images)
A third of holidaymakers have noticed a rise in potential travel scams on social media, new research has shown. Criminals are targeting travellers by posting false listings, fake flights and tours that don’t exist.
According to research by emerchantpay, around 70 per cent of people said they are wary of promotional emails related to holidays due to concerns about potential scams. Half of people prefer to book holidays with online or high street travel businesses if they clearly explain how they are protecting consumers from fraud.
Two-fifths of holidaymakers said that they change their behaviour while on holiday due to financial safety concerns, according to the research commissioned by payment service provider emerchantpay. The issue is particularly apparent in the summer months, George Ralchev, head of risk at emerchantpay, warns as social media scammers “look to take advantage of the peak travel season”.
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Opinium carried out the survey in May among 2,000 people across the UK. Holiday scams may include criminals advertising fake holiday accommodation or flights, for example.
Holiday scams may include criminals advertising fake holiday accommodation or flights, for example. People may also be offered tours while they are on holiday that do not exist.
Scammers may copy photos from legitimate websites and may also ask for bank transfers. To help avoid scams, people could do research to check that a destination actually exists, look for independent reviews and check website links.
Holidaymakers may also want to consider checking whether the company involved is a member of Abta, a trade association for UK travel agents, tour operators and the wider travel industry. People booking package deals with a flight could also check coverage under the Atol financial protection scheme.
Lisa Webb, a consumer law expert at Which?, said: “There are ways to help you spot fake holiday listings – such as using a reverse image search to check for stolen images or checking the property’s location on an online map to see that it exists.
“Always book through official, trusted channels and avoid paying by bank transfer for anything advertised on social media. If you think you have lost money to a holiday booking scam, contact your bank immediately and report it to Report Fraud or Police Scotland.”
