This month we are sharing information from our friends at Suffolk Trading Standards on holiday scams.
A holiday scam is when a criminal impersonates trusted websites or creates fake adverts to trick you into booking a holiday through them, giving them your money or personal information.
Most holiday scams take place online. Criminals set up fake websites that appear to sell flights in the UK and overseas, holiday packages, accommodation, and tour operator packages.
They may also post fake advertisements on trusted websites, hoping you’ll click on them and pay the criminal directly, rather than through the genuine site. They may also clone the websites of genuine companies, so you think you’re making a real purchase. These ads and websites often look similar to trusted websites and organisations.
Protect yourself from holiday fraud:
- Research the company you’re booking through, read reviews and be cautious of any “too good to be true” offers.
- Make sure you’re on a genuine seller’s website by double checking website links.
- Avoid clicking on links from social media, message or email – always visit the seller’s website directly.
- Search accommodation on other websites to check prices and make sure the location exists.
- Always use a secure payment platform from trusted retailers – avoid paying with bank transfer.
- If you’re booking a package holiday, make sure the tour operator or travel company is a member of a recognised trade association such as ABTA or ATOL.
- If a travel company calls you saying a friend referred you, hang up. Criminals will search your social media to use a friend’s name for legitimacy, but this is a scam.
- When waiting for a refund, always make sure you’re talking to the genuine company or airline.
