Consumers booking holidays online during peaks have been warned to be alert for fraud after people were swindled out of £11 million last year.
New data shows there were 6,066 reports of holiday fraud made to national fraud and cybercrime reporting service Action Fraud last year, with July recorded as the highest month, with 647 reports.
Holidaymakers lost a combined total of £11,183,957 in 2024, down on the £12.3 million lost in 2023.
However, the average loss per victim remains at similar levels despite the drop in reported losses, with £1,851 the average in 2023 and £1,844 in 2024.
Insights from holiday fraud data suggests more than half of reports mentioned social media platforms.
Other reporting suggests fraudulent branding from travel protection agencies, like Atol, Abta, or Abtot, was used to provide false reassurance that the agency or the holiday package the victim booked was covered.
City of London Police commander for fraud and cybercrime Oliver Shaw said: “At this time of year we know that many people will be on the lookout to book their summer getaway.
“Whilst searching for the best deals, we advise everyone to be alert for criminals who will try to take advantage of this busy period, promoting fake holidays online or through social media – often with suspiciously low prices.
“Before clicking that ‘book’ button, Action Fraud is encouraging everyone to not only look for the usual logos, like Abta, Abtot and Atol, but do some extra research to make sure the holiday deal is genuine. We wouldn’t want anyone to be tripped up and find their holiday doesn’t exist.”
Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said: “Travel-related fraud is a particularly unpleasant crime with the high cost to victims in not just financial terms but also emotional, with the shock of finding that a much-anticipated trip does not actually exist. This is often only discovered just before people are due to travel or even when they arrive at their holiday destination.”
He warned: “Fraudsters are using increasingly sophisticated methods to hoodwink the public but one of the easiest ways to protect yourself is to ensure that your travel company is a member of Abta and to follow the fraud prevention advice and tips we have put together on abta.com.”
Civil Aviation Authority head of Atol Michael Budge said: “More people book their summer holidays in the first few months of the year, than at any other time, with a third of holidays booked in the first quarter.
““We encourage those booking getaways to make smart decisions and to avoid missing out on key financial protection. Holidaymakers should research thoroughly before booking their next holiday, as there can be a risk of getting caught out by potentially booking with fraudulent companies.
“Before you press that book now button, make sure you have used our Check an Atol tool to make sure the holiday provider you are using holds an Atol licence, and you have considered purchasing an Atol protected holiday.”
Abtot membership director Samantha Bradbury added: “Our members pride themselves on delivering amazing holidays and exceptional customer service. Sadly some fraudulent individuals care only about taking people’s money and delivering nothing but disappointment.”