Thomas Cook customers are being targeted by fraudsters claiming to offer refunds.
The government’s Insolvency Service and Abta are warning customers not to hand over any bank details to anyone claiming they work for the collapsed travel giant or a bank.
A number of customers people say they have received phone calls and messages from people who claim they can arrange an immediate refund.
“The Official Receiver is aware that Thomas Cook customers are being offered refunds in exchange for an upfront payment and bank details,” the Service said.
SCAM ALERT: #ThomasCook customers being approached with offers of
refunds in exchange for bank details – do not engage with them and report to the Official Receiver and @ActionFraudUKhttps://t.co/UpfHpctze5pic.twitter.com/vNy8hxLGnO— Insolvency Service (@insolvencygovuk) September 25, 2019
“Do not engage with any such approaches and report them immediately to the Official Receiver via ThomasCook.Liquidator@insolvency.gov.uk and Action Fraud UK.
Abta said it has had reports of members of the public being cold called and asked if they have a Thomas Cook booking and then asked for their bank details.
“This is a scam,” the travel association warned, urging Thomas Cook customers to follow advice on a dedicated page on its we bsite for full details of how they can make a claim.
WARNING ⚠️ ABTA has had reports of members of the public being cold called and asked if they have a #ThomasCook booking and then asked for their bank details. This is a SCAM. Thomas Cook customers should go to https://t.co/Y9EhmuSxkB for details on how they can make a claim. pic.twitter.com/MHT0gGq4T6
— ABTA Members (@ABTAMembers) September 25, 2019
Which? consumer rights expert, Adam French, said: “We’ve heard worrying stories of criminals trying to scam people affected by the collapse of Thomas Cook, so while the messages being sent by some banks might be well-meaning, this flawed approach will only be adding to the confusion customers are facing.
“Our advice is to ignore unsolicited calls and texts, and avoid sharing your card or bank details. Anyone looking to claim back the cost of their flight through their debit or credit card provider should contact their bank directly themselves.”
More: Hays Travel appointed to fulfil Freedom Travel Group bookings