How to spot a holiday scam

What is holiday fraud?

Holiday fraud happens when you pay for a trip or accommodation which either does not exist or is very different from what was advertised.

This can include fake accommodation listings, fake websites, misleading reviews, and even forged plane tickets. Fraudsters can also hack into booking sites and hijack existing reservations, tricking people into paying deposits, fees or balances into the wrong account.

Fraudsters also take advantage of missed or cancelled flights. They use social media to target people seeking refunds or compensation. They also impersonate genuine airlines to steal personal information or persuade people into paying a small 'fee' to recieve a refund.

How can you stop it from happening to you?

To help you stay safe, here are our top tips to help you spot a holiday scam and protect your money.

1. Avoid deals which seem too good to be true

Fraudsters often advertise holidays or flights at prices far below the market rate. If a deal looks unusually cheap compared with similar offers, take extra care. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Check the reviews

If you are booking accommodation, read the listing's reviews thoroughly. If you are booking through a travel company, research them across several independent review sites, such as Trustpilot or reviews.io.

Be cautious if reviews are vague, overly enthusiastic, repetitive or appear only on one platform. Looking across multiple sources can help you spot warning signs more easily.

3. Proceed with caution when paying

It is safest to use a secure payment system on a reputable company’s website. If you are asked to pay by bank transfer then make sure that the company is genuine. Contact them using a trusted telephone number such as the one listed on their website to verify any bank details sent by email or booking platforms. Where possible, pay for your holiday via credit card as you may receive some financial protection under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act.

4. Don’t judge a website by appearance alone

Fraudsters are highly adept at creating official-looking websites that can look genuine. Warning signs can include unusual web addresses, inconsistent branding and the pressure to act quickly. It is safer to search for the company yourself, rather than follow links from emails, texts or social media posts.

5. Check they’re an ABTA member

If you’re booking through a travel company, check that it is a member of a reputable trade body such as ABTA. You can do this by searching for the company on the ABTA website. If you are booking independently then make sure you are following the rest of the advice here before making any payment .

6. Be wary of urgent requests to confirm bookings

Fraudsters can hack into genuine reservation systems and intercept booking communications. They often rely on urgency to pressure you into making a payment quickly to secure a booking.

If you receive a new request for payment, always verify it by contacting the booking platform or provider directly using a trusted phone number or official contact route, for example the phone number listed on their website or booking platform.

7. Beware of overcharging scams by street vendors

Booking your trip safely is one thing but, you should also look out for scams while you’re away. Fraudsters exploit tourists’ unfamiliarity with local currencies or payment processes. They may show you one price on the card reader, then secretly alter it before processing, or rush the transaction to prevent you from checking the total.

Always insist on holding the card reader yourself to verify the amount before paying or use cash for small purchases to avoid disputes. If you suspect you’ve been overcharged, act immediately and contact your bank to report the issue. Please be aware refunds are unlikely without proof (like a receipt) of the agreed price.