Consumers are being warned to be on guard against holiday and passport scams as the main holiday season gets under way.
Scammers are using increasingly sophisticated and convincing ways to dupe holidaymakers into paying for travel deals that are “literally too good to be true,” according to the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI).
They employ a variety of tactics to trick victims into handing over money and personal information, including bogus emails, texts and phone calls as well as social media listings and online adverts.
Scammers often use attractive pictures of holiday cottages and hotels on social media listings and online ads, accompanied by fantastic prices and tempting special offers to snare people in search of a bargain.
But by the time holidaymakers realise that the pictures and prices were entirely fabricated, it is too late. Scammers have taken the money and run, leaving victims out of pocket, with no holiday and no means of getting their money back, the CTSI cautioned.
Victims are often told to pay by cash, via bank transfer or through services such as Western Union, which are difficult to trace and non-refundable.
People are unaware they have been scammed until they arrive at the airport and find their flight reservation does not exist, or they turn up at a hotel to find there is no record of their booking.
Scammers are also taking advantage of potential disruption caused by industrial action by UK Passport Office workers, offering bogus ‘fast track’ services to help holidaymakers beat delays.
There have recently been a number of texts and emails offering speedy passport renewals – as well as taking victims’ money, scammers can then use the personal data they harvest to commit identity theft.
CTSI lead officer Katherine Hart said: “Lots of people are preparing to go away at the moment and unfortunately there are a lot of adverts on social media advertising cottages and hotels at home and abroad with incredible pictures and fantastic prices.
“These bogus adverts are designed to steal our money, leaving us disappointed and without a holiday.
“As with any purchase, do your research, only shop with reputable companies, and make sure you are 100% sure who you are dealing with and what you are getting before you part with any money.”
CTSI chief executive John Herriman added: “As always, scammers are quick to leap on any opportunity to take advantage of uncertainty and upheaval.
“The exploitation of delays brought about by Passport Office strikes are just the latest example of scammers preying on people’s vulnerability.
“People work hard and save all year round for their holidays – scammers know this, but they don’t care. We can all fight back though by being alert, by following a few simple guidelines, and spreading the word about the harm these scams can cause.”
CTSI urges the public to:
- Check the URL and security of any website you are booking a holiday through
- Always look at independent reviews, not just reviews on a website or advert itself
- Do your research and contact the owners of a holiday cottage before making a booking
- Pay using a protected payment method such as a credit card, debit card or PayPal’s Buyer Protection service