Keeping you and your money safe is our top priority, and we have stringent safeguarding measures in place to help protect all our customers. But there are also steps you need to take to protect yourself from fraud.
To help you identify potential scams and stay safe, we’re publishing a series of articles on fraud protection. This article looks at how to protect yourself from holiday scams.
What is a holiday scam?
Holiday scams are a type of fraud where criminals trick people into paying for fake accommodation, bogus travel deals or products. These scams often target individuals looking for last-minute deals or affordable summer packages, and this type of fraud can even occur on the most trusted platforms.
Fraudsters typically rely on professional-looking listings, urgent messaging and appealing prices to lure their victims. With many holiday bookings happening online and under time pressure, it’s easy to miss the warning signs.
Holiday scams can cost victims thousands, leaving them stranded, out of pocket or without accommodation.
Common types of holiday scams
1. Fake accommodation listings
Fraudsters often post fake holiday homes on popular websites such as Airbnb, Booking.com or Vrbo. They use stolen photos, attractive descriptions and competitive prices to lure travellers in.
After you make a booking or send a deposit, they usually vanish, leaving you with no place to stay. In some cases, they’ll even send check-in instructions for a property that doesn’t exist or isn’t actually available for rent.
2. Payment redirection
Some scammers intercept genuine email threads from booking sites or agents and then send fake messages requesting additional payments or a change in bank details. These often appear just before a final balance is due and may come with plausible reasons, such as ‘updated security protocols’ or a ‘banking error’.
Even a small change in an email address or bank details can redirect your payment to a criminal account, and once sent, the funds are often irretrievable.
3. Social media scams
Social media is a growing hotspot for holiday scams. Fraudsters create ads or posts offering too-good-to-be-true deals on holiday packages, flights, or even popular summer essentials like designer swimwear, weight loss supplements or electronics.
Some direct you to fake websites that mimic legitimate retailers. Others may request bank transfers or card payments up front, with no intention of fulfilling the order.
4. Holiday club or timeshare ‘opportunities’
Scammers sometimes offer ‘exclusive’ access to travel clubs, heavily discounted holiday packages or long-term timeshares. You may be invited to a presentation or contacted online with offers requiring upfront fees or long-term contracts that deliver little or no real value.
These scams often rely on high-pressure sales tactics and vague terms, making it difficult to cancel or get your money back.
An example of a holiday scam
Jack and Emily were planning a family holiday in Portugal when they found a spacious villa on a popular rental site. The photos looked stunning, and the host had glowing reviews.
After inquiring about the property, they received a message from the ‘host’ asking for payment via bank transfer to ‘avoid platform fees’. Eager to lock in the deal, they sent £2,000.
When they arrived, they discovered that the property was real, but already occupied. The real owner had never listed it, and the profile had been hijacked.
With no place to stay and their money gone, their long-awaited holiday turned into a costly disaster.
Top tips on protecting yourself from holiday scams
Holiday scammers can be very convincing. Their messages may appear professional, the listings may seem legitimate and the timing often pressures you into acting quickly. But with a few simple steps, you can spot the red flags and stay safe.
1. Be wary of any last-minute changes to bank details
If you’re asked to send a payment to a different bank account than originally agreed, especially close to the booking date, treat it as a serious red flag. Always stop and verify these changes by contacting the provider directly, using a verified phone number or the contact details listed on their official website.
2. Never pay via bank transfer outside official platforms
Scammers often try to persuade victims to send payments via direct bank transfers or third-party apps, claiming it’s to ‘save fees’ or ‘speed up the process’. Always keep communication and payments within secure platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com.
3. Look for inconsistencies in the listing
A property that seems too good to be true usually is. Warning signs include blurry or mismatched photos, vague or poorly written descriptions and missing reviews. Compare the listing to others in the same area, if the price is significantly lower or the offer feels overly generous, it may not be genuine.
4. Watch out for poor grammar or overly generic emails
Scam messages are often mass-produced, which means they might use unnatural language, poor grammar or generic phrases like ‘Dear customer’ rather than addressing you by name. If the communication feels off, don’t ignore your instincts as it could be a sign you’re dealing with a scammer.
5. Treat social media offers with caution
Scammers frequently advertise fake holiday deals, discounted flights or must-have summer products on social media platforms. These ads can look professional and even link to convincing websites. Always research the seller or travel company, check independent reviews and avoid impulse purchases based on slick ads or countdown timers.
What to do if you’re targeted by a holiday scam
If you suspect you’ve been targeted by a holiday scam, don’t panic! But do act quickly. The sooner you respond, the better you can limit any potential harm.
If you’ve shared payment details or personal information, contact your bank or card provider right away. They may be able to stop any unauthorised charges and help secure your account.
It’s also crucial to report the scam. In the UK, you can report holiday scams to Action Fraud. If you come across a suspicious website while booking your holiday, you can also alert the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
If you’ve handed over any passwords or account details, it’s best to change them immediately, especially if you use the same login for multiple services. Scammers often try to exploit stolen information across different platforms, so taking swift action can protect you from further risk.
More information on holiday scams
Holiday scams are often linked with other types of fraud, such as identity theft and phishing attacks. To better protect yourself when planning your trips, check out our other guides on fraud prevention and online safety.
If you’ve fallen victim to a holiday scam, you’re definitely not alone. Support organisations like Victim Support provide free expert advice and practical resources for those affected by scams and fraud.
Remember, we’re also here to support you. If you have any worries about your travel bookings or financial security, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Keeping you safe is our top priority, and we’re always ready to help.
